So, the New Zealand adventure was underway. Firstly, an incredible coincidence at Abu Dhabi Airport as I was snaking my way to security check to get to the transit lounges/gates. A tap on the shoulder, and there was cousin Andrew in the same queue. He had been on tha same flight from London and was on his way to Muscat to visit my cousin Paul. I managed to find Andrew at his gate and were able to have a bit of a chat. Then the long leg to Melbourne…I think 12 hrs. Unfortunately the airline had added Auckland to the journey instead of going straight to Queenstown. A bit of a delay in Auckland and managed to reach Queenstown just before nightfall otherwise I would’ve been made to overnight in Auckland. Something to do with the mountainous approach to Queenstown airport.

I was met by Gabriella and Alex. Such a small airport that Gabriella was able to rush over yo me even before I had collected my rucksack. We had a snack somewhere and then on to Wanaka. My first few days were spent acclimatising; enjoying the house; getting to know the other 2 housemates. The walk down into Wanaka was absolutely beautiful. Stunning view across the lake and to the snow capped mountains beyond.

I went for a walk with Gabriella in one direction around the bay. The next day went in the other direction passed the Wanaka Tree…or what’s left of it after someone chopped two of its branches off. I cooked a goat curry for the house…TJ had culled some goats. I found a shortcut to industrial estate where there were a couple of breweries within 50 yards of each other with their local craft beers. First I tried Ground Up then Rhyme and Reason the following day.

Sat 22nd. Went on my first road trip. We headed south…passed Queenstown; along lake Wakatipu and on to lake Manapouri. We camped at Possum Lodge. Had a little walk along the lake shore…big pebbles and stones. Had drinks at the Church pub. I set my tent up with a lilo and sleeping bag. Unfortunately it was a very cold night and the sleeping bag kept sliding off the narrow lilo. So I didn’t sleep very well.

Sun 23rd. Had breakfast at the camp and went just a half mile down the road to catch the ferry. The first part of the trip was to get across lake Manapouri. I think it was an hour. Fabulous views of the mountains coming down to the lake waters. There were a few islands as well. And of course the snow capped peaks.We then transferred to a coach for a 45 minute drive over a mountain range to Doubtful Sound. Then it was a 3 or 4 hour ferry ride down the Sound, as far as the sea, and back. We saw seals on the big rocks bordering the Tasman Sea. All the time we were passing gorgeous scenery, including some huge waterfalls. The ferry was very smart. The wind was cold. Then back to the start of Doubtful Sound; the coach to lake Manapouri; ferry across lake Manapouri.

We had decided to go straight back to Wanaka. A long day but very exciting and jaw droppingly stunning. We left Manapouri at about 5pm. Had a delicious pizza near Queenstown. So, a fabulous Gabriella treat. Breathtaking scenery. Really fun.

24th-28th….more chilling in Wanaka. I went to see Gabriella’s workplace at Wanaka Solar. We had Pie lunch nearby. The weather was good; the sun was hot until it went behind a cloud… My first 2 weeks in NZ were very nice indeed. On the 29th we went on road trip number 2.