Published: 07.05.2017
Short update on our current situation:
In the Tasman District, where Abel Tasman is also located, we were supposed to stay and work. Well, that didn't happen. Nelson, a city located just over 60km east of Abel Tasman, is almost inaccessible to backpackers (and that's where we wanted to stay and work). You get the feeling of not being welcome from everyone, whether at the supermarket checkout, in public toilets, or at campsites. The city itself is also closing more and more free campsites. It seems like they want to clean up the city from us backpackers. But that's another story. Anyway, that wasn't acceptable for us. We were treated respectfully and kindly throughout the North Island, and I don't want to miss that here. So we had to come up with a Plan B. Eventually, money was running low. The next area where there was enough work was Christchurch. Christchurch, hmm. 450km north. $100 for gas again. Well, we had no choice. We went down there and now we're here. We sent out job applications right away, but hardly anyone will answer us over the weekend. Tomorrow is Monday, then we finally know where, when and what our next job will be.
Now onto the beautiful things. Christchurch is just a paradise for campers. Here you can find probably the best, largest, and most well-equipped (is that even a word!?) campground in all of New Zealand. And it's free. 2 BBQ plates, a recycling container, countless trash cans, 2 men's and women's toilets each, an accessible toilet for the disabled, a large sink for dishes, and plenty of space (everything a backpacker could ask for). It's almost like a whole village. Only downside: hardly any network coverage. That's why this article is only coming out now. There's not much to report anyway. But don't worry, it will become more detailed, more interesting, and there will be many beautiful pictures that will take your breath away. Good things take time...