After the activities of yesterday, we could have slept for hours. However, alarms were set to wake us before dawn so we could take full advantage of our camping position. See, we were camped facing east, looking out over the beach and out to sea. Which meant we had front row seats for watching the…
New Zealand – Day 11: Sea, seals and sunset (part 1)
One of the best early mornings so far awaited us today. See, whilst we were up at the crack of dawn, it meant we get to enjoy showers whilst watching the sunrise. Seems like a fair reward for an early start. One of the features that this campsite that attracted us was the views out…
New Zealand – Day 10: Falling out a plane
A sense of trepidation and excitement accompanied sunrise (which was, yet again, gorgeous). For today was the day that we would be jumping out of a plane at 16,500ft! However, we’re not there yet! The views from the campsite this morning were special as we got to enjoy sunrise out to sea whilst standing between…
New Zealand – Day 9: Pancakes and Seals
Today was to be a driving day. We were heading from Franz Josef up to Abel Tasman, a drive of 524km and 7 hours nonstop (at least according to Google). So you won’t be surprised to hear it was another early start. The terrain along the west coast was much flatter than what we had…
New Zealand – Day 8: Helihiking a Fox
Perhaps unsurprisingly by now, but by the time that dawn broke, we were up and finishing breakfast. Having kept an eye on the weather forecast the day before, we had booked onto the early excursion to give us the best chance of getting up there. Today we were going to explore Fox Glacier, and getting…
New Zealand – Day 7: Jumping, Driving and a Fox
Despite our careful planning and the intention that we would be enjoying a lie in this morning, we were up before sunrise again for take two of trying to to throw ourselves off a 134m high gondola. Because what better way to relax and enjoy a holiday! Having rolled out of bed (and thus out…
New Zealand – Day 6: Happy Birthday to Laura
Despite it being Laura’s birthday, the day began before sunrise when we were rudely awoken by our alarms. After treating ourselves to an extra 5 minutes in bed (it was a birthday after all) we were up and getting ready to face the day. And what a wet day it was. I think it is…
New Zealand – Day 5: When is a sound not a sound?
Dragged from our dreams at 6am by our alarms, our initial view out of the van wasn’t quite as stunning as the day before but was still lovely with the surrounding hills bathed in the orange light of dawn. After a shave, packing the bedding and putting the van back into day mode, I was…
New Zealand – Day 4: Aoraki, Glaciers and a Long Drive
Day four of our Aotearoan adventure started early with sunlight illuminating the peaks of mountains surrounding our van. Rolling back the side was an absolute pleasure, despite the cold air rushing in to attack us. Clambering somewhat inelegantly out of bed and outside revealed a beautiful mountain surround with snow capped peaks and blocks of…
New Zealand – Day 3: Blue Lakes and Mountains
After a shower and two hours sleep, we were up and heading back to Auckland airport to catch our flight down to Christchurch. Let the holiday begin! On board, we received a pleasant surprise when we had hot food delivered to our seat. It turns out then when I had booked the additional baggage for…