In 1968, New Zealand experienced one of its worst recorded storms when the Wahine ferry tragically sank close to the shores of Wellington, partly as a result of human error, but mostly because of the horrendous storm in which the boat was caught (thank you Jen, our teacher of all things Kiwi). Last week, we... Continue Reading →
Our new home, and standing on the edge of the world: Cape Reinga
A month has been spent settling into our new home and finding our feet in Takapuna, a charming beach side neighbourhood of Auckland's North Shore, and fortuitously the area I always thought I'd like to live in. I was right! Takapuna is its own little town, with bars, restaurants, the beach, quick transport links into... Continue Reading →
3 Scots and a Frenchman in NZ: Coromandel and Taupo
Eilidh and Stephen came! I count myself very lucky to have had the same core, family-like friends for over 10 years, some for 20, despite years living in different cities, countries, and now continents. Eilidh and I bonded age 14 over an indifference to Biology on the school Biology trip to Benmore, a strong resistance... Continue Reading →
The final leg: from the rainy fiords to the sunny north coastÂ
Type 'New Zealand' into Pinterest and you will see the peaks of the fiord lands; majestic domes of green descending straight into the water-filled crevices made from ancient glaciers. I had heard a lot about these famous sounds in the very south of the South Island, and was really looking forward to seeing them for... Continue Reading →
Glaciers and azure lakes (and it’s not always sunny in the South Island)
We've been in the South Island for over a week now, and have had a grand total of 3 hot days... it's not the glorious weather I had in mind when I reluctantly packed one pair of jeans for our 3-week road trip. However, for the most part, it really hasn't mattered and we've managed... Continue Reading →
North Island photos and adventures: hidden history in Taupo, windy Wellington reunions, and wildlife sightings
The road trip is well under way! We headed south and stopped first at Lake Taupo, where we spent the night in a free camp site called Reid's Farm (very busy, and last time we were here very noisy, but with the newly imposed alcohol ban it was much more conducive to sleepy travellers). Following... Continue Reading →
Avs, Savs, and new wheels: Day 1 in Auckland
Our first 24 hours in Auckland were successful! This is a very specific success criteria, judged on the eating of avocados, drinking of NZ Sauvignon Blanc, and the acquisition of 4 working wheels with an engine (the Sav came several hours before the driving- no risky business here). After a nice lunch in chic Devonport,... Continue Reading →