Our second update comes from a camp site in Hanmer Springs. In summary we’re having a ball, NZ has blown us away with the incredible amount of diverse geographies / environments that we’ve experienced in the last week and we’ve both fully embraced camping life!
Since the last update we’ve:
- Said goodbye to Whare Kea lodge in Wanaka (such a sensational area…)
- Visited Aoraki / Mt Cook national park – unreal scenery and thankfully we had clear skies to soak up the spectacular mountain peak views
- Continued to be amazed by how the landscape can change so dramatically – ranging on the drive from Aoraki / Mt Cook to Christchurch to include glaciers, snow capped peaks, volcanic harsh rock and dry grasses, almost unbelievable aqua coloured lakes, pine forests and ending with the brightest fertile green pastures
- Picked up our new home – it’s like a delivery van with a few camper friendly additions. We suspect it gets picked on in the camping site by flash “motorhomes” (as it is VERY basic)… but we love it!
- Stayed the night in Christchurch with our old college buddy Israel and his lovely family
- Headed across to the Banks Peninsula (via Lyttelton). Had not heard about this region but Zoe discovered it and it was a pot of gold. This is the only French colony in NZ (random with a hilarious history!) and we really enjoyed runs through remote forest and mountain roads, and beers with VERY local ABs supporters for the game vs Japan. No comment re the Wallabies vs Ireland match
- Arrived at Hanmer Springs – camping tonight on the edge of a pine forest having enjoyed a feast of Banks Peninsula cheeses, Marlborough vino and a typical camping style BBQ
Lots of love to everyone back at home.
Mr & Mrs P
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| Wanaka region - view 1 |
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| Quick pitt stop for salmon sashimi that was only hours out of the water |
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| Views as we approached Aoraki / Mt Cook national park |
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| Looking down the valley from our room window towards Aoraki / Mt Cook. Amazing beauty with the Tasman Glacier, icebergs on the lake, 22 peaks above 3,000m etc etc |
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| Spring is bringing out great sunny weather, wild flowers and lots of baby farm animals! |
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| Our new way of life! |
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| Looking over the Banks Peninsula |
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| Getting into the camping way of life! |
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| Wanaka region - view 2 |
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Wanaka region - view 3
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Heck you're finding NZ so amazing and you haven't even been to Hamilton yet!...Now about the size of your camper...mmm...did we not give you any advice on the size limit? Just joshing ya! Looks fab and 'cosy'. Looks like NZ is putting on some good weather for you. I have some days off in a couple of weeks but I'm picking you won't be on this island by then. Let us know when you are within cooey though. Blardy jealous as anything! Love to you both XXX
ReplyDeleteI have just one basic hygiene question..... showering??????????????? Guessing the ensuite was one of the basics that you opted out of!!!! hehehehe
ReplyDeletelooks like an awesome experience... Would quite like an idea of when you are likely to be taking over the Hooder/Spencer pad... we will need to stock the fridge and make sure all the home comforts are ready and waiting for you!! Can't wait to have you in our home :)
Love to you both
Sarah and Steve
Sarah, when you think 'showering', think instead 'swimming' or 'standing in the rain'. You'll smell 'em when they're close to Auckland, don't worry!
ReplyDeletere showering.....lets just say this has been quite the challenge!
ReplyDeleteHahaha.... its OK Steve won't let them in until fumigated... he can be quite girly sometimes!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S I WILL know if you both opt for the 'shower in a can' before arriving!!!!
:)