Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass Village - Christchurch

Travel diary – Christians Church → Arthur’s Pass → Queenstown

A day full of excitement, adventure, and new experiences

Christians Church, early morning.

The day begins with anticipation and a clear plan: today’s route leads from Christians Church through Arthur’s Pass Village to a farm where sheep shearing will take place. A genuine piece of New Zealand. With a pleasant 30 degrees – not too hot, not too cold – a long, eventful day lies ahead. Return only in the evening.

Looking back at yesterday – a day that didn’t go as planned

Everything was actually well organized. But the flight was canceled, and the connection plan had to be completely changed. Instead of the planned route, the journey was from Auckland to Christians Church – which went smoothly until landing. Then an unexpected moment:

Going around just seconds before touchdown.

Full throttle, climb, aborting the landing. For the first time. A brief moment of fright, accompanied by thoughts of family in Germany – the two daughters, the wife. But the crew remained composed, and the second landing attempt went calm and safely.

The transfer to the hotel was uncomplicated. The room: spacious, comfortable, perfect for settling in after the long journey. The evening turned out to be very special despite the late arrival.

An evening in the church – music, people, connection

Together with Eric and Chris from the USA and Lisa from Canada, the way led into a festively decorated church – like at Christmas. The live music filled the room.

And then a moment of closeness across continents: The wife was connected live via video from Germany. Eric, Chris, and Lisa welcomed her. Conversation was impossible due to the noise, but the moment was unique. A short laugh, some surprise: “In the church?” Yes. Right there.

The dedicated church neighbor also received a video – a greeting from another world.

Today: The announcement of the great adventure

After a short night in Christians Church and a good breakfast, the focus shifts forward. Tomorrow the journey continues to Queenstown – the center of adrenaline adventures.

Bungee jumping is off the list.

Medical advice from BNI member Eberhard Wenzel: Risk for eyes and ears – don’t do it.

But:

The white-water rafting is booked. And here the real excitement begins.

White-water rafting in Queenstown – levels 3 to 5

Not the “beginner level,” but real natural force. Rocks, currents, no protected channels like in Leipzig. The whole thing lasts five hours – right in the wilderness.

The crucial thoughts:

– Is my English good enough?

– Will the commands work?

– What happens during the 2-, 3-, and especially the 10-meter drop of the boat?

A German couple met two days ago has already experienced the adventure. Their recommendation was clear: “Definitely do it – brilliant!”

Emotions and development

This journey changes you. It is intense, full of encounters, hardly any rest, constantly in motion. Not a senior trip, but a dynamic mix of people, activities, and impressions. A type of travel that should also be experienced together with the wife in the future.

Outlook

This evening or tomorrow, the report follows on how the day at the farm and the section towards Arthur’s Pass went. And in a few days, the chapter: White-water rafting in Queenstown.

Until then remains:

A travel day full of anticipation, gratitude, and noticeable personal development.