Author: cpadmin (Page 6 of 6)

Yet another new experience for us traveling in New Zealand is living in a camper van. It’s fantastic to not have to pack and unpack a suitcase every night. We do have to find a place to camp each night, but somehow this seems so much easier than finding lodging. We are fully self-contained with a 2-burner gas stove, refrigerator, sink, pantry and storage cupboards, bed, tables and chairs (inside and out) and even a little port-a-potty if needed. We stopped for groceries, bought a couple of accessories and we’re ready to go. We haven’t had a meal out since we picked up the van. I’m loving this!

– Mindy

Thanks Joe and Lorraine at Rotorua Campervans for this great little rig and for getting us started out right! We are delighted to work with you and have you as friends.

Bed rolled up for day use.

Sink with sprayer that pulls outside – even hot water!

Girl Guide cookies and all – we’re ready to cook

Joe showing us how the awning works.

Where am I going to put everything?

Who cares! Just relax and have fun!

Our first camping spot.

A good opportunity for some solar charging.

Creative laundry drying.

Paul driving first…

then Mindy took her turn.

After getting Mary acquainted with the care and feeding of Pickles and the Pickles Palace, we were off to the airport.  Thank you, Mary, for taking good care of our kitty!

After about 2 days of traveling, but we finally made it to Auckland, New Zealand about 10pm on Wednesday, 6 March.

Ready for takeoff at the Humphrey terminal in Minneapolis. We won’t be this cold again for a while.

Getting on board.

Still fresh early in the journey. Lots of time in airplane seats – though each time with a window.

Coming into Honolulu

Took time to walk around in Honolulu to get some feel of Hawai’i and stretch our legs between long flights. Good sushi had here.

Mindy trying to get some shut-eye. Actually I got quite a bit of sleep on our flights.

Chasing the sun…

Getting closer…

Paul’s protection from the insecticide spraying as we land in Auckland. Need to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Welcome to New Zealand. Love the first message we saw even before clearing customs.

Thanks to Joseph for getting us all set up at Spark with our local New Zealand telephone.

Then off to our hotel to get some well earned sleep.

Cheers,

Mindy

Before our big journey begins we have had months of planning, researching, booking, rethinking, packing, reading, planning some more, worrying and anticipating. Part of the fun has been meeting with friends who have been to New Zealand to hear about their trips, favorite sites and recommendations.