New Zealand - Days 1 and 2

Finally, we get internet access to write the first New Zealand post! It’s been a great start to the trip so far. We’ve got a campervan hired and are driving around the South Island. Here are some of the things we did on Days 1 and 2, followed by some details, fun facts, and pictures!

• Landed in Christchurch at 1:30pm
• Got our campervan from Road Runner Rentals by 4:00pm
• Groceries
• Night 1 - Campsite near Arthur’s Pass
• Drive through Arthur’s Pass
• Hokitika Gorge
• Night 2 – Franz Joseph Top 10 Holiday Parks

Things to know if you visit

• Prices of the van, campsites, and hotels vary drastically from season to season. Since we are here in complete off season, our van costs ~550 NZD for 10 days. Each powered campsite is between 40 and 45 NZD. Backpacker hostels are between 20 and 30 NZD per person (bunk beds, around 10 bunks per room.)
• Facilities across the country are amazing. Each town has public toilets that are very very well maintained. Just know that the water is freezing because it’s from the mountains and you can’t shower there.

Fun facts

• We’ve never seen the stars better than in NZ. In the campsites, after around 8:00pm, you can see so much. And Mohit is obsessed with it.
• Sheep in NZ get the best views. The farms here would make for national parks in other countries. 
• Camping in a non-powered site (like we did for night 1) in below freezing temps is idiotic. Don’t do it.
• Hitchhiker and backpacker culture is quite prevalent, even in the winter. Hostels try to separate themselves from the competition by offering free hot soup.

Days 1 and 2 Picture Summary

Look at Question 7 and go to 9. I feel the love between these neighbors.

"Domestic flights" in NZ mean travelling between four cities.

The Blair Witch Project location / our first camp site!

Who needs a mustang??

After camping in the freezing temps, Fate had had enough and was planning to hitch-hike the rest of the trip.

The living room / bedroom / dining room!

State of the art kitchen!

The beginning of an epic drive.

Just a regular ole bridge that happens to be a one-way (like every bridge in NZ)

Done making the bedroom!

A waterfall had to be channeled over the highway!

Evil evil Kea bird, poorly imitating a chicken.

Encountered more bugs in this evil forest than in Hawaii.

Look Ma, Hotikita Gorge!

Baym!

Franz Joseph sunset