New Zealand – Page 6 – Travelling reflections

TransOceania Auckland Rest-day 1

Yesterday was travelling from Sydney to start the next section of this trip. Barbara stayed on in Sydney to do delve more into it’s culture and theatre (well it’d rude not to with the Opera House in Circular Quay) before she heads back to the UK’s Winter Wonderland.

We rush to be first in queues to get on board planes. We then rush to get off the plane and get out. Both ends have natural dams to hold back and triage the flow. In both Sydney and Auckland it’s just the security checks: the e-passports do their thing quietly and efficiently.

The NZ check is a detailed biosecurity (e)declaration then a physical check. So having said Yes to we have Sports equipment and we’ve been through rural area, we expect a third degree. In addition to normal bio-risks they have big “we’re worried about foot and mouth” notices all around.

So I am a little surprised with one of our riders jumping up and down whilst enthusiastically declaring “we been through everything: mud, woods, off-road”. My voice shouted – factually – “and 99% of the trip has been on road” (my foot was nearly in her mouth). Anyway what could have been a latex glove internal inspection was thankfully just an extra x-ray of bags and bike. Which was show room clean, ready for inspection. Shed fairy practice paying off.

I do admire their slick IT. From filling in details on an app less than 24 hours ago, the Security agent has it seemlessly and easily read in front of him. BA take note…..

Today bike building, sourcing a new chain – it comes as a shock when the assistant says they only accept a physical payment card. Thinks hard “where might that be?” So now carrying one jic. (Amazon have a very low presence here and deliver from Australia).

Like Australia, I also like the convenience of booking a blood test on-line, going to a high street collection centre, results within 2hours. All for circa 20UKP.

Walking around Auckland on a temperate sunny day you can see it’s development from low- rise to high. First settled by the Maoris in the 14C, the Brits started getting our elbows out from the late 18C. Named by Governor William Hobson (I’m staying in Hobson Street) after Lord Auckland, Viceroy of India,

It was the capital between 1840-1864 before Wellington, the latter being a more acceptable fulcrum between the North and South Islands. 1.5 of the 5.5million population now live in Auckland.

Among the Māori names for the Auckland isthmus is Tāmaki-makau-rau. Mainly bilingual signage and a noticeable number of people wearing black clothes. A lot of homeless folks mix with the busy city goers.

Feels prosperous, and looking upwards.

Tomorrow, some galleries (it’s due to rain).

New Zealand

Blake’s Seven, Day 25

The Avon meanders through Christchurch. As did we. How do you plan to rebuild a city the size of Cardiff/Edinburgh after the 22 February 2011 earthquake? Apparently they are sticking to the plan that was hatched in the 100 days following. I hope they find space to make the temporary 185 empty chairs outside the temporary Cathedral permanent.

Edinburgh can learn from here. Their trams still run. Street Art helps bring a sense of renewal to what might otherwise seem like a haphazard large building sight. Innovative use of containers helps street markets trade. The trees of the Botanic Gardens are remarkably unaffected.

It’s strange to be back in a city after three weeks in rural areas. You notice the noise of the roads juxtaposed with the atmosphere of street music, punctuated by park joggers earning their later calorie intake. The Museum does a good job at bringing strands together. Sobering to think that 10% of the New Zealand population fought in WW1.

Cars: predominantly Japanese (Toyota), with the odd Ford thrown in. Bins: red for waste, yellow for recycling. If a wheely bin, use these colours on the lids of the black base. Plugs: very odd. Railway lines: 3ft6″, vs our 4ft8″. Mainly for freight. Wifi: iffy. Fish and chips: excellent. People: lovely – helpful, interested and genuine.

New Zealand

Christchurch meander, Day 24

Strong winds whips in the rain, first we’ve seen for many a day. A short hop of 240km punctuated by coffee shops.

Some random thoughts. What’s been surprising? Rosehips along lower paths, and other invasive species as diverse as possums and lupins. Fungi proliferate across changing landscapes and vegetation. Why English Breakfast tea? I’m sure NZ breakfast is just as good. Coffee and cafe culture with Cabinet food. Long black coffee is a good kick start to the day, from sleep to eyes on stalks within 5 minutes.

Jucy Lucy has caught on in a jovial way. She weaves her way in km and litres though sticks to tradition, travelling on the left on the single carriage way roads. Multiple Cycle shops in every place. More than wind farms or solar panels which are few and far between. Clean toilets even in the remotest location, most with very welcome long drops.

New Zealand

Tickling Erica’s spine, Day 23

600m up from the hut have an all round view of mountains, lake, moorland, skies. In a way a neat summary of all that we’ve seen on this trip. The fantastic weather accompanied us back down, Belted Galloway’s watching us curiously as we cruised the deer fencing.

New Zealand

Observatory, Day 22

Into a huge basin, Mount John Observatory gives a perspective of Lake Tikapu down below. The draught of Chinese tourism is felt here, selfie sticks competing with star gazing domes.

Lake Tikapu is our stop on the way up to Rex Simpson Hut, our overnight bunk house. It is amazing what good food can be rustled up on a small stove. Pre dinner entertainment was provided by a cloud show: fast changing shapes and colours. Post dinner caberet was the Milky Way: photos do not do it justice.