So finals are spread out over a month after classes end. It’s pretty easy to fall into a blanket of false security if your finals are like mine and all at the end of the month. So with so much time what to do? Travel! If you play your cards right, you can get a ton of extra time in traveling and still do well on your exams. You just need to bring out some time management skills or get some.
Finally got to do the Kepler Track. It was nothing short of awesome. Sadly it snowed overnight, while we were at the first hut. Half a foot of snow didn’t scare the twenty something backpackers who stayed, so we all set out in the morning to continue the trek. About an hour from the to
p to the Summit, two Kiwis who had ventured on earlier in the morning, were on their way back warning that they had much experience in these mountains and did not feel comfortable continuing. As we stood now a few foot in snow, the words of severe avalanche warning had me running back down the mountain enough for us to make it to the Catlins and a few other stops for the rest of the trip. Talking with a staff member from Uni when I got back, apparently it was not uncommon (and easier than you think) to fall off that mountain, especially in the snow. Man was I glad we turned around. Sadly, the statistics for deaths in New Zealand highlight the unprepared tourists. So adventure on, but know your limits.
Also, I highly recommend the Kepler Track(during good weather of course).