When I retired twelve years ago, the top item on my bucket list was to write a novel, but my top TRAVEL bucket list choice was New Zealand. The novel, times two, got written, and this January, we got to go on the trip of a lifetime to NZ!
This is a LONG post, comprised mostly of photos. The cliff notes version is that New Zealand is an exquisitely beautiful country, and we were made very welcome by friends and strangers alike. (with one notable exception, which resulted in an essay you can read here.)
Our month-long trip was divided into roughly four parts. 1. Travel on the North Island with our son Nathan and his friend Tiffany 2. An REI bicycle trip on the South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown 3. A driving odyssey from Queenstown along the west coast of the South Island up to the northern tip at Abel Tasman Park, and 4. Fascinating visits with three author friends in Christchurch, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula.
The gift of a long journey to a far-away country, particularly if it’s been a longed-for bucket list destination, is the opportunity to let go— to decontextualize, re-order habitual behaviors and sharpen perceptions. Every day brought stunning sights, interesting conversations, pleasing physical exertion, new foods, historical and cultural education that exceeded our high expectations.
This type of travel, which I think of as adventure immersion, requires an opening of mind and tolerance, an appreciation for difference, a willingness to see and do another way from the habits of home. Quite unexpectedly, I found myself able to do some research for my next book… in the 650 m long millennial footpath in Wanaka, with its clay tiles referencing hundreds of years of historical events, in various guides’ information about herbs, and other medicinal and textile plants, and in the psychic space I had to think about my new story. I also was entranced by the prevalence of Maori culture and language in New Zealand, and the efforts to revitalze its use.
So here is an idiosyncratic taste of New Zealand!
Jasmine in January, Rudi’s Pilsner, a harbor full of gorgeous sailboats, great public art and a fiercely sunny day. Welcome to Auckland!
Did we succumb to the lure of an afternoon in the Shire? We DID! The gardens at Hobbiton alone were worth the “the adventure!”
A visit to Rotorua and the Maori village, Mitai for the traditional Hangi meal and dance (poi) performance.... and war cries of the haka, ta maka (tattoos) chants, sacred pool... warriors.. rounding out the day of tourist attractions, but learned a lot...
Geothermal wonderland at Orakei Korako
Tongariro National Park, staying at Ahakune- hiking to Taranaki Falls amidst the tea trees- Leptospermun scoparium or as the Maori say, Manuka… from which special honey is made. Book research for Isabella's Way! The honey allegedly has wound healing and antibacterial qualities… and protection against bacterial damage. Some suggest it is also an anti-inflammatory.
Unexpected find on our journey along the Forgotten World Highway… Lauren’s Lavender shop…
We stopped by Whangamomona, a self-proclaimed republic within New Zealand high in the hills among the volcanoes and the sheep. Tthe whole place showcases New Zealanders' wry sense of humor and independent streak...
Then to New Plymouth with its lovely sculpture dotted shore promenade.
Just your average volcano peeking through the clouds on the flight to Christchurch. A walk from our hotel, “Chateau on the Park” brought us to this mini sailboat regatta!
Then off for a grand tour with the amazing Jodi Wright and her wonderful husband Peter, exploring the coast around Sumner and Littleton, then back to Christchurch for dinner. No wonder Jodi writes such fascinating books! (stay tuned for an author profile on her…) These two are life adventurers and curators of fascinating experiences. SO grateful to have spent this day together!
The Cycling Trip- REI's Cycling the South Island
Day 1- .Christchurch to Tepaku Lake at the foot of the Southern Alps- Canterbury Plains- 40 Km of riding, a transfer in the van, fine road, rocky trail, hills, ridiculous headwinds, and thank the lord for electric bikes!!! We may have only used the electric boost 15% of the time, but for those extended intense climbs over rocky switchbacks, we were so grateful to have them!
Day 2- Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail along shores of Lake Pukaki – Tekapo Canal, Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook, Twizel, (yes, there is a town named Twizel!) Ohau Canal to Lake Ohau with views of Glen Mary Glacier and Ben Ohau Range. 50 miles….
Day 3- Up and over Tarnbrae Saddle to Omarama for lunch, shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting, transfer to village of Otematata - Ride over Benmore Dam and descend to Lake Aviemore .. then to village of Kurow and our 19th century lodge… 45 miles
Day 4. a descent from our 900 m climb that was NOT for the faint of heart. Yes, I rode the brakes through gravel, dirt, rocks, hairpin turns and no railings on the bumpy narrow path. Exquisite beauty of the glacier fed lakes, lupines everywhere, fun adventurous cyclists, and my I-look-like-I’ve-been-doing-this-forever husband on his first formal cycling trip! 50 miles
Day 5. 40 mile ride today to finish the Alps to Ocean (A2O) trail at...... you guessed it.. the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru! What a gorgeous ride! Crayola does not have a color to describe the New Zealand blue of the sky on this clear day!
