Aualand. Middle-earth and stuff...

I seriously wonder if there is grass in Russia. Uh, before some people get excited and unpack their 60's vinyl records, I mean the green stuff on the ground. That's the stuff that causes red eyes for some allergy sufferers in the summer, but is significantly less fun. So stay calm. But more on that later...

We haven't heard from us in a while. This is partly because we spent a few days at a nice hotel in Nelson. Among other things, to make Tine's birthday a bit more comfortable. At the same time, we were able to relax our laundry bag, which had grown to the size of a minibus in the meantime. One super practical thing about New Zealand hotels is that there is almost always a "studio" version of the classic hotel room. This means there is a kitchenette with a washing machine. Super practical for a 4-week trip. We also didn't miss a little shopping spree and a cozy dinner at a local steakhouse on Tine's birthday!

In the meantime, we have checked off a few things on our "must do" list. Starting with a horse ride on the beach. Tine had already found out in advance about the possibility of booking a horse ride on the beach. For this, we stayed at a small campsite/farm that offers just that. The nice lady's name was Bärbel. Bärbel is, as the name suggests, German. For several years, she has been running the "Hack and stay" campground in Takaka. Here, not only a nice campsite is offered, but also the opportunity to take a tour on one of Bärbel's 14 horses. Tine took advantage of the 2.5-hour ride at the sea and was thrilled.

Another highlight of our New Zealand vacation was a little kayaking tour along the Abel Tasman National Park. For this, we stayed at a campsite right on the beach of the national park.

In this area, it is about as difficult to find a kayak rental as it is to find an annoying wasp in a beer garden. In other words, we decided to go for one of the 723 kayak rental stations and set off. Or do you say row? Probably our uncoordinated movements regarding propulsion were neither one nor the other.

After we had our pants in our hands every time we encountered a bigger wave from a ship, we arrived safely on the beach. Seriously, it was amazing!

We then made our way towards the ferry. Our planned ferry crossing on the 17th of January was super relaxed. To reduce stress, we chose a campsite that is only 4 minutes away by car.

Arriving in Wellington, we headed to the Awastone Campground in Mangaweka. If you have already read the earlier blog posts, you may find this place familiar. That's because it was/is one of the most beautiful places on our entire trip and I have already mentioned it praising. The only difference is that this time we booked the "hot tub" on arrival. A small private pool designed to look like a wooden barrel, which can be rented by the hour. Relaxing in a pool at 38 degrees in the evening is really something!

Today was finally the day. The Hobbiton Movie Set. We had already booked the guided tour some time ago. For "Lord of the Rings" fans among us, it is an absolute must-visit when you are in New Zealand! The whole area is lovingly and meticulously designed and is kept alive by a large number of employees. To come back to the grass mentioned above:

I can't remember exactly how many times Christina pointed out to us to please stay on the paths and not walk around on the really nicely designed meadows. "The grass is incredibly slippery when it has rained," she said.. Christina was the super nice young lady who guided us through the movie set. Apparently not often enough.

A completely fascinated group of tourists is standing on a path, hanging on her every word. Because her explanations were really great! Suddenly, there is a dull thud in the background, and the whole group of tourists turns around. There he sat... on his ass... The Russian colleague who thought, "If I climb a little further up the grassy slope (about 85 degrees incline!), I will get much better pictures with my smartphone." An absolute highlight of the day. (He is fine by the way)

There are, of course, pictures of Hobbiton attached. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture the Russian performance of the dying swan. I was too slow.

Today we only have one thing left to do: pack our suitcases. Because tomorrow at 2:50 p.m. we will be taking our first flight to Bangkok. Heading back home. We will keep you posted!