Well the last day has arrived before we fly out in the morning. A short drive to our visit to Zealong Tea Plantation for a tour and high tea.
We had originally decided to visit the Zealong Tea Plantation so we could catch up with Brenton. Unfortunately he flew out of the country as we flew in. Bad timing really.
We did have a wonderful time and Jordan was out guide for the tour. He was a fountain of knowledge and made the tour very entertaining.
The tea ceremony was a wonderful learning experience. We tasted 5 different teas and it was interesting to see the tea rainbow from the 5 cups.
We finished our time there with a High Tea. This was very yummy, and it was interesting that Robbie liked one of the savory ones best while I liked one of the desserts.
We have had a really good time in NZ driving around, sightseeing and learning lots about this country and the people, and the differences between Australia and here.
For example -
NZ generally put the rubbish out on the footpath in special plastic bags which you have to buy for generally rubbish and often a blue plastic container for recycled goods.
The van parks have recycle bins for green, clear and brown glass bottles, paper and cardboard and a small container for aluminum cans.
A dairy to us is where you milk cows, but here it is a small corner type shop selling bits an pieces.
It is difficult to buy bread rolls at a bakers, they mainly sell pies, sandwiches and cakes.
Most roads are only single lanes except near Auckland. Lots of mountain and windy roads.
It is not really that far between places that something interesting to see.
Don't bother with toilet and shower vans - you have to be a size 10 model to fit in them.
The TV's don't have aerials so you can only play DVD's but who brings these on a holiday overseas!
They are big - like driving a bus, so you have to use mirrors a lot and leave plenty of room for maneuvers.
Things fall off shelves if not well secured !!
Lizzy had difficulty taking the hand brake off due to the low positioning.
The vans are really good on fuel and have a plenty of power for getting up hills and a reasonable rate. U-Turns are not easy anywhere.
Backing is not bad and easier in tight spots.
Pull over where you can to let traffic past and they give you 2 toots to thanks you.
Van parks are well equipped with cooking, cleaning and entertainment areas. Bathrooms are very well kept so no need for self contained vans with toilets etc.
Make sure you get a good walk-through of he van as we got very little.
Fixing up the bed, hot water etc took us a bit to work out. Beds are ok reasonable given the space. They fold out and boards are used to secure the centre area and cushion surrounds re used to make the bed reasonable comfortable.
You gotta make the bed and disable to some extent each day so you can sit and eat. Took about 10 mins each day to put it together.
All in all good for the those who are a reasonable nimble - not the elderly sorry.
Getting in and out of the van and bed take a bit of effort as you get older.
We had a blast on the trip.
We had originally decided to visit the Zealong Tea Plantation so we could catch up with Brenton. Unfortunately he flew out of the country as we flew in. Bad timing really.
We did have a wonderful time and Jordan was out guide for the tour. He was a fountain of knowledge and made the tour very entertaining.
The tea ceremony was a wonderful learning experience. We tasted 5 different teas and it was interesting to see the tea rainbow from the 5 cups.
We finished our time there with a High Tea. This was very yummy, and it was interesting that Robbie liked one of the savory ones best while I liked one of the desserts.
We have had a really good time in NZ driving around, sightseeing and learning lots about this country and the people, and the differences between Australia and here.
For example -
NZ generally put the rubbish out on the footpath in special plastic bags which you have to buy for generally rubbish and often a blue plastic container for recycled goods.
The van parks have recycle bins for green, clear and brown glass bottles, paper and cardboard and a small container for aluminum cans.
A dairy to us is where you milk cows, but here it is a small corner type shop selling bits an pieces.
It is difficult to buy bread rolls at a bakers, they mainly sell pies, sandwiches and cakes.
Most roads are only single lanes except near Auckland. Lots of mountain and windy roads.
It is not really that far between places that something interesting to see.
Camper Van tips.
Don't bother with toilet and shower vans - you have to be a size 10 model to fit in them.
The TV's don't have aerials so you can only play DVD's but who brings these on a holiday overseas!
They are big - like driving a bus, so you have to use mirrors a lot and leave plenty of room for maneuvers.
Things fall off shelves if not well secured !!
Lizzy had difficulty taking the hand brake off due to the low positioning.
The vans are really good on fuel and have a plenty of power for getting up hills and a reasonable rate. U-Turns are not easy anywhere.
Backing is not bad and easier in tight spots.
Pull over where you can to let traffic past and they give you 2 toots to thanks you.
Van parks are well equipped with cooking, cleaning and entertainment areas. Bathrooms are very well kept so no need for self contained vans with toilets etc.
Make sure you get a good walk-through of he van as we got very little.
Fixing up the bed, hot water etc took us a bit to work out. Beds are ok reasonable given the space. They fold out and boards are used to secure the centre area and cushion surrounds re used to make the bed reasonable comfortable.
You gotta make the bed and disable to some extent each day so you can sit and eat. Took about 10 mins each day to put it together.
All in all good for the those who are a reasonable nimble - not the elderly sorry.
Getting in and out of the van and bed take a bit of effort as you get older.
We had a blast on the trip.
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