Today we reluctantly left this fabulous country. We spent our final weekend in NZ working our way back to Wellington via the seaside resort of Gisborne and the Art-Deco city of Napier, enjoying the sunshine and scenery around Hawkes Bay. Our final morning in Wellington was spent at the National museum, Te Papa; a fascinating place worthy of more than the couple of hours we had to spare. Well, you can run out of superlatives over here. We have enjoyed every moment of our time in NZ, it’s impossible to pick out a highlight. We have ticked off all our ‘want to do list’ but now have a new list just as long! Amazing scenery; you could spend a lifetime and not exhaust all the outdoor adventures possible here. But even just touring, every day had something that would delight you or blow your mind. We have been met with friendliness and warmth everywhere we have travelled. There is a quality of life we seem to have lost at home; the ability to take time to appreciate each day and a ‘no worries’ philosophy. We have driven over 7,000km and not once encountered road rage – even though some drivers go like maniacs! Food and drink is amazing, from our morning flat white and date scone the size of a small mountain , through fish and chips , to the gourmet meals we had a the Fat Duck in Te Anau – all washed down with superlative wines (Sauvignon blanc-need I say more) or good beers (we liked especially in our extensive tasting, Monteiths –Original & Celtic, Macs Gold, Speights Summit and Tui) and the refreshing Lemon & Pereoa soft drink. To prove that every paradise has its serpent, NZ has that devils spawn; the Sandfly – with a particular appetite for Pauls feet. Also the unexpected gravel stretches of road were a bit unnerving, especially in our dinky hire car! Thank you New Zealand for an amazing two months, hopefully it won’t be too long before we come back. Australia- you have a hard act to follow!
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