NEW ZEALAND 2018
This was our first trip to New Zealand. We were not prepared for the weather. It rained a lot which disrupted our plans, and made the travel rather interesting.
First stop was a few days in Auckland, and visits to the west coast beaches.
Then we flew to Queenstown, and after multiple attempts in a bouncy plane, we finally landed. Then drove onto Te Anau. We used Te Anau as a base to go and visit Milford Sound (in the rain) and Doubtful Sound on a beautiful day.
Then it was back to Queenstown for a few days, seeing the local towns and having our first experience of a jet boat on the Dart River.
Things then went a bit wrong. We had planned to go to Christchurch via the West Coast but the bridges were out. So it was time for plan B. First it was onto Wanaka for a night, then the long drive to Christchurch.
We had a few days in Christchurch, in a penthouse with a balcony. Shame it was a YMCA. We had a day trip to KaiKoura, for a spot of whale watching, No whales to be seen, but the boat ride was great, we bounced, alot – a fair few sick bags were used, and there were even more green people.
Then we flew to Rotorua, or at least we were supposed to fly to Rotorua, after one failed attempt the plane was diferted to Hamilton. It took three attempts to land, and we were on the verge of being diverted to Auckland.
It continued to rain so we saw grey lakes, that didnot live up to their colourful names. The geothermal was amazing, but the colours muted by rain. and the outdoor Polynesian Spa was interesting – sat in 30 degree pool getting rained on.
With a diversion to Hobbiton, a most magical place it was onto the Corromandel. The bits I saw were wonderful, the bits I don;t rememeber because of the mosquito bites I am told were also magical.
then it was back to Auckland for a long flight home. We flew on Tina`s birthday so she ended up celebrating for over 30 hours.
