After a brief flight across the Tasman Sea, we’ve landed in New Zealand safe and sound. We’ve fished out our mesh ball caps and we’re back on the road in our new RV for the next three weeks.
Compared to our last unit, this one is a metre shorter, a Ford instead of a Mercedes, lacks power-anything and it tops out at 80km/h. It’s perfect.
With not much effort we established the customary jury-rigged jolly jumper location.
And McGuyver-ed our bed from a double to a king(-ish) using the outdoor table, a drawer, and one shoe.
Contrary to our whirlwind tour through Australia, we’re really taking our time in New Zealand. We have no agenda and are happy to meander where the road takes us, which means Ciel has had plenty of opportunity to squeeze in her usual multitude of activities.
She has even found time to take up chess.
The day at Hanmer Hot Springs was a big hit.
After that we headed to the coastal town of Kaikoura. We had just arrived in the car park for our tramp to the seal colony, when there was some rustling in the bushes and out popped this little guy.
Despite accomplishing our objective in the first 30 sec, we still opted to make the trek along the coast to see the colony…mostly to ensure we filled our zillion-photo quota for the day.
When we made it to the colony, I moved in closer for some good shots of the pups.
In my enthusiasm I failed to notice the 200kg adult lounging a few metres away.
Fortunately, Britt alerted me in time, thus avoiding a repeat of the aforementioned “Phuket Monkey Incident” (Ref. Blog #012)…
Of course, no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a few sheep pics. We stopped by a little roadside farm to feed the lambs and ram,
And watch a quintessential sheep shearin’.
It was just supposed to be me and Britt, but Ciel horned in….(groan).
After 2 weeks with G-Dad we are all wined out. Lest we slip into the D.T.’s, we’ve made a seamless transition from wineries to breweries.
Monteith’s Brewing Co.in Hanmer Springs,
(Pilsner, Summer Ale, Golden Lager, Radler Bier, Original Ale, Black Beer, and Celtic Red Beer)
Then, Renaissance Brewing Co. in Blenheim.
(Tasting notes have been included for Brewmasters Bud and Miguel)
True to the New Zealand hype, there has been no lack of stunning vistas.
Even at breakfast.
Although, my favourite view is still the one in the rearview mirror.
1 comment:
T-bone says "Nice pictures bro and i like your motorhome"
Looks to me like New Zealand will be fun and relaxing (maybe i will join you next..lol). I can't believe how well Ciel likes the water.
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