From NZ to Australia

We had a great time on the South island. We flew from Wellington to Christchurch on Jet star airlines which we booked a few days prior to the flight. When we arrived in Christchurch we rented a car again from the airport. Because we hadn't planned on going to the South island as early as we did, we weren't sure where we would go from the airport. After a quick talk with the car rental girl we decided to go north westerly up to Hanmer springs. We spent the night there and continued on the next morning to the coast. The drive there was spectacular. We drove through narrow winding roads which were bordered by lush trees that grew right up along side, up and down gentle mountains that grew thick with greenery and most of the time there was a river meandering beside us too. I can't count how many times I said"this is just so beautiful"!

When we arrived on the coast we went in search of penguins and seals. We didn't see either but we did come to a great park that was called Panache park. This is where the pancake mountains are. They are very interesting hills that are formed by thin layers of rock that appear similar to pancakes. Very nice. We were surprised to find that this park was actually free. For the night we stayed in a small campground that had some cabins for rent. They had full cooking facilities so we went for some groceries and cooked up another fabulous meal of BBQ lamb and baked potatoes.

After supper we learned from the camp owner that there was a glow worm sight nearby. We hopped in the car and scooted over to see these fascinating tiny creatures. We had to bring our flashlight and walk up a path that was completely dark to find the area that glowed green from these tiny worms that have lit up threads that hang down to attract food and a mate. This little gem was also free in the town of Hokitika.

In the morning we had to stop at the jade shop and learn about finding natural jade on the beach in Hokitika. The shop owner showed us samples of the jade in its natural form and off we went. Within a few minuted Dean and Colton each found a few pieces. This was to good to be true. We hurried back to the shop only to be told that this rock was serpentine and not jade. Bummer. So we took another look at the real jade and headed back to the beach. The shop owner told Dean that he would know that it was real jade when he found it, and of course he did. Dean found a nice big piece of real jade. Dean and the kids looked a bit more and decided that this was good enough for today. We went back to the shop and the owner was very impressed that we came back with such a great piece. He said that Dean must have good karma for the rock to have found him. Funny.
The ride back to Christchurch took about 4 hours or so. We arrived at our new CS hosts to find an amazing family once again. We are so happy that we have taken this route in our travels. So far we have had such great experiences. The home of Darren, Helen and Maddie was so comfortable. They have a small guest house for their family and CSers to stay in. It has a little bathroom and overlooks their amazing tiered back yard filled with fresh veggies. We had a wonderful stir fry one night, a rhubarb crisp, toasted tomato sandwiches and the night we arrived Helen had prepared a roast chicken supper with fresh garden potatoes, sweet potatoes and roasted pumpkin. All from their garden. Did I say already how much I love CSing?

The morning Maddie left for school the day we left was sad. Her and Miranda and Colton had so much fun playing with her duplo and running around outside before and after school. We had some amazing talks with Darren and Helen over supper and wine about their travels around the world. and their life in NZ and when they lived in Australia. We hope that one day they will make the trip to Manitoba and we can host them.

We flew from Christchurch to Sydney and were met at the airport with the CSing experts. Kevin and Lynne have traveled all over the world and have CSed and hosted people for almost 15 years or so. Amazing people. The most hospitable people I have ever met I think. After we got to their home they led us up to our rooms (2). and showed us the lounge room with sink, fridge, toaster and coffee making supplies and invited us down for a few drinks over some great talk about what we could all do in Sydney during our stay. Kevin offered to take us to an Assie rules ball game. Which we did today. Tomorrow we will take the train over to the beaches and do some touristy stuff by the ocean. Have I said how much I love CSing???

We think we will be staying here for a few months days longer and soak up the wonderful experience we are having with our new friends. We are exploring the option of renting a camper van to head into the interior to do some opal mining before heading off up the coast and later into Asia.