We had a great flight to NZ. Paul and I were so exhausted from the wedding and planning for our trip that we slept most of the flight over. Our first experience with the people of NZ (airport employees) was very positive. The Kiwi's are very friendly and helpful. We had to pull out our tent to have it inspected for soils, seeds, and possible biomaterial s that might impact the local environment, and thank goodness we claimed it, they have very strict rules about biomaterials that may be found on camping gear. We overheard a stressed out couple who did not claim hiking boots. The authorities took the boots away and fined the couple $400!
At the airport we bought a phone and prepaid minutes for emergency purposes and possible new friends we hope to meet. We took a bus to our hotel The Auckland City hotel, that is one block away from the Skytower (It's a big deal!) After a shower we hit the town to explore. The weather changed about 20 different times from sunny to raining and windy, then sunny again! We had a great lunch at the Fox Ale House, and our first taste of NZ beer! Yummy!
We spent a good part of our day at the information center. This of course was not our intention. We grabbed most of the free brochures, and bought a great road atlas. The lady showed us how to get to the green bus that would take us to one of the buy back lots. We became distracted somehow, and I remembered that I needed to find the Department of conservation. Once again I walk through the doors of the information center. They pointed behind me to some computers. I looked up the address and sent Paul and I down the street to find 137 Quary st. After a brisk walk in the rain we realize that we are on the wrong path. So we head back to the information center for a third time. As I approached the doors to the information center I suddenly see the address is 137 Quary st! And right behind the computers is a desk that says Department of Conservation with a park ranger behind it. The oldschool kiwi that worked for the DOC was shy with his knowlge at first, but once I droped that Paul was from AK and we have extensive backcoutry experince and love of nature he opened right up and gave us lots of tips!
Our mission tonight is to plot somewhat of a course for the next week or so. Once we buy our van (hopefully tomorrow) we would like to set out and start driving on the opposite side of the road!
Love to you all,
The Miller's
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