New Zealand, New Dream

Sitting looking at the little airplane image flying from Singapore to Christchurch was quite an emotional experience. Actually arriving on the opposite side of the world is very different to just planning to be there.

Christchurch airport and all the officials were very friendly - first impressions, very good. An hour later, sitting outside the airport, still waiting to be collected by the shuttle to pick up Miss Maui, my name for our camper van, first impressions were dwindling.

Finally, our driver arrived and Miss Maui was introduced to us by the lovely Kris, our Maui representative, a similar age to ourselves and an absolute delight. Sue got her started on all the key data we needed. How many children did Kris have, how many Grandchildren, where did they all live and when would Kris be visiting them next. Kris's daughter in London is having another baby in June and later this year Kris is going to London to help for 6 months. Miss Maui and I just looked at each other, wondering if we would ever get acquainted with her best features, like how to plug her in, find her BBQ, turn her gas supply on and off or operate her loo? When Kris commented that Miss Maui was actually a 3 berth, I seriously wondered whether Sue would invite her to join us!

We finally drove off to find a supermarket and the nearest camp site to the airport. The time difference and lack of a full nights sleep meant we needed to get provisions, get to a site, eat something and sleep. Tomorrow we drive to Franz Joseph, through Arthur's Pass, about 6 hours of driving.

Good night everyone, welcome to New Zealand.

Love Sue and Trev xx

Sue with Miss Maui finally getting acquainted!