New Zealand ..... October 2000

Well, this was our first trip, not knowing well each other.... we found out soon we pretty much share the same taste... for our adventures...

We traveled from Sydney as this was our station at the time. Both of us were working for the Sydney Olympic Games 2000 and after the end of the games and during the transition period for Paralympics we took some days off...

You can arrive in New Zealand from every part of the world mainly through an international hub. Flights for those living in Asia could be direct for all those in Europe you usually fly through Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong or China... All major airlines fly to New Zealand. Most of you will probably land in Auckland but we chose to go to Wellington. It was a short flight from Sydney (approx 3 and half hours) and we landed in Wellington. First impression is THIS COUNTRY HAS LOTS OF GREEN, second impression THIS COUNTRY HAS A LOT OF SHEEPS and third impression is THIS COUNTRY HAS NO STRESS.....

Our itinerary included going from northern island to the south one to visit Christchurch. We had already booked a car for our trip that we had to pick up and Stratis was really exploring the right side driving!!!! We had some funny moments ... and scary as well!!! We needed to take the ferry and signage around the city for how to get there is pretty clear. We boarded and of we go.... It's a short trip and you get to Picton. Ferries are on time, reliable and very convenient. You can book them online at www.interislander.co.nz their official website for online bookings.

The NZ highway was not an impressive one... it reminded of the eighties in Europe (of course that was 9 years ago... and I am not sure what is it like now)... but the scenery is really amazing and along the way towards Christchurch there are many areas which someone could visit.... we found out soon that the best one is Kaikoura for dolphin and whale watching for which I am crazy about but the weather conditions were such that would not allow us to go on the sea... so Kaikura was unfortunately out of the question.... We stopped at Port Robinson a beautiful picturesque place and we continued our way to Christchurch. It's a beautiful small (for european standards) city with many beautiful buildings, museums, and friendly smily people... which you will have a hard time to understand their accent no matter how good your english.... (unless its your mother tongue). We had chosen a budget hotel (as most of the times in our trips) and we suggest you book (if you ever decide to go on a trip) through www.sportstraveling.gr the site we have created as we can guarantee the best prices for budget to luxury hotels depending on your budget... We explored the city in the afternoon did some souvenir shopping ( I collect magnets from around the world and Stratis loves to send cards to his friends in Athens or other places around the world)... and we had dinner at a beautiful restaurant called Tiffanys Restaurant on 95 Oxford Terrace. We did not know when we picked it that it was one of the best local restaurants and we truly enjoyed the meal.... ( I am sure Stratis is wondering how the hell I remember... but I always kept a diary and all the little cards, tickets and everything that could create a memory afterwards)..... Forgot to the Riccarton House and Bush, a house owned by pioneers which was now a museum showing the lost glamour and capturing the history of the first people that moved to this newly discovered land...

Went back to the Hotel as we were exhausted and Stratis was from the beginning of the trip with a cold... not feeling very well most of the time... and with a fever at night....

The next morning we had a good breakfast and of we went back from a different road to Pincton to pick the ferry on our way back to Wellington. The drive is amazing as for hundreds of miles all you can see is land and sheeps so many different kind of sheeps... I would have never imagined... People have a slower pace here... and it is obvious wherever you go.... We stopped couple of times to little villages for a short break and coffee... and my bad habit a cigarette!!!

We arrived late afternoon in Wellington and we started to explore that city.... (I just realized that my photo life has practically started after the digital era... and I have no pictures to share...)... Wellington is at the lowest point of the northern island... and the capital... although many people think that Auckland is the capital.... the best part of it is the Queen's Wharf... a beautiful and cheerful stroll along the waterfront.... very lively and heart warming!! Many cafe places.... and restaurants to chose from....

I don't remember where we ended up eating dinner but I do remember that Stratis was exhausted from the driving and his condition was worst from the cold... We walked around for a while... as Stratis favourite passtime in a city is walking it... and truth is that through the years he did teach me that this is the best way to really observe a city... smell it... meangle... It is much better than sitting in a double deck bus... that just strolls you around and you have no possibility to catch the smile of a person... or smell the food the locals are cooking....

Next morning we just wondered around the city... went to the Botanic Gardens... (it seems every city in the world has one of those!!) and took our way to the airport... our three day we thought was ending here!!!

When we arrived we soon realized that the flight was overbooked... and just when we were getting a little bit worried about it... we heard a hostess screaming... "any volunteers for one night in auckland free hotel and dinner and take next days flight to Sydney?"..... Well when you know Stratis you know he is going to be the first one to offer if the deal is good... and truth is that we were not on a tight schedule so we could really do it.... Off we go to Auckland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived and the hotel was just great!!! free dinner as well.... and free tickets to museums in the city!!! (but we had to catch the first flight in the morning anyway so no use!!) We took our way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to the city and we certainly enjoyed it!!!!! We visited Auckland during the night but who cares... we were here for free and we were enjoying our time.... went around the city center.... had drinks at a nice cafe.... and we went back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.... The hotel had a sauna and swimming pool... and we did visit only the sauna....

Next day was an early morning flight... and we took the plane to our way back..... our first trip was over.... and I new then... that there were going to be many more to come.....

You cannot really do a country in 3 days... but you certainly get a glimpse of what is it like... and that was our purpose.... we were in Australia..... it was close and certainly cheaper.... New Zealand does give you the impression that you are far isolated from the rest of the world... For those that love scenery.... sports activities.... animals... and beautiful parks.... it certainly suits your interests. I believe though that for those traveling from far away it would be better to add another destination close by...

During the weekend I will write a detailed overview of Sydney.... our stay there for a long time... our working experience.... and our adventures around Sydney...

If you need to have detailed information on New Zealand.... enquiries about packages that suit your specific needs... or any other type of service... please contact info@sportstraveling.gr and I will be more than happy to assist you...