Leaving Rarotonga

The last few days in Rarotonga were absolutely amazing. We found a great spot to snorkel, and I saw parrotfish, needlefish, cornet fish, puffer fish, starfish, damselfish, and an eel :) We also hiked up Raemaru mountain again and this time scaled the cliffs to get to the top. It was an amazing view, but definitely made you feel like you were in the middle of nowhere. On Friday night 6 of us from the backpackers went out on the town, and had a legendary night. We got picked up by a tour bus going bar hopping in town, so we didn't have to pay for the bus. Plus it stopped at every bar in town throughout the night! We got to dance, and had quite a few rum and cokes (we're on an island, remember?). The best part was that we had a really hot Maori tour guide that took a liking to yours truly ;) I spent Saturday packing, hanging out at the backpackers with my friends, and going to the market in town with Paoa on the back of his motor scooter. Soo much fun! It was really damn hot though, I had to jump in the pool every 5 minutes.

On Sunday, Paoa took me around the whole island on his scooter, which is only about 20 miles. It was so nice to see it all before I left, and drive past all the places I had been. We stopped at a resort where he used to work and he talked with his friends for a while in Maori. I had no idea what they were talking about :) Oh, and the best part is that because the island is so small, he knows almost everyone on it, including the people in the pictures in my guide book! So hilarious.

My flight out yesterday was delayed a half hour, but I still made my flight to Christchurch. I got to travel with a girl named Katie from the backpackers, and both of us had to stop each other getting off the plane! Palm trees, lagoons, mountains, boys on scooters.... who wants to leave? Maybe I'll stop there on my way home ;) Ok, this is long enough, and I have to go white water rafting today on the Rangitata River! Kia orana!

~Kate

Snorkelling at Aro'a Beach:












Climbing down the cliffs of Raemaru Mtn. with Elly from England:












Rarotonga Backpackers... Hillside!









Sunset from the backpackers:









Paoa on his scooter:












Rarotonga out the plane window: