A spontaneous trip to New Zealand

Half way through our East Coast of Australia travels we spontaneously decided to go to New Zealand. We always planned to go to New Zealand while we were this side of the world, however we initially penciled it into our schedule after we had finished in Australia completely.

There we were one hot afternoon in Brisbane planning to sunbathe around the hostels roof top pool. Only, when we got to the pool, we realised there was nowhere to sit and sunbathe so instead we (me and Jen) sat at a table on the rooftop terrace overlooking the city of Brisbane. Conversation naturally turned to our future travel plans and off the cuff Jen suggested we fly to New Zealand within the next few weeks. The dreadful Cyclone Debbie had just caused havoc further up the East Coast (where we were heading) and the operation of recovery was underway. Many hostels were damaged, without water and electrics, and trips cancelled leading to a big backlog. It made more sense to disappear for a while and return when the East Coast was more operational. I agreed with this reasoning and so there and then we decided to plan and go on the most spontaneous trip we had ever done! We spend a solid 10 days frantically researching what New Zealand had to offer, shortlisted the places we wanted to visit, worked out how we would get to every location and booked flights and accommodation.

10th April was our 6 month anniversary of being in Australia, and for a while we had joked about celebrating this day. Neither of us had even contemplated jumping on a plane to another country, but coincidentally we had booked our New Zealand bound flights for this day, New Zealand we are coming for you!

High above Brisbane

Seeing the sunset from the sky was special

We had 18 nights in New Zealand, starting in Queenstown and working our way North finishing in Auckland. This is what I got up to...

Queenstown:
After A long travel day, arriving late, we only had the time and energy to venture to the local pizza restaurant before retiring to our beds. Upon morning, my first impression of Queenstown was that it was cold, very cold!! Queenstown was a relatively small town, but it was beautiful, even in the rain.

Beautiful Queenstown

Not a bad spot to sit for lunch

While staying in Queenstown, we also went on a day trip to Milford Sound. Despite the weather not always being on our side, the views were incredible. Once we reached Milford Sound we boarded a boat for a cruise around the Fjords.

The Milford Sound Fjords

Our Boat

Seals

Christchurch:
On arrival into Christchurch, my initial impression was that it looked just like Gloucester (very run down). I then remembered Christchurch was a victim of a devastating earthquake in 2011. I put two and two together and realised it looked like it did, because of its history. Being the geography graduate that I am, I found it very thought provoking, A case study that I learnt out of textbooks at school, I was now witnessing with my own eyes. My mood was very sombre during my time here. It was sad to see the very visible devastation still evident 6 years on from the disaster happening.

The ruins of Christchurch Cathedral

A typical view of Chirstchurch City Centre

However, despite the clear devastation and lack of current opportunity, Christchurch managed to make good of a bad situation. Firstly there is the Re:START Mall, made out of shipping containers, it was erected in 61 days within the Red Zone with the aim of bring retail and a sense of normality back into the city centre. Secondly, there is Quake City, a museum giving an interactive learning experience all about the 2011 earthquake

Re:START Mall

I had never visited anywhere with disruption like Christchurch before, and despite there not being a lot going for it at current, I left feeling educated and inspired by the city. I would love to revisit in the future and see how it has changed.

Wellington:
Next stop was the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. Wellington is just a normal city, but hidden within it there is the quirky Cuba Street. We also ventured up to Mount Victoria Lookout. Despite the strong winds making my face feel very cold, the views looking over Wellington were decent. There was even an outside slide!!

Boats in Wellington Harbour

Views from Mount Victoria Lookout

Rotorua:
Rotorua was home to Geothermal lakes. Essentially, they look like low cloud over water, but it is actually steam rising from the water (I think, google them).

Geothermal Lake

Walking through a geothermal lake

Looks like you are in the clouds

While in Rotorua we also went to a Maori Tribe Village experience. We saw traditional Maori tribes performing, I was chosen to play the traditional game of Moi, I wasn't very good but it was fun! We saw the Maori men perform the Haka, and were also treated to a traditional Hangi meal. This is where the food is cooked in the ground. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Traditional Maori Tribe

Hangi, where our food was cooked

Our Hangi raised from the ground

Yummy

Waitomo Caves:
En route to Auckland our coach stopped at Waitomo caves for the glow worm experience. We went inside the caves, learnt some history and then boarded a boat to see the glow worms. Photography was strictly prohibited, but the only thing lighting up the blacked out caves were hundreds of glow worms.

Auckland:
By time we reached Auckland we were pretty knackered. We wanted to experience as much as possible during our short time frame in New Zealand which meant that we were on the move every 3ish nights, with long travel days of up to 15 hours. It had started to take its toll, so our time here was a lot more chilled. One thing we did do though was going up the sky tower, with views looking over Auckland.

Stood high about Auckland

Auckland from the sky tower

Auckland from the sky tower

I really enjoyed my short time in New Zealand :)

Amester x