The South Island of New Zealand - Observations
Morna and I are sitting in the departure lounge at Christchurch airport, waiting for our flight to Auckland, so this is a good opportunity to share our overall impressions so far.
This is already the best holiday we have ever had and the South Island of NZ is the best holiday destination we have ever been to (ahead of Italy even). Everything here is beautiful, easy and works perfectly.
They do get rain here and it can also be a bit chilly at times, it’s much like the UK in that respect. We have used our fleeces, rain jackets and brollys. That said, the sun is fierce - as my sunburned forehead can testify. You need sunscreen and a hat.
This is a stunningly beautiful country with amazing views around every corner and a wide diversity of landscapes. There are very few people in large areas of the country and the West coast of the South island is a true wilderness.
The Kiwis are brilliant; friendly, civilised and very service minded. They really look after their country; everything is clean, tidy with no litter anywhere.
The roads are first class, there are no motorways as we would know them, but excellent two-lane roads with very little traffic, so, on long trips, average journey times are faster than in the UK. There are no pot holes at all and petrol is very cheap.
There is, as ever, a trade-off.
If NZ were closer to Europe and North America, it would be heaving with people and its charm would be greatly diminished, however, the very thing that makes the place special, leads to the place being isolated from everywhere else. This has practical and emotional consequences for the people who live here and the topic comes up in conversation often.
Communication technology only gets better, and in practical terms, NZ becomes less isolated all the time, so the trade-off will become more favourable.
Our decision to economise on the car and accommodation and spend the savings on activities has worked out well; our little Daihatsu Sirion has done all we have asked of it - including four crossings of the Southern Alps.
Low cost motel rooms here are spotless, comfortable and great value. There is good consistency in the standards and facilities offered, so you can always be confident in what you are getting.
Activities are well run, safe and inexpensive.
The quality of food is excellent and portions are substantial. Beer is a bit variable and not hoppy enough for my taste.
White wine is excellent - even the cheap stuff; walk into any bar, ask for “two glasses of Sav please” and you will always get a very decent drink. I am becoming a fan of NZ Sauvignon blanc!
So on the North Island…