Yesterday we arrived in New Zealand. It’s the girls first overseas trip and as we drove away from the airport the Big Sister said to be in an awed voice “New Zealand is beautiful, mummy”.
She’s right. New Zealand is beautiful and we’re only just getting started.
This morning when the kids woke at the respectable time of 8am (that’s still five at home, but it sounds much nicer) I started pondering things I love about kiwis.
They had a female prime minister before it was cool. Long before Australia had a female PM, New Zealand had Helen Clarke, whom they elected. On purpose. Three times!
Their coins make sense. Their two dollar is bigger than their one dollar. Genius! Now if I can just make sense of their bank notes, I’ll be sorted!
Footrot Flats. I remember Murray Ball making my dad laugh from an early age. When the dog stole the washing up liquid and drank from the drain, I learned what minestrone was.
Kiwis make great music. Lorde, Split Endz and David Dobbyn.
Kiwis make great wine. That one was always going to make the list!
Kiwis make great laws. The reason that we’re here at all: they legalised same-sex marriage. Kiwis are forward thinking enough to recognise love is love.
have you spent any time in NZ?
I heart NZ. I did a road trip in a small van which we named Wally in 2008. I was gobsmacked by the beauty there. Around every corner there is a water fall, glacier, or mountain. I have always wanted to return with my little family. Have a wicked trip!
The stunning beauty wherever you go in NZ is a given. It is pretty hard to take ugly photos. Also, kiwi’s the are friendliest, down to earth people. They always have time and patience to help lost tourists or to put you on to cheap deals while traveling. Lets not forget about their dogged determination & ability to find a joke in the saddest of natural disasters, plus the innovation that comes forth from those situations. I also love that they call hiking tramping – sounds so much more adventurous and challenging! Another thing I love is that Fush & Chops shops are combined with chinese take-away. Brilliant idea!! And how can we forget the never ending humourous way they say ‘deck’ . . gets me every time!! But best of all about NZ? My husband & his gorgeous family. They really are the best thing New Zealand has ever produced
And though they be stinky, the hot hot waters of Rotourua are not lovely to soak in.
NZ is definitely on my bucket list!! Just looks so pretty
Pleased you’re enjoying it here! Are you in the South or the North Island? Hoping you’ll make it down south, particularly to Queenstown, which is a beautiful part of the world.
Just the north island this time Sarah. But I’m sure we’ll be back!
You’ve got good taste 😉
Lived in NZ for 15 years. LOVED it! Not sure where you’re travelling but when you’ve got kids you gotta go to Te Papa in Welllington – so hands on and most of it is free! Oooh, also the big carrot in Ohakune is great cause it’s a big carrot – I don’t think that one needs more explanation do you? Rotorua is fab for mud pools and loads of stuff you’ll never see here (although, yes it’s a bit stinky). If you like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, go to Hobbiton just outside Matamata cause it’s just really really cool. Auckland is just like a small Sydney – beautiful by the water. Have THE best time Amanda. Next time do the South Island, it’s just as beautiful as Switzerland – breathtaking xo
We haven’t been to the North Island but it’s on our list to visit. I want to take our girls to NZ when they are older. Hope you’re having a great time!