From Australia to New Zealand!

We spent a lot of time with my friend Sheetal and her family... We all went swimming together. On our last day in Australia, we took a trip to the Blue Mountains - the Jungfraujoch of Australia :-) At least the clientele was the same! The weather was sunny, but unfortunately, there was smoke again because the bushfires got worse overnight! We were surprised that the viewing platform was in the middle of the village of Katoomba! However, it is currently being expanded. We took the Giant Stairway down to the rocks - this was also the only hiking trail that was open due to the fires! It was quite impressive! After a coffee, we went to the airport, where we were able to return the rental car quickly and check in the large luggage. My mini scissors were deemed 'dangerous' at the security check, and I also had to take a drug test. The kids thought it was worse than me! We had a cozy meal and browsed all the shops... With a little delay, we flew to Christchurch with Virginair. After just under 3 hours, we finally set foot in New Zealand!!! The customs controls did not show any mercy even after midnight, and it took a while until we were through! Fortunately, our hotel was only 500m away, so we could go to sleep satisfied at 2 o'clock! In the morning, we immediately went back to the airport to pick up our car. Luckily, a very spacious car - so the kids don't have to hold luggage pieces between them! We only drove 100m further, and there was a surprise waiting for the children - a visit to the Antarctic Centre. There we observed the small blue penguins (all animals that were rescued somewhere in New Zealand), experienced a storm in Antarctica, went on an excursion by boat in a 4D movie, petted huskies (even Matti!), and as a highlight, we drove through Antarctica (parkour) with an expedition vehicle! It was great!!! Afterwards, we drove to our cottage in Akaroa. Unfortunately, it rained and the view was not great. However, we could already imagine how beautiful it would be! It stormed and rained during the night. The children did their schoolwork in the morning, and it became friendlier around noon, so we set off and explored the area. Once again, I am thrilled with the beautiful nature that this country has to offer! We have already seen a kingfisher, wild rabbits, and fantails! Tomorrow, we have a long journey ahead of us, as the planned road is closed (landslide)...