Cold and Cheery

Me and Matt have arrived in New Zealand!!

After a good last night in Sydney which entailed drinking on the balcony in Bondi and listening to music, we headed off to the airport for our flight to Christchurch. Walking out of the airport it felt for a moment that we were back in Dublin. It was wet, overcast and cold. Not too bad though. It was a change from Sydney and after 7+ months there, any change was a welcome one.

We booked into the hostel and I tried to sleep off the night before. A few quick pictures in Christchurch, and a little walk around brought us to the first proper pub I've been in since leaving home, called the Bard. They had a SUnday lunch which was Roast Lamb, Roast spuds and roast and boiled veg. They even threw in a yorkshire pudding, which we gladly munched beside the fireplace. That night we went into the hostel bar for a quiet few as we couldn't find a tv with the Westmeath match on. Devastated the next morning when I heard the score. Though we had a chance.

Day 2 was the start of the camper van. We picked it up and me not being able to fit behind the wheel of the cool Jim Morrisson one, we had to take the only other one. Its a little bit girly but still cool nonetheless.

When we finally got out of Christchurch (I got good at U-turns at hunter valley), we headed through Arthurs pass. For the 3 hours or so we were on that road we were stunned by what we saw. Amazing scenery, snow capped mountains, streams and lakes. I have to admit it was quiet hard to concentrate on the road ahead. With all those distractions

When we got to Hokitika we were going to stop there for the night and then head to Franz Josef. We had time so drove the extra 2 hours or so. After food we pulled up in a picnic area outside the town for the night. It was cold at times in the van sleeping but not too bad. When we woke we were at a lake with another stunning view. Everywhere here is really relaxed and we are loving it so far. Sitting back and enjoying the ride. All 3 of us, Me, Matt and the van :)

Today its glacier hiking and filing tax returns. We are having fun and being productive. Efficiency!

Until next time,

Brian

This is when we first saw the mountains as we left Christchurch

I have more, some even with me in them. My camera just died so and with our lack of electricity I'm not using my last battery to upload photos :)