Why New Zealand?

I travelled to New Zealand in the 1980's on a SWAP (Student Work Abroad Program). My first choice of country was actually the UK, but New Zealand won out weather-wise. My original intent was to work about 4 months in New Zealand, spend a few weeks in Australia on way home. What actually happened was that I travelled and worked 4 months in New Zealand, got an Australian work visa and worked until my air ticket expired. I have very fond memories of being overseas for the first time, working on dairy farms, staying in hostels, hitching around with new friends, and sometimes even solo. I was sad to leave and hoped to return one day.

Fast forward 20+ years and I'm finally going back! I won the airfare (one only, alas) from Air New Zealand in an online promotion. On Twitter, if you can believe that. I found a friend who wanted to come and could afford the trip but we could not get our schedules to jibe. So, like my first trip to New Zealand, I'm returning as a solo traveller. Older, perhaps a little wiser, certainly a lot less fit.

Life's been a little frantic for me lately, so I welcome the chance to get away and perhaps clear the cobwebs away a bit. I have some idea what to expect, but I know New Zealand has changed a lot in the last few decades. I look forward to being surprised...pleasantly, I trust!

This is my first blog, so I'll stumble along and learn as I go. Perhaps post pictures when I'm able. In the meantime, thanks to all who have sent me travel tips and inspiring photos. Thanks to Doug O'Neill for permitting me to post his photo of Cathedral Cove, on the Coromandel Peninsula of North Island. (now I need to figure out how to put in captions) Kia ora..