After a seamless and enjoyable trip we have safely arrived in New Zealand. Other than a slight hiccup at the airport in Fiji it was a great trip.
Our taxi driver, Afroz, delivered us to the airport in Fiji with time to spare. Afroz was a huge assistance to us throughout our stay in Fiji.When the Air New Zealand staff were asked how much longer the delay was going to be on the flight to Auckland they were insistent in stating that there was no delay and it would be departing on time. Obviously they operate in a different time zone.
Despite the check-in staff’s bizarre denial of delays, the flight with Air New Zealand was fantastic. Good food, the best in-flight entertainment choices we have ever seen, and free wine. Other than the two largest malls in Auckland we did not see much of the city on our arrival. Hopefully we will get a chance later to spend some time there.
After some shopping, our first order of business was to make our way to the east coast and meet up with our cousins. Manabus was fantastic! Inexpensive, clean, and a great view from the upper level. We met some great kiwis who were full of ideas on how to maximize our stay.
The allure of unknown travel is always a lot of fun. However, it is also wonderful to have a welcoming committee waiting for you when you arrive in a new destination. When we disembarked from our bus in Waihi it was incredible to be welcomed by family and have it feel it had only been a short time since you have seen them instead of the seven years it actually has been.
Having our cousins allow us the use of their van (more on Stan later) and their camping equipment totally changed our plans for being able to explore this beautiful country. We ran through a test run of setting up the tent and putting equipment together.We went for a walk down to the beach and took a little longer than planned. So on the return trip the water level in the estuary was a bit deeper than anticipated. All part of the adventure.One of the similarities we have already noticed between Australia and New Zealand is the respect and acknowledgement of their veterans who have served and died in the service of their country. It leaves me humbled and slightly embarrassed when I think of how this is downplayed in Canada.We were taken on a day trip to Cambridge and had a chance to walk around this picturesque town. I loved the way the Memorial clock tower stood out against the blue sky.This sculpture by Council Chambers acknowledges the equestrian background of the region around Cambridge.
We are set and ready for an epic three months exploring the corners of New Zealand. Stay tuned for more on our house sitting and camping around this friendly and beautiful country.
Loving all this, Pete! Fantastic insights. Enjoy your time in NZ. Garry
Thanks Garry. We certainly are looking forward to it.
Enjoy NEW ZEALAND!! Bring on 2018! Keep us posted on your great adventures!!! Sue
Wow, camping in NZ! Looking forward to reading your camping experience, must be an exciting one – ah, are you going to bring that BBQ as well? 😉
We are very excited. And yes we are.