New Zealand - the first few days

The trip from Singapore to Auckland went well with a smooth transfer at Brisbane and full bio-security screening to check our luggage for any items likely to impact on the biological stability of New Zealand. This included inspection of walking boots (packed and squeaky clean!), checking of medication lists and all foodstuffs. The bus was waiting as we exited the airport so we were quickly on to our 40 min journey into the city and the bus dropped us off a few paces from our hotel. Having been up for 27hrs at this point we grabbed a quick shower, dinner and bed.... we were in New Zealand!

Friday 22nd October: Our first full day in New Zealand; an early start with breakfast at 0630, a short walk to the station and onto the Transcenic Overlander train to Wellington. The journey is 600km and takes 12 hours; not an ‘express’ and slowed further by lengths of single track leading to waits at passing points. The early scenery was non-spectacular (great views of the suburbs of Auckland)but as the journey progressed so it got better and better, with spectacular engineering demonstrated at the spiral tunnels and snow laden mountains in view as we passed through National Park. We arrived in Wellington on time and were met by Heather (my Auntie) and Denis; I hadn’t seen Heather for over 40 years and only knew Denis from my Dad’s tales of his time out here some years ago. A very rapid bond was formed and the start of five days of fun in Wellington began!

The next day saw a lazy start (we had a sleep deficit to catch up on!) then out for coffee, sort out an NZ SIM card, get some cash and do some shopping. A bite of lunch back at base and then we were taken on a ‘mini-tour’ of Wellington including all the major locations in the city, Mount Victoria, the cable car to the Botanic Gardens and superb views across the harbour, the Rose Garden (but a little early for the roses) and hot houses.

The following day (Sunday 24th) was Family day! Mark’s two aunties (Heather and Anne), two cousins (Niki and Tania) and six of their children (Trent, Jasmine, Summer, Tai, Kartjia and Declan), plus Denis’s daughter Tracey, Heather J and Denis himself.... a day of much fun, catching up, photographs, eating and drinking. (Auntie) Heather had arranged an excellent spread which was contributed to by other (adult) family members and enjoyed by all, especially the desserts! The only disappointment was that nobody had a camera ready to capture Jasmine licking out the bowl of chocolate dip!

Once the last of the visitors (we don’t count!) had departed a decision was made to catch the last of the daylight with a walk by the local lagoon – fading light and the red tinge to the sky made an excellent end to a great day, meeting some relatives we had not seen for 25 years and others we had only heard about.

Monday we visited the waterfront in Wellington itself, including a walk along the wharf, a ride on a four person crocodile bike and coffees at Te Papa before visiting some of the exhibitions there. We then took in a number of museums showing the history of Wellington and the Maori culture. Lunch was fitted in at the excellent Wellington Brewing Company which colour coded each menu choice to indicate which of the beers was best suited to each dish – it seemed foolish to do other than follow their guidance....

Another couple of days here and then we’ll be catching the ferry to the South Island before heading to Christchurch on the train. They have been having more aftershocks (up to 5!) in the last few days, so we may well have an ‘interesting’ experience there!