A lifetime ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey to New Zealand.
22 short years later, with my husband in tow and a little more money in our pockets, I was beyond thrilled to return to this amazing, beautiful country.
Here’s a countdown-style ode to our 19-day Kiwi adventure.
Thanks to Jo, for organising this special trip so brilliantly for us.
Emma x
500,000 cafes and bars closed on a Monday (and Tuesday)
404,000 steps on all terrains
2,803 photos
2,000 miles of backseat driver nagging
670 NZD fuel costs
400 mountains and lakes
150 dolphins
70 and more unidentified roadkill victims
62 coffees
60 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
50 factor sun cream
49 hours in 4 planes
40 pairs of pants
38 ‘what day is it today?’
25 degrees down to 2 degrees
18 nights
18 Māoris doing the Haka
17 portions of fries
16 green lipped mussels
15 minutes at Huka Falls
14 lbs weight gain
13 hotels
12 ‘little naps’
10 waterfalls
9 o’clock bedtimes every night
8 Orcas
7 portions of vegetables (at a push)
5 blow holes at the awesome Pancake Rocks
5 airports
4-hour fabulous Franz Josef Express journey
4 seasons in one day
4 vineyard tastings
4 cities
3 boats
3 sulphur geothermal lakes
3 hours in Te Papa Museum (brilliant)
3 hire cars
2 new seas (Tasman and South Pacific)
2 glaciers
1 serene kayak paddle on a beautiful lake
1 geothermal spa soak
1 redwood tree walk
1 train journey
0 lie-ins, lazy days, or suntan
0 Hobbiton or Lord of the Ring (by design)
Almost no cross words with husband!
And of course, there is only one Jo Shayler-Tarrant!
