In August, winter caught up with us again. We saw frosty mornings and snowy landscapes. Not surprising, as we were quite close to the highest volcanoes on the North Island. However, it took a lot of patience to finally enjoy clear views of them. The mostly cloudy sky tempted us to reduce our travel speed.
Nevertheless, we had some experiences that we will not forget quickly. With the next eleven questions, we will review the month of August. To make it clearer which answers belong to whom, Tobi's answers will be bold and mine will be italicized - because of course, the two of us don't always have the same opinion. ;)
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- New Zealand is home to several recognizable volcanoes. Which one was the most beautiful for you? - Tobi: Mount Taranaki - the lonely volcano on the west coast. Every time we saw it, it enchanted us. We viewed the mountain from different directions and were never disappointed by the sight. Nadine: Whether on a car ride or during a hike, the cone-shaped Mount Ngauruhoe with its snow-covered slopes was always in sight.
- You mentioned a lot of patience. Was there a day that stood out as particularly boring? - We can't name a specific day. However, the time in Whanganui was not very exciting, mainly due to the weather.
- Boredom makes you crave sweets. What did you snack on this month? - Sweet and salty microwave popcorn made the movie night perfect. The New Zealand chocolate maker Whittaker's impressed us not only with its taste but also with its fantastic creations. We were particularly fond of the peanut butter-filled version. Yummy!
- While candy is usually available all year round, it's different with fruits and vegetables. Are there any varieties that disappeared from the shelves? - The legendary red cabbage and mango salad will probably only be served again in Germany. Kiwis are still available, but they have become significantly more expensive.
- Did anything shock you in the past month? - While waiting for our portion of fish and chips, we witnessed one of New Zealand's biggest problems. Various well-known fast food chains advertise with incredibly low prices, which many locals fall for. Long lines of cars form at the pickup counters around the clock. The dramatic result: about a third of New Zealanders suffer from obesity.
- You also spend a lot of time in the car. Was there a route you drove in August that stuck in your memory in any way? - The drives through Tongariro National Park were very beautiful, with the volcanic plateau always in sight, inviting us to take several photo stops. The 160km drive from Turangi to Cambridge seemed very entertaining to me. In reality, I underestimated the arrival time by three hours. Oops.
- New Zealand's bird diversity never ceases to amaze you. Did you have any extraordinary encounters this month? - Just like us, it seems that the tuis are looking forward to spring. Eight specimens were searching a tree with pink flowers for something edible. The concert they performed during this was great. I have fond memories of the night in the Rotokare Scenic Reserve. While heavy rain showers were raging outside, we could occasionally hear a kiwi calling out loudly - unique and unmistakable.
- Besides the wildlife, it's also the waterfalls that make a strong impression. Do you have a favorite? - We agree on this one. The Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan were exceptional in many ways. Four viewing platforms offered great perspectives of the 55m high bridal veil fall.
- At the end of an eventful day, your stomach rumbles. What delicious food did you have in August? - The homemade hamburgers in Cambridge were pure soul food. In Oakura, we had the best fish and chips so far - "... crispy fries and crisp fish that crumbled just from touch ...".
- What fell into the category of "luxury goods" this month? - Unlimited internet at the campsite turned our van into a small home theater. When everything seems to freeze outside, the shower in Ohakune lures with a towel warmer and private heat lamp.
- And finally: Your favorite pictures from the month of August! -
Parrot
Tui in a Dream of Blooms
Mount Taranaki
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We hope you enjoyed this brief recap as much as we did. Although we have been in New Zealand for so long, we haven't lost our passion for exploring. :)
In the coming month, spring officially begins. At the same time, it is the last month that we will spend entirely in this wonderful country. We will of course share what it has in store for us in the following blog posts. :)
