Travel Tales from New Zealand .
About 21 years ago , I first visited New Zealand . It was around Sept , being spring season in the Southern Hemisphere . As I was coming from Malaysia , I thought it was a good time to go ! My earlier experience to Tasmania , Australia in winter made me realise that for us from a hot , sizzling country like Malaysia , winters can be challenging , though also exciting ! Seeing snow is like some magic and joy . We jump about or simply touch snow with a child-like pleasure.
Anyway , my decision to go in Sept was that spring season is the time of flowers , nature just awakening from the cold winter . It will be fun to see the lush beautiful countryside .
We took a flight from Singapore from the famous Changi International Airport . I simply love the buzz and activity at this airport .
Air New Zealand brought us to Auckland International Airport . It was a 11 hour flight from Singapore . I had pre-arrange for a hired car to be picked from the airport .
Wonderful , all excited and full of good feelings . I had read some tourist brochures . The Kiwis spoke English . Great. They are part of the great Commonwealth of Nations . So , with all the joy , excitement and drama , I rushed out of the airport to get my car . I was just wearing a simple T-shirt . It is spring season man , so let me enjoy the freshness of the season .
I soon realized that spring is also cold for we Malaysians ! Just rushing about in a T-shirt was getting uncomfortably chill ! This brave Malaysian also felt no need to bring any warm clothes . Big mistake !
Getting my hired car , the first place I wanted to look for was a shop where we could buy some winter clothes ! After all we are in New Zealand , the wool country !
I was lucky to get the right shop for my woolens . Immediately as I wore the woolen pullover , it was so comfortable and I started feeling warm and good . Well , that was really good feeling and time to enjoy this wonderful country . I just fell in love the New Zealand ! Love at first sight ! The people were so friendly , kind and helpful ! Amazing ! You ask them for directions and were even willing to drive you to your place ! Anyway , I tell you they are good people .
All the basic sorted out . With clear road signs and not much of traffic , we were all geared to drive from Auckland to Wellington , at the tip of the north Island .
New Zealand is made of two islands . The North and South Islands . The population was about 4 million when I visited ! North Island had about nearly 3 million . Auckland alone making slightly over 1 million . South Island about another 1 million ! Now , do not ask me about the sheep ! The sheep out number people many many times !
South Korea is the size of North Island . South Korea that had about 40 million !
Japan is also about the size of NZ . Population is about 130 million !
Seeing those figures , you will feel or think that you are going to country where there are hardly any people! Yes , you are right !
We drove through scenic countrysides . Stayed in beautiful motels where milk was given frequently in the morning ! Friendly staff and comfortable stays.
Good roads . Everything was soooo fresh and clean !! The waters in the rivers was pure mineral water that you can drink without a worry ! Rotorua was wonderful , as we were able to see more of the Maori culture . It's an amazing culture . Full of traditions , dance and rituals . Tattoos are an important aspect of their traditions . Sometimes the whole face is tabooed ! Their food is really tasty . Cooked underground in a dug out with warm rocks to slow cook ! I think it is called ' Hangi ' .
I must say , that I enjoyed driving the car ! No need to worry about rush or traffic jams !
With so many wonderful experiences , we finally came to Wellington , the country's capital .
A very windy city and rains often . I have to again say , NZ is just out of this world ! I think National Geography calls NZ , a world in minature ! You get all the types of awesome beauty and truly remarkable contrast . Fiords, snow covered Alps , pristine lakes , glaciers , sub tropical forest and rolling farmlands !
I am already sounding like some tourist guide ! When
you write or talk about this land , you too will talk like one !
Anyway , from Wellington we took a ferry across to the South Island . Car kept well below and we enjoyed the blue ocean . We arrived in Picton , a small town that use to have a whaling industry in good old days.
Kept driving over rolling farmlands with sheep and cattle . We were in the Canterbury Plains .
We passed Kaikoura , where you can see whales passing ! Had lunch and we were on our way towards Christchurch . The largest city in South Island .
ChristChurch is so English . Avon river , lazy way to see the city . Trams too ! Warm scones and strawberry jam . Hot Earl grey tea and I have felt part of the English lifestyle . Slow strolls in the many parks . Just sitting back and relaxing ! So peaceful and wonderful !
I wanted to push on towards the South towards Queenstown and the fiords .
My family had enough and were tired ! So I listened and agrees too.
We rested for about 4 days in ChristChurch and flew back to hot sizzling Singapore !
I can tell you that I love New Zealand ! God's country !
That was one very good holiday that I will never forget !
Will write more about my experiences in New Zealand .
Will end now , my dear friends. Will meet soon .
Take care .
Amar.
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