Kia Ora!

After a quite distressing good-bye from Australia (Air New Zealand couldn't find our booking), we finally arrived safely in Christchurch on NZ's South Island last Thursday. At that time we were literally thrown into winter - it was freezing (as promised) and roads were closed everywhere throughout NZ due to snow and ice :-( Still, we enjoyed two somewhat rainy days in Christchurch and surrounding area and then headed up north to Kaikoura (famous for whale watching, although we didn't get to see one) and west across mountain ranges to Hanmer Springs, where we spent our third night in NZ. Hanmer is famous for its hot sulfur springs and apparently is the less touristy version of Rotorua on the North Island. After a good soak under an amazing (and freezing cold) starry sky, we headed up to Abel Tasman National Park (north of the South Island). Now, not that any part of New Zealand is dull or boring in any way, but THAT is a beautiful park!!! We were really lucky and had sunshine all the way through our stay there (2 days) and especially for the kayaking trip we went on yesterday. Leaving early in the morning, we were introduced to the dos and don'ts of kayaking and headed on out, around hidden islands and beaches, one of which we stopped at for lunch before paddling back. Definitely one of the most amazing things I (we) have ever done (although my back and shoulders are REALLY sore today). Wish we could show you some pics, but we're currently at a more low key internet cafe, where digital cameras are difficult to hook up. We'll make that up, I promise...
Currently we're in Picton (north-east of the South Island), waiting for our ferry to the North Island early tomorrow morning. We're a bit sad, I believe, that we didn't quite have the time (and the weather?) to make it all the way to the south of the South Island, i.e. the Southern Alps, fjordland, glaciers and more stunning landscape. Alas, we'll just have to come back (very sad, indeed ;-)). We believe we'll have enough time to get a good impression of the North Island, however. If the weather plays along, we'll get to see Mordor (Tongariro NP) and the Shire there...maybe!?
In less factual terms, we've been greatly impressed with the country, its people and, of course, the countryside. It has been somewhat challenging to meet so many folks on the road and in the hostels who have been here for 9+ months, working and travelling. At the same time, we have run into other working people who've flown down here for 3 weeks or even 10 days - so I guess it is all up to what you make of it and what you expect. I suppose one would have to work after a while, too, as even low-key travelling can suck finances dry surprisingly fast, we're noticing.

Last but not least, let's see if we can come up with some first impressions of NZ, as well:
- The kiwis sound like Aussies with a Scottish accent. (P)
- ...sounds a lot like South African English to me ...especially the "e"... (L)
- Looks like Canada does in my mind (P)
- Palm trees in the snow!!!
- Christmas music in restaurants - does that come with the snow??? (L)
- Amazing night skies.
- Feels more Continental than Australia for some reason.
- Seems to have an active "hippy" culture - organic foods, great environmental awareness (how could one not be aware of the environment in this country?)...
- Definitely as great as I've expected. Very happy. (L)

That much for the moment. More from the North Island...