NEW ZEALAND - a heartfelt farewell

Hello from Kangaroo Island,

Time to review the last 4 months in New Zealand. 

After our trip to Asia, we were very happy to be back in familiar, albeit cold, New Zealand in mid-August. 

The job search proved to be a bit more difficult than expected, but after working in a kiwi packhouse for a week and picking zucchinis in Kaitaia for a few days, we eventually landed on a kumara (sweet potato) farm in Dargaville. 

But before we headed to the 'Kumara Capital' of Dargaville, we spent two weeks in our beloved Pukenui. 

We spent a lot of time at the beach and explored the area even more. Among other things, we visited Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. 

Most of the weekends in Dargaville, we had free time. This gave us the opportunity to explore the area and participate in some sports activities.

Whangarei was a great place for a day trip. We went there a few times. 

Among other things, we went there for a rugby match between Northland and Otago. Northland (Our team) won by a large margin, probably because it was the last game of the season and there was nothing to lose or win for both teams. 

I'm starting to understand the game more and more, so I actually enjoyed it. Unlike the first rugby match in Auckland :D

We were also able to see one of our favorite kiwi bands in Whangarei during a gig. I still can't listen to their songs today. I get a bit too emotional :'(

But it was still a great evening! At first, we thought we would be the only ones and waited for about an hour in the parking lot until a few other cars arrived. The same day, there was a rugby match between England and New Zealand, and England actually won. Vic could barely contain her joy :D We were still treated fairly ^^ In the end, it was packed, and to save money, we spent the night in Demi. Apart from the cold, it wasn't so bad :P.

Working with kumara was quite diverse, from sorting kumara in the packhouse to cutting cuttings and planting watermelons by hand. 

Our favorite task was cutting cuttings because we could earn a bonus by being fast. We got faster and faster :D 

Dargaville itself is a beautiful place located right by a river. It was particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. 

After 2 months in Dargaville, our last two weeks in New Zealand began, and before we had to leave this incredibly beautiful country, we embarked on a camping trip to the South Island. 

Since Jacqui was working in the north of the South Island, it made sense for us to pay her a visit and snag a bed for the night. 

Our first hike was in Arthur's Pass, where at about 1800 meters above sea level, we had a perfect view of the mountain range. 

Since I had already been to the South Island, I had already seen some things, but I still enjoyed exploring the roads of the South Island once again. 

Just like on our last trip, we hiked up Roy's Peak, from where we had a fantastic view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain panorama, especially at dawn. 

After a few nerve-wracking days in Christchurch, trying to get rid of our car, we flew back to Auckland. 

You can reach Waiheke Island within 45 minutes by ferry from Auckland.

Waiheke Island is known for its numerous vineyards. Of course, we couldn't resist tasting the excellent selection of wines. 

We spent them in the pub and the stadium in Auckland. But instead of rugby, we watched a soccer match. Finally, a game we both are familiar with :D 

Then came the long flight back and a heartbreaking farewell in London. 

Christmas and 5 weeks at home in Stendal followed before I packed my backpack again and boarded the flight to Melbourne, Australia. 

See you soon 

Best regards from Australia