We've just returned from a two week touring holiday around New Zealand. Ros and I hired a camper-van and greedily set off to see as much as we could in the short period of time we had to play with. The adventure started in Auckland on the northern end of North Island and continued for a short week before we caught the ferry to the South Island where we spent a long week.
The roads were perfect for driving a van around, quiet and perfectly formed. And there's so few of them that it's impossible to get lost. We were not alone, camper-vans were everywhere to be seen. As everyone knows NZ advertises itself as the home of adventure activities. We sampled: Black Water Rafting, Jet Boating, Luge, Paragliding and Sea Kayaking (twice) among more sedate activities.
If I were asked to sum the country up I'd have to say it has all the best elements of Europe packaged into a small country with English speaking, friendly, and relaxed locals. With the bonus of volcanic activity!
We finished up with a visit to Christchurch which has a strange atmosphere post earthquake. 70% of the buildings in the central business district are either flattened or unstable and due for demolition. On the positive side the people who are left have a certain defiant energy and are coming up with all kinds of innovative methods to regenerate quickly - including the use of freight containers for just about everything!
Returning to Sydney was a little strange as it didn't feel like coming home as such. The trip was more like an extension of our travels, almost a holiday from a holiday - very odd!
We briefly thought about emigrating to NZ about 15 years ago. Our trip has left us regretting that we didn't pursue the idea!
And here's a few photos to view
