Outside the Comfort Zone

We have decided to step out of our comfort zone during our trip. So far, this was not really the case, as we were mostly traveling in a campervan or camper here in NZ. We always had our bed with us and could do whatever we felt like. But for the remaining time on the South Island, we wanted to hitchhike and be more spontaneous, as you are dependent on others and don't know exactly where it will take you. It has always worked perfectly so far. In Queenstown, we only waited 10 minutes until someone picked us up, and in Wanaka, we waited 20 minutes for a 5-hour ride to Fox Glacier. We also arrived there at 6 p.m. without booking a bed in advance. However, we quickly realized that everything was fully booked in this small village or would cost 250 dollars. Hmm... what do we do without a car, no available room in sight, and no tent? That's when Rahel had the great idea to check the gas station shop if they have an extra blanket or something similar so that we could sleep outside in our cheap sleeping bags. And indeed, they had cheap plastic tarps. So we were able to sleep outside in front of the hotel on a small lawn area next to 3 other campers who also did not get a bed.

Fortunately, it stayed dry all night, although relatively cold. In any case, we were able to leave our comfort zone for the first time, and it still felt good. :)

The next day, we went to Fox Glacier with our camping neighbors from Peru, where we could see impressively how much the glacier has receded over the last few years.

Oli