NEW ZEALAND TRIP DIARIES. PART ONE
EXCITED. THE JOURNEY BEGINS
The New Zealand journey begins! In just forty minutes, it’ll be time to board a flight to Singapore and then onwards to Auckland. More than twenty-five hours on a plane altogether. In Singapore, I’ll meet my five companions, and the sixth one awaits us in Auckland. Warm greetings from Munich Airport, where it’s a sunny 11 am on this marvelous Friday, January 26th. Yes, we’ll lose half a day along the way, but that only means more time to embrace the wonders that lie ahead!
OUR NEW ZEALAND TRIP TRAVEL SCHEDULE
On our New Zealand trip we were constantly on the road with only a short two-day resting time at Wanaka lake. In just eleven days, we covered over 2800 km in our rented van, averaging around 250 km per day. The picturesque landscapes provided ample opportunities for capturing beautiful memories through our photographs.
One of the highlights was visiting Hobbiton, the setting of the Lord of the Rings. In addition to sightseeing, we also enganged in outdoor activities like glacier walking, kayaking, and a memorable boat trip on Milford Sound.
We opted for a packaged tour, which allowed us to have a stress-free journey with pre-booked accommodations along our itinerary. Although I didn’t thoroughly review the schedule before embarking on this adventure with my fellow travelers, and to be frank I did not anticipate that most of the time we will spend in a van, I must say that I have no regrets in aftermath. I was angry about it from time to time. Still, despite the ups and downs, our experience in New Zealand was truly unforgettable. The country has so much to offer in terms of vacation possibilities and travel comfort, and we certainly made much of it.
Our New Zealand travel schedule as we planned it.
THE OTHER KIND OF THE BORDER INSPECTION
As we touch down, the clock is ticking towards midnight in New Zealand on Saturday the 27th of January. The border control procedure is unlike any other I have encountered before. In New Zealand, the authorities place great emphasis on preventing the import of foreign organic substances. It’s not just about customs duties; it’s about safeguarding the local environment. Even my trekking shoes must not carry any foreign soil, and no foreign seeds are allowed into the country.
The border official addresses me firmly: Madam, I’m not concerned about your passport. I’m interested in the contents of your luggage. In the entry document, I had to disclose the countries I visited in the past month, so I listed Poland and Norway. Do you have any outdoor equipment and shoes that you used there? the officer asks. No, I don’t, I respond. It’s winter in Europe, so I only packed my sports shoes that I use at the gym. You may proceed, I hear. As the next step, my entire luggage undergoes X-ray screening.
AUCKLAND. THE FIRST STOP ON OUR NEW ZEALAND TRIP
Short of time but full of anticipation on the forthcoming New Zealand trip. In Europe, it’s Saturday evening, while here at the beginning of the world, it’s already Sunday morning (January 28th). The time difference between Europe and Auckland is exactly twelve hours.
Glimpsing the morning view, we eagerly woke up before six, with just four precious hours of sleep. But, it was worth it! Driving through the upscale neighborhoods of the city, we couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty, though we didn’t have time to stop and explore. Time was of the essence, and we needed to hit the road before sunset. As our fellowship’s main focus was photography, we selected a picturesque location near some flyover that offered us an awe-inspiring view of Auckland during sunrise. The experience was nothing short of magnificent, a truly remarkable sight to behold.
Auckland at the sunrise
A BIT LONGER BREAKFAST THAN PLANNED
Our morning turned out to be unexpectedly long, but we embraced the challenge with a positive mindset. Unfortunately, one of our companions fell ill and we needed to find a doctor. We reached out to our insurer’s call center, who advised us that they would arrange a doctor for us. However, considering our tight travel schedule, they agreed that we could find a doctor on-site ourselves. After a quick diagnosis, it was determined that our fellow had contracted a virus, but she was promptly given the necessary medicine and assured of a swift recovery.
While waiting for our friend, we decided to explore one of the charming breakfast spots that New Zealand has to offer. Prior to our trip, we had received a message from an acquaintance who had visited the country a week earlier, emphasizing the importance of trying the local restaurants and their delicious breakfast menus. True to their words, we were delighted to find an extensive range of options, accompanied by the guarantee of a good cup of coffee.
Inside the restaurant, we observed a couple of elderly ladies leisurely enjoying their Sunday morning. It was a heartwarming sight, reminding us to take the time to savor and appreciate the small moments in life.
My first breakfast in New Zealand. The filling was of salmon and spinach, but the wrapping was different to that we are accustomed to in Europe
DAILY SHOPPING IN MATAMATA
On a twelve-person van that we hired for our New Zealand trip, we eagerly hit the road towards Matamata, and later to the famous Hobbiton, also known as the Shire from “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” series.
Despite feeling a bit jet-lagged, our spirits are high as we arrive at our destination. The first thing on our agenda is to stock up on some food for a barbecue night tonight. It was time to visit the first hypermarket on our way. To our delight, the hypermarket is incredibly well-supplied with a wide variety of products. Many of them are familiar to us, coming from European and American manufacturers. However, we also notice some items specifically tailored for the local New Zealand customers. It’s fascinating to see how well-known global brands have made their way to this remote corner of the world, making our shopping experience seamless. The same trend continues as during our New Zealand trip we browse through the local pharmacies. We realise the power of globalization, even in a place that may seem like the end of the world. The abundance of choices is truly remarkable.
LODGING
Our hotel is conveniently located, just a short distance away. It is a charming lodge hotel that offers cozy apartments resembling small homes, complete with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. Throughout our New Zealand trip, we will encounter similar comfortable accommodations. There is even a small jacuzzi in the backyard. The hotel is a special place, seemingly full of history, making it truly unique. We were surrounded by fellow New Zealanders who were also enjoying their vacations, creating a leisurely atmosphere. Just a couple of hundred meters away, we found rejuvenating hot springs. But with no time to spare, as Hobbiton awaited us, we had to hit the road.
THE HOBBITON MOVIE SET
The Hobbiton movie set is absolutely enchanting, nestled on a private property that can only be accessed by the owners’ coaches. Every corner of the village is meticulously maintained to capture the essence of the Hobbit movie set. As we walk around the set, the guide shares fascinating details and delightful anecdotes. One such heartwarming story is when Sean Austin, who plays Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of The Rings trilogy, experienced a joyful surprise during one of the final scenes. The director secretly casted his own little daughter to portray Samwise’s daughter, catching Sean completely off guard! Yes, I can still vividly recall the expression of genuine astonishment on his face.
The walk through Hobbiton is a delightful experience that lasts for about two hours and culminates in the charming local pub. This cozy restaurant is specially designed to accommodate even the ‘bit larger’ Hobbits, giving you a true taste of the Shire. While the Hobbit houses in the village are only exteriors, stepping inside this pub truly transports you to the magical world of Middle-earth, even when you visit the restroom. We were served ginger beer, although our time there was unfortunately short. The next group to enter Hobbiton was lucky enough to savor a long evening at the Hobbits’ restaurant, and I must admit, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. It sounded like fun!
The exterior of one of the many Hobbits’ houses in the Hobbiton village.
The Hobbiton restaurant made to suit the men. I would have stayed there longer if I could have.
OUR FIRST BARBECUE. NEITHER RIGHT TIME NOR THE PLACE
In the evening, it was time for a barbecue. Our itinerary included a night of camping in the picturesque Milford Sound on the South Island, so we were equipped with all the necessary camping gear that we had already purchased in New Zealand. However, we encountered a setback as barbecuing with special equipment was prohibited at our lodge hotel. By the time we realized this, it was too late to secure a reservation at one of the public gas grills available on the premises.
Still, while coming back from the Hobbiton movie set, first, we thought of returning to our lodge hotel and enjoying the evening in the company of locals, maybe even in the jacuzzi at the backyard of our apartment. But our hunger, akin to that of wolves, drove us to stop at the first available place. Excited about the Hobbiton movie set, we forgot to grab any bite for lunch. Our impromptu roadside picnic, situated between a road and a rather pungent cow field, certainly left much to be desired. Nevertheless, we made the most of the less-than-ideal circumstances. With a sip of wine to lift our spirits, we embraced the camaraderie. As the sun descended, darkness, true darkness with no settlements kilometers away, enveloped us. Let’s assume the lack of common sense only served to fuel our adventurous spirit.
Our first barbecue night in New Zealand. It was fun, but with the alternative, we had, of spending the evening among New Zealanders, a misconception. As it turned out, on our whole trip, it was the only occasion to see how Kiwis (New Zealanders) enjoy their evenings
LESSON ONE. KITCHENS CLOSE EARLY IN NEW ZEALAND
As we returned to our hotel, it was too late to enjoy the place. It turns out, unlike in most European locations, the social life ends early in New Zealand. A lesson for the next days of our New Zealand trip. If you want to enjoy an evening in New Zealand surrounded by locals in a local restaurant and savor the local cuisine, be aware that the kitchens close around eight or nine pm. In New Zealand, where the pace of life is generally laid-back and relaxed, it’s not uncommon for social activities to wind down early in the evening. This may come as a surprise to visitors who are accustomed to the vibrant nightlife of bustling European cities. If you do not switch your thinking to the New Zealand way, you may end up like we did in the aftermath, failing to truly taste what the New Zealand cuisine has to offer.
A LOST OPPORTUNITY
If given another opportunity, I would eagerly decide to return to our hotel promptly after our visit to Hobbiton. Once there, I would make use of the kitchen in our apartment to prepare a delightful supper. Indulging in a refreshing beverage at the pub within the premises and mix with the locals who enjoyed the evening would certainly be a wonderful idea, too.
To complete the evening, taking a relaxing bath in our own jacuzzi in the backyard would be great for all of us. We’ve been in New Zealand for less than 24 hours. After spending almost 30 hours on narrow seats in the air, some relaxation is much needed. Long-distance travel can be uncomfortable, but it’s something we just have to endure. It’s always wise while on the road to consider remedies for all the travel discomforts.
On that day, despite feeling a bit exhausted, I was too engrossed in my thoughts to let it bother me. While waiting for the bathroom to become available, I took a moment to rest on the cozy living room couch. I must have dozed off at some point, completely unaware of the time as I eventually made my way to the bedroom, perhaps around one or two in the morning.
NEW ZEALAND TRIP. DAY 1 ROUTE
On the first day of our journey to New Zealand, we covered a total of approximately 300-350 kilometers. It wasn’t burdensome as we stopped every now and then for longer periods. We were still excited about the trip, and by evening, we were so exhausted that we fell asleep not knowing when.