2.1.2018: Back to Germany

Today Eric is heading back home. In the morning, I receive an email stating that his flight is delayed by one hour and will depart at 3:30 PM. We plan to spend the time until then at the 'International Antarctic Center', conveniently located at the airport. Since the release of my Lonely Planet guidebook, the admission fee has significantly increased. 59 NZD is quite expensive, but we don't dwell on it too much during our vacation.

We arrive just in time to witness the feeding of the Little Blue Penguins. Some eagerly beg the caretaker as soon as she enters the enclosure, while others hesitate and cautiously approach or completely forgo the meal due to lack of appetite. We are delighted to see these cute creatures again and to capture them on camera. Each penguin is introduced on information boards with their names, characteristics, and personal history.

In addition, pictures and information panels provide insights into life and work at the base camp in Antarctica. Just looking at them gives me chills. We even get to ride in a Hägglund (tracked vehicle) where a special course has been set up for us. We drive over tires and logs in the water, conquer steep ramps, and hold on tight to avoid falling forward. Fun for the spine. In a cold room, we experience a spring day in Antarctica at -8°C. We skip the Arctic storm and the 4D cinema, but instead watch a film with captivating aerial landscape shots.

Lastly, we visit the huskies who endure the scorching heat here as plush toys, which is why I politely decline the invitation to pet them. That would be a feast for PETA for sure.

Back at the car, we reluctantly part ways. Eric walks the few meters to the terminal, allowing us more time to say goodbye and not rush in the 'Drop off only' zone. The short-term parking spaces are located across the street and not worth the extra cost. We wave a final goodbye before Eric disappears from sight. From now on, I will once again roam New Zealand as a lone wolf *Aroooo*.

Although I still have two walks on my list for Christchurch and the weather is fantastic (almost too hot), I decide to continue driving. Mainly because the hikes lead along the picturesque coast, but I have been able to enjoy the view so often and for so long in the past few days that I need some distance from it in order to appreciate it again.

My next destination is Hanmer Springs, which I have not been to on my previous trips to New Zealand. The first hostel in Hanmer Springs I call is full, but I manage to snag a bed in the 5-bed dorm at the second one.

The highway to Hanmer Springs is mostly straight and invites for a fast drive. However, one should not be tempted to go faster than the allowed speed limit of 100 km/h, as the police are well aware of this and are hiding behind a curve and also shortly before entering the town.

Fortunately, the weather forecast was wrong. Rain was expected for the next 4 or 5 days, partly with thunderstorms. However, I arrive in Hanmer Springs with only light clouds.

After checking in, I take advantage of the sunny hours and hike to the only point on my sightseeing list. The Colonical Hill Walk takes about half an hour and leads gently uphill. Once at the top, you have a view over Hanmer Springs and the mountains in the background. If it weren't for the surrounding scenery, you could easily believe you are somewhere in my home country.

After a short city tour, I head back to the hostel to prepare a salad, where I get into a nice conversation with a Dutch and a New Zealander.

I spend the night as the only woman in the fully occupied 6-bed dorm. With such a high proportion of men, it was clear that at least one of them would snore, and indeed, that was the case.