Day 1 NZ Trip November 2025

 

New Zealand adventures day 1/2 and 1.

Yesterday we began our many hours of travel to arrive in NZ. 

The day was filled with wonderful family moments.

We had a hug from Tim (always newsworthy),  a quick visit to Nana to remind her to behave for the next month, then Andy chauffeured us to our motel to drop off our bags before depositing us at the DFO for some window shopping and some lunch before returning to the motel and grabbing a quick nap.

We also managed to catch up with the Phillip and the gorgeous Mikki for dinner.  They were very helpful with getting Rob sorted with saving money on his international credit card charges.

It was a day filled with happy family memories and a great start to the holiday - apart from the storm that knocked out the tv in the motel so poor Robbie could not watch any sport.

Today started a little early. We caught the shuttle to the airport at 4.45.  Then checked in for our flight.

Sam you would be proud - we nearly managed without help 😉. I just could not get the luggage tags on correctly. 

Luggage checked and boarding passes on hand, it was time to face the customs officers.  True to form, this was not as smooth as it could have been.  The officer confiscated my yoghurt 😔 as the container was too large.  Then I set off the metal detector.  After a pat down I was released. 

Rob was even worse.  They found a screwdriver in his laptop bag so that was confiscated. Having already removed his belt he then had to remove his boots as they set the detector off.  After redressing it was then border force officers.  No worries. 😁.

We sat for a bit in the lounge area and then boarded our flight.  The Air New Zealand crew were lovely, and our flight was peaceful and relatively smooth.  The landing was perfect.  I slept for the first 2 hours.  Breakfast was served, overnight oats for me (with flies 🫣) - bacon, beans and omelette for Rob.

When we again were over land we were treated to a truly beautiful sight.  The mountains on the western side of the island were covered in snow and it was just breathtaking.  We must have sounded like little kids in a candy store - pointing and trying to show each other different areas.

As we headed further east the landscape changed.  Very green, with the odd crop circle.  Rivers looked dry and muddy.

We arrived in Christchurch, no problems with customs, border force or collecting our rental car.  By that time it was 4.30pm local time.  We had a small problem trying to navigate out of the airport car park, but then we were on our way.  Our first port of call was our motel in Timaru - 2ish hours south. 

On the way we crossed lots of dryish rivers,  gravel bases with thin water areas flowing through them.  The water that was flowing was moving rapidly and I feel it would have been a tad cool. 

We were also surprised that even though everything looked green there was irrigation going on everywhere.  A lot of the fields were being used for cattle, and I think by Aus standards they are overpopulated, but they have the feed to do it I suppose.  Unlike the North Island we have not seen too many sheep in paddocks yet. 

Lots of signs for summer fairs being held this month, so maybe we will be in a town when one is on.

Our motel room is very nice, 2 bedrooms, 4 beds, and a complete kitchen.

After booking in we went for a quick drive to Woolies  to grab some bits and pieces for dinner and lunches on the road.  We were also looking for a small Esky to take with us.  We learned today - in NZ they are called a “chilly bin”.

We then took a bit of a drive around.  Found two lighthouses. I am a little concerned about this town and how they care for the marine craft that use these waters.  The first lighthouse has some very tall trees in front of it, so even if it worked, the light would be obscured, the second is called Fairy Light House, and it is designed for fairies. 🤣 it cannot be seen over the break wall.

Timaru also has an open area where the Little Blue Penguins can be seen.  You just need to turn up.  It is really quite cool.  We waited for a bit and saw a couple, but it was getting late, cold, and it had been a long day.  So we headed back to our rooms, had our dinner and a lovely hot shower.

If you have read this far you deserve a chocolate.  🍫.

We have had a wonderful and blessed start to what we are sure will be an amazing month of adventures.

Take care and catch up again soon.

 

 

 

 

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