Hello !

..Kia ora is the greeting of the Maori.

Finally arrived and now acclimatized!

With two layovers in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver), we arrived in Auckland after about 40 hours. At the airport, our shoes and tent were checked for cleanliness. This is how New Zealand prevents parasites and foreign plants from being introduced to the islands.

All of a sudden, it's +12 hours later, we see a completely different vegetation, hear birds chirping that we've never heard before, and winter is over for us! Which I don't mind at all! With gorgeous 27°, a light Pacific breeze, and blue skies, it's very pleasant here.

The first impressions were really positive! With a 'Welcome to New Zealand' from beaming Kiwis (that's what New Zealanders call themselves), we were warmly welcomed at the airport in Auckland.

The people here are incredibly nice and accommodating. Some people from the region of Swabia (Germany) could learn a thing or two from them!

Now it's time to look for a car! We want to buy a car to allow us flexible travel. Plus, it's cheaper than renting a car. At least, if you're traveling in New Zealand for a longer time. (Our travel time is approximately 2.5 months)

That's why we're flying to the South Island to Christchurch today. Our road trip will start from there.

That wasn't originally the plan, but as they say, things always turn out differently than planned 🙂

Oh, and guys! When I come back from here, I'll look at least as big as Hulk!

Our backpacks are really heavy!