NEW ZEALAND IN A SHOE STRING

KIA ORA!

The trip to Aotearoa starts to be in its end. Time for some conclusions!
The country is awesome. It has it all basically. Our trip was 2 weeks and only for the southern island. Still had to make some decisions, where we want to go, 2 weeks is not enough for the whole island. This decision was made in Alexandra. Had to discuss whether we want to go south to Invercargill, then drive via Dunedin back to Christchurch, or should we go up north via Wanaka and Franz Josef. We decided the second option. Now I feel, that maybe the southern path would have been better (we missed seeing penguins for instance), but then again Franz Josef glacier would have been quite impossible to reach.

The map above shows our route.

I = Christchurch.

We started here. And ended here. City of hazardous earthquakes is still recovering. We had wonderful time at the Sumner beach here.

B = Twizel.

Our first night after Christchurch was spent here. The road up here over the mountains and especially lake Tekapo was wonderful, awesome, beautiful landscapes all together.

C = Alexandra.

Easy going small town, our 'home base' when exploring its neighborhood. Stayed here for 3 wonderful days.

D = Queenstown.

The most touristic town in NZ, yet most picturesque. Hippie town with (so we were told) 80% of population are foreigners here.

E = Wanaka.

Besides the beautiful lake Wanaka, it has Puzzle World to offer! Really fun place with the Great Maze Labyrinth and Illusion rooms. We really enjoyed especially the illusions!

F = Franz Josef Glacier.

This incredible accessible glacier was one of the highlights. It was a great hike that was possible to do with pram and a carry bag (with a 2 years old). After the hike rewarded ourselves with a thermal spa.

G = Westport.

Westport was then the downside of the trip. Nothing wrong with the town itself. Just because Vilja got sick and we didn't sleep too well, and it was raining, couldn't do much. Went to movies and did some shopping, that's all.
The drive here was spectacular though, rain forest along the Tasmanian sea.

H = Kaikoura.

Our last stop. Already orientating to getting back to OZ. Rainy, chilly, cold. Saw a seal colony here, which was a great experience. Could look at them just one meter away!

Saw a lot of that what are the landscapes in the Lord Of The Rings. Only that itself was awesome. Also weather wise we were really lucky. Only in the end of our trip (Westport & Kaikoura) the weather turned cold and rainy. Was surprised how different and extra ordinary the land is. Nothing to do with Australia really. Besides rugby. Glad that we did come here. If we didn't go, wouldn't have known what we would have missed!

Now it is time to return to Australia, 25th we fly to Gold Coast, where we are staying for the next 5 weeks! Traveling none!

Vilja silittää poksea. Hänellä on kaks poksea. Hän myös tiksaa.


edit. we drove about 1800 km route.