Misc trips in the Philippines

I had to take a quick work trip over to Mindoro, the island directly south of Luzon (the island Manila is on).  We have a very cute mascot for Naujan Lake where the Philippine Duck lives and "Papan" made an appearance at several events during the trip.  

Taking advantage of the dry (though incredibly hot) weather, I did a repeat hike to Mt. Maculot for always-stunning views of Taal Lake and volcano.

And now for some random photos taken around Manila including the 1st pigeon I have seen make it up to the 39th floor in the 2.5 years that I have been living in my apartment. 

NZ Part 2: Queen Charlotte Track

After the Tongariro Crossing I took the bus down for a quick night in Wellington before catching the ferry down to the South Island. 

Then on Friday it was time to take another ferry to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track.  You start at the end of the peninsula and then walk 71km back towards the mainland with sweeping views of the sounds along the way.

 71 km completed, it was time to travel back up to Auckland, where I spent my last day out on Rangitoto Island doing a quick volcano hike with great views back at Auckland's city center.