New Zealand Day 16:

Woke up around eight trying to make it to the omaka aviation museum by 9 am. Checked out, picked up subway for brekke and lunch and headed to the museum. 60usa$ for us both to see their WWI and WWII exhibits. The replicas and the dioramas looked life like with mannequins. There were about a dozen ww1 planes and heaps of memorabilia. Matt was stoked. After about 45 minutes we went around to the WWII hanger and they too had impressive collections. Had a spitfire and a German scream plane... I forget the name. It they had a three d video of what it would have been like at Stalingrad. Pretty intense. Then about 1045 we were done and packing up for our five hour drive to Christ church along the road that was washed out by the earthquake and is undergoing massive repairs and is only open daylight time. We had to have the car back by tomorrow at 9am... but are trying a 630am flight to Sydney and after hours drop off is an extra 40$ so trying to get the car back by 530. There is an emirates flight to Sydney at 645pm but it's red. Worth a shot.

We drive along the coast. Hit the part of the road that was washed away and meandered through the stop and go of one lane traffic all while the seals were splashing off in the harbor. About 3.5 hours in we realized we were going to be 2 hours earlier than we wanted, so stopped at a vineyard for tasting and a pint. Enjoyed the last of our New Zealand sun on the patio with a rosè and a pilsner.

Arrived to car rental return a little before 4. Had to wait for the one person to have time to mark our car off. Despite bending the hubcap we were good to go and dropped off at the airport awaiting our emirates flight to Sydney. No such luck. There were two seats open but they had to go to the emirates non revs. Luckily the plan was to get a room at the jucy snooze 10minutes walk away so we could walk to the airport in the morning. Got picked up by the shuttle and checked into our room. Picked up some chicken curry and fried noodles from a nearby restaurant and enjoyed that and a couple pints in the "hangout" room of the hotel / hostel. Big open areas with full equipped kitchen and bean bags and picnic tables and all the electrical outlets one could need. Anyway, quick to bed. 4am wake up to try and catch our 630 flight to Sydney.

New Zealand Day 15: Blenheim vineyards

Woke up by 9 to be on the road by 930. Vineyards are open for tastings 10-430 and we were 1.5 hours away. Got packed up and would find brekke at a cafe along the way. Turns out along the way was a solid 45 minutes into our drive before we came across a cafe. Ordered a flat white coffee and a bacon egg and cheese sandwich. While waiting I reserved a room at the bing motel for 80$ and was granted access to it early so we could put our leftovers in it. We also touched base with the wine and bikes lady to pick us up at noon from our hotel. Got our food and. Back on the road. Made it to our motel-- complete with families living there and people under house arrest there. (But it was the cheapest option by like 30$) brought all our things in and within a couple minutes were picked up to go on our self guided biking tour. For 30$ we got bikes helmets locks map and round trip driver. Got to the bikes and after a few safety tips were on our way.

Some wineries charge for tasting-- so those we decided we would buy something from those as it makes the tasting free. Most New Zealand roads are two lane with no shoulder but drivers are pretty good about avoiding bikers. Anyway, on our way with four hours to return-- first stop Giesen; $5tasting fee so we decided to get lunch consisting of a cheese platter and two glasses of the Sauvignon blanc, what Marlborough region of New Zealand is known for. Then we went to Wairau River (free) and beat the rush to Nautilus Estate (free) and then up the road a bit to Forrest. This one was started by two doctors, one of which likes to experiment with non traditional wines. We ordered a 7 glass tasting tray for $7 and a cheese and paytay platter for 16$. Very good. Beat a tour group to there which was nice. Then bikes a bit to Gibson bridge, a ma and pa shop who grows and processes their own. They are know for their Pinot Gris which is not like Grigio. An older couple from north Caroline joined us during this tasting... she's a wino and her brother runs a vineyard in napa. ((Insert eye roll as she wouldn't stop talking and asking obscure questions)) after spending more than 45 minutes at that tasting we then had to start our trek home. Bikes about 5 miles to the next vineyard to find they closed at 4 (it was 403) so stopped into Allan Scott (3$ for tasting) so decided we would buy a bottle for dinner tonight from here. Ended up going with the Sauvignon blanc for $18 and then onto the Moa brewery which happens to be run by the son of the head of Allan Scott. Lol. Ordered two pints and tried finding a place to sit. We were waves over to a table with an older couple. Turns out she's from Minnesota and moved down to New Zealand to be with her partner. Has some good conversation until it was time to head bavk to our pick up site-- 13 minutes away. Pulled up right on time and a little sad we couldn't stay at the brewery longer.

Anyway we were the last to be dropped off heated up our leftover Indian food and enjoyed the evening. Turns out leftovers weren't as plentiful so we ordered green chicken curry from the busy restaurant next to us along with some potstickers. Ten we had to pack up our carryons to fit in the overhead compartments. Tomorrow: drive five hours to Christ church after seeing the Omaka aviation museum. Gonna try and catch a red faced emirates flight to Sydney to try and fly out Monday am to USA. We'll see. Hoping the non rev odds are ever in our favor.

New Zealand Day 14: nelson beach

Woke up around eleven which was amazing. Hotel check out is 10am so we were able to catch up on some much needed sleep. Went to the grocery store and picked up a pie for brekke and some wraps for the beach and were on our way to the center of New Zealand landmark. Which happened to be up a hill half hour grueling hike. Once there we had a great view overlooking nelson and the ocean. Went back down and stopped at the queens garden. Filled with different plants and ducks. Then off to the beach. Got there, no shade. So we went searching for a beach umbrella. Doing a little google work I found New Zealand's equivalent to Home Depot and they had a beach hut tent on their ad. Perfect. Drove 10km there. Found a beach hut rent that folds up quite small for 15$--12usa. Stopped at mccashins brewery for a pint and some of the best chicken nachos I've ever had and retreated back to the beach. We spent about two hours there. Went in the water to my ankles and then was done. On Matt's way back he spotted a man of war jelly fish thing which totally ruined any chance of me going back in the water. Retreated back to our room for a much needed shower and then into town to try and find something for dinner. Indian, Chinese, pizza, bar food.... decided on indian and requested the best chicken and then best lamb dish. I think we got chicken tiki masala and lamb... madras? 15 minutes later we were on our way back to our hotel, pulled the table out to the balcony and enjoyed the amazing food. Also for garlic cheese naan. Oh so good. Food coma pass out. Tomorrow: Blenheim to rent some bikes and hop between the vineyards.

New Zealand Day 13: Arthur's pass to Nelson

Woke up around 9 and had our stuff packed up and out by 10 (usual checkout time here) went to the grocery store and picked up pie for breakfast. (Mine was chili cheese matt went with a steak) and a couple chicken basil wraps for lunch and were on the road. 1 hour to Arthur's pass to do some hiking and then 4 hours to nelson to check in for two nights and relax on the northern beaches of the craft brew capital of the country.

Made it to Arthur's pass through a lot of windy roads parked and did two waterfall hikes (punch bowl falls and bridal veil falls) before heading on our way. Skipped the north west side of the island as we wanted a few days in nelson to relax in the sunshine before heading home.

The drive was pretty boring and long. Stopped at buller gorge and did the longest swing bridge in the country at 101m. Hiked around the small island and then back on the road. Found numerous places in nelson with vacancy so tried to book one near the town center. Paridiso backpackers and motel or was. 270nz$ for two nights (about 100$usa/night) but the room had air conditioning!!!!!! Our car mind you has worked and gotten us this far-- however it doesn't have air. So the hot and ozone free sun rays make it unbearably hot during our 4+hours of daily driving. Anyway, checked in for the ac going and went to the free house pub for a pint and ended up buying dinner -hamburger and Rueben there. Took awhile but our food finally came and. Was gone in. I time as we were starving. Went to Vic's Mac brewery which was just a pub that only served Mac beer. Had a pint and chatted up with the bartender a bit. Then back to our room for some much needed sleeping in and not having any alarm set whatsoever. Tomorrow: center of new Zealand hike, queens garden exploration, and beach day!

New Zealand Day 12: glaciers

Woke up and packed up our stuff and were out by 10am. Stopped at subway and grabbed a breakfast and lunch footlong as we knew our day was going to be a lot of driving and we were off. Eyes set on monro beach to see some fjordland crested penguins and then fox and franz Josef glaciers. West side of the island is quite wet and rainforesty. The drive on haast pass was very windy with multiple one lane bridges and stops for one way traffic and road construction. But an hour and change we were to the west coast. Drove up to the monro beach pull off and started our hike to the beach. The book says 30 minutes one way and it was a solid thirty minutes and we were moving quickly. And then it started raining. By the time we got to the beach it was downpouring. We were there for maybe a minute before we decided we weren't going to see a penguin and started our half hour walk back to the car still being dumped on. Lol. Whoops. Fjordland penguins are very hard to see as they are out to see for months at a time and only return to shore to nest or to moult. I had my rain jacket on matt did not. He was soaked. Changed into some dry clothes and were on our way to fix glacier.

Hiked the half hour rock hop to a straight up hike only to have the rain start again and clouds close in. The glaciers in banff were better. Hiked down the half hour return in our sandals because why get your tennis shoes wet and back in the car. Stopped for a coffee in the town of fox glacier and decided where we were staying that night. Found a hotel on hokitika 2 hours north (4pm currently) drove to franz Josef glacier and did the 20minite return rock lookout. Again the glacier was tucked away. Both glaciers are on rapid retreat. The clouds made this one almost impossible to see. But we saw it. Cross it off the list.

Back in the car and hurriedly off to hokitika. Arrived at 7 dropped our car off at our bungalow and started our walk into downtown. Ordered pizza at fat pipi pizza-- the trex: all the meats topped with a sweet BBQ sauce. And 2 spaights. Yumm. The one nice thing about this town and the west coast is the sunsets. Picked up a couple beverages and watched the sunset over the ocean. Walked back to our bungalow and across the way was a glow worm dell--- they had glowworms in the trees and you could see them for free! Not as brilliant as the waitmo caves on the north island but they were cool. Then retreated to bed and called it a night. During the day there was a thrifty traveler mistake fare nationwide to Auckland for 350$! Y'all missed out if you didn't see / book that! Anyway--Tomorrow: Arthur's pass up to nelson. A lot of driving.

New Zealand Day 11: glider & wanaka

Woke up and packed up our stuff and were on the road by 9. Picked up brekke from McDonald's to eat on our two hour drive out to omarama for Matt's glider flight (happy birthday). Passed through a bunch of vineyards on the way but we were pressed for time so didn't get to stop.

Made it 10 minutes early, met his instructor and went down to the grass runway. He got fitted into his parachute and put into his glider and before long was being tied to his tow plane and was off. 345$ for 30 minutes. I went back to the office and waited while he mostly flew the glider after release up to touchdown finding thermals and different spots to generate lift. About forty five minutes later he was back and we were on our way to the west coast. As the glider flight was a 4 hour detour we stopped for lunch in the town of wanaka. A lake town known for some hustle and bustle. Grabbed a deli sandwich and discussed our remaining itinerary. Next day is glacier day but the towns on the west coast are quite small with not many accomodations. So we decided to book a lake front room and enjoy the beautiful day in wanaka. Paid back the lavender farm lady who had no service for cc and just gave us our coffee and lemon cream cheese muffin by depositing what we owed into her bank account and then checked into our 1br with a kitchenette lake view chalet room. It was quite nice. We hung out in the room until about 6 when we started looking for a place to eat. Woodfords pizza truck.... Mexican... Indian.... settled on Thai. I got chicken pad Thai and matt got green curry. Oh so good. Brought our own bottle of wine for 5$ and enjoyed the food in the restaurant with no ac and no food airflow. 🤦‍♀️

After dinner we walked the lake and retreated to our room. Lots of driving tomorrow to fox and Hans Josef glaciers.

New Zealand Day 10: queenstown

Woke up at 930 hoping the hotel we were in had a room available for the next night and we didn't need to pack up and be checked out by 10... no luck. Sold out. It amazes me how all these hotels have no vacancy.... and the ones that do are 200-400$ a night. Anyway while still with wifi I worked some magic and found a lakeview room nearby for 150$usa. Check in starts at 2pm. So we quickly packed our things and loaded into the car and dropped off the key at 1002. With 4 hours to spend inside our car, we drove an hour up to glenarchy, grabbed a cup of coffee from the general store and went down to the lake. It was pretty. Next stop, the ski village at the remarkables. Time 130. Got about 6km up the winding roads before we were stopped for construction. For out of the car and hiked up a small hill for a fantastic view of downtown and airport. Took a couple snaps and then decided to turn back around. Per the book and construction guy the views don't get any better the higher up we go. Stopped at a grocery store for some beverages on our way to the hotel, checked in and marveled at the view we got. Had a few drinks on our private balcony, took a nap, and then headed out for dinner about 7pm. Walked the wharf found a ranch grill with 15$ entrees including a green curry chicken. Ordered a couple pints and a calamari and then the curry. It was super good. Having split the entree we were looking for something else to split, decided on a single hell pizza and picked up a couple walking pints before the stores closed and are our pizza on the sand of the lake. After that we retreated to our lake view hotel room, tomorrow: early wake up to get to Omarama 2hours away so matt can do his glider flight.

New Zealand Day 9: Millford Sound

Woke up at 745 and packed up to hit the road before 9 am. Two and a half hour drive to milford sound for our cruise through the sound. Drove and stopped for some spectacular views along the way through this fjordland created by glaciers. Checked out mirror lake and a mile long one way tunnel, and the chasm complete with coffee cat-- a coffee truck 2 hours from town. Then made it to the sound forty minutes before boarding. Walked around and checked in for our fo orange sound cruise complete with fish and chips.

Boarded and set off on our cruise through the sound. It was a tid cloudy but the helicopters and planes were still flying around. Saw some bottlenose dolphins which too are visitors to the sound. And some New Zealand fur seals. Encore lunch was ready. Enjoyed the fishy fish and chips and continued through the sound. There was a point that was 500m wide which gets winds of up to 100knots. The mountains on the sides of us were up to a mile tall. Made it all the way through the sound to the Tasman sea, this sound wasn't discovered until like 1920 from the open sea as it doesn't look like the water retreats as far back as it does. At the speed of our cruiser (slow) it took an hour to get out to the sea and an hour back. The boat brought its bow all the way up to a waterfall three times the height of Niagara falls although it appears much smaller than that because it's dwarfed by the mountains on either side. Being sprayed by that falls per maoi legend makes a person look ten years younger. Anywho back to the dock and off we were again. Hoping to make it to te anau and queenstown before 7pm. (2.5 hours to te anau and 2h to queenstown). On the drive back per our obscure travel guide was a walk with a "walk wire". That's right, a hike with a wire for your feet and two wires for each hand to cross some obstacle. The writer of this Book looked for years trying to find one and finally found a couple seven years in. We missed the turnoff on the way up but Wanted to make sure we caught it on the way down. 4km after cascade falls. Found it. Turned off and started our "tramp" into the New Zealand wilderness. The trail was marked with orange triangles mailed into the trees. Timer started? 10-12 minutes to the walk wire. Mud and stumps and moss covered the path as well as curious birds. Sure enough six minutes in there was a sign for the walk wire 10 minutes out. We made it to the walk wire in 11:57 but who is counting. Matt crossed first. Then I made it halfway over the raging stream Below before retreating back. Matt soon followed and we were a k to the car in 30 minutes total. Car started phew. And we were back on our way to te anau. Picked up our laundry by 5pm and onto queenstown. Drove through more country side with no place to call home in queenstown. Matt started looking at hotels as I drive. 200$ a night! And very few hotels with vacancy. Finally after a bit matt recommended he drive so I could find a hotel. Bam. Ten minutes after looking I found a room at the earnslaw motel for 120$ a night 10minutes walk to downtown queenstown. Called the hotel to confirm and we were booked. Reception closes at 8pm and per the gps we were set to arrive about 730. Made some stops along the lake including devils staircase before pulling into our hotel. Checked in out the food in the fridge and then headed towards downtown queenstown for some food and drink.
Found a pub with $5 (3.75usa$) pizzas. Sold. Ordered two and a pint and enjoyed our 20$ dinner and drinks. Walked around more of queenstown known for its nightlife and millennial hangouts before deciding we were too old. Headed back to our room to sleep in until the typical 10am checkout. Decided we want to stay in queenstown another night-- tomorrow Matt's birthday and relaxation in the town.

New Zealand Day 8: catlins

Slept in, thanks to our host pushing check out back to noon. About 11 we were packed up and ready to get our anniversary brekke at the local cafe. Ordered a ham mushroom and onion omelet and matt ordered the banana bacon pancakes. We sat and enjoyed the view of the beach just meters away. After brekke we were on our way, driving the arid coastline of the catlins with our end goal marked for te anau, the stopover before heading to Milford sound.

We followed a detour created by Google through some catlins forest, 30km of gravel road through some pretty forests and country side. The gravel here is huge, our poor car. We eventually made it back to blacktop and continued along the southern scenic road. Towards the town of bluff, southern town known for its oyster festival. Drove up to a lookout point , super windy here and then down to the end of the road, before continuing on our way. Stopped and filled up the gas tank and picked up road munchies: sweet chili Thai Doritos, sugar free Coca Cola and pods (snickers put in a cookie shell). Continued our drive along the southern scenic route stopping every once in awhile for. Breathtaking views. Stopped at Merwins rest for a pb&j sandwich. Looked up Milford sound cruises, knowing it's a two and a half hour drive to Milford sound and we don't wake up incredibly early we were after and early afternoon departure. Found an 1115 with the company we rented our car from then a 1230 with fish and chips and good reviews. Went with the second. All the while matt driving us straight on to te anau. Pulled into town about 6pm and stopped at a couple hotels looking for vacancy before settling on with with a kitchenette and close proximity to the lake. Ran to the grocery store to pick up some breakfast pie and then dropped off the car.

Walked along the water front in search of an anniversary dinner place to get steak and lamb. We ended up settling on the #12 restaurant per trip advisor--Moose, as it was on the water front. Ordered cocktail shrimp, a lamb shank over mash with gravy and a steak and prawns with crokettes and veggies. Enjoyed our drinks while waiting for our food hoping a seagull doesn't poo on us. Food was prewarned to be a little slow but when it finally arrived it was oh so good. No room for dessert, walked the lakefront back and tucked into bed. Tomorrow is early with laundry to do (matt is on his last tshirt and then a 2.5hoir scenic drive to milford sound and back ending in queenstown.

New Zealand Day 8: yellow eyed penguins

Woke up around 9, had brekke (toast) packed up our things and check out. Went to the steam punk exhibit-- oamaru is the birthplace of this artsy craze... it's steal/metal work of Olden day creatively pieced together for the future. Idk-- Matt's thing. It was interesting. There was a mirror room with lights that was pretty trippy. Anyway, walked around outside and then on our way out matt paid 2$ to start the steam engine out front.

We then walked through the historic center and looked at a few cute shops before getting on the road. Oamaru is the town where the two remaining from scotts Antarctic adventure were picked up in a small dinghy. Can't imagine those waters in a dingy. Started driving with our eyes on the catlins. Stopped about 30 minutes up the road to check out the moeraki boulders. Giant round boulders that are perfectly circular that have been on the beach in this town now decaying. It was cool to see, then kept going. Stopped for some cheese sampling-- bought a smoked brie and detoured back to a scenic highway route. There was a marine layer of clouds that we drove through as we wound ourselves through small towns. Pulled into a campground so matt could use the toilet. I am so glad we did not camp and rented a car instead!! The people in this campground which was basically a soccer field with campervans lined up looked miserable. We are a pb&j sandwich looked at the map and decided we may stay in the catlins tonight to try and catch a yellow eyed penguin siting--and then we were off along our drive.

Next stop Dunedin to see penguins, a castle, and other sea life. Drove out to the otago peninsula and on the way signs for the castle popped up. Perfect. Drove forever yo the hill to the castle, paid 15$ each to look around at the gardens of this Scottish castle-- and the only castle in New Zealand. After about a half hour walking te grounds we were off. 16km to see the penguins. But we took a wrong turn and ended up on the other side of the peninsula which resulted in a 30 minute detour. And then an hour along the windy roads to the end of the road at the albatross center. So many seagulls! Lucky we both escaped without being shat on. Walked down to the penguin lookout (but penguins live out as sea during the day and retreat to their nests at night) but we saw some harbor seals. Then back in the car and Andreas turn to drive. .... needless to say we survived. We arrived back off the peninsula and set our eyes on the southern scenic drive. It's a forever long drive that weaves along the coastline. Decided we would stay in kaka point known for its hide to see yellow eyed penguins. But I was hangry as it was 5pm and the half a sandwich wasn't tiding me over. Matt found a spot not too far off the road and we stopped for some fish and chips takeaway. 9$ for fish and chips and a cheeseburger. (Originally I wanted mcdonalds or Burger King drivethrough as we had three hours ahead of us). Super good and we were on the road. Stopped for gas 10km from kaka point. Called a few local hotels-- all sold out. then found a luxury spa motel that had vacancy and a. Balcony with a gorgeous view of the ocean for 135usa$ and the night before our anniversary-- ok to splurge. "Key is in the door, have a look around and I'll be by in the morning for payment". That's kinda the attitude here. Super nice and trusting people.

Dropped our things off and drove to the penguin lookout. Parked the car and walked the 5 minutes to the hide-- apparently these penguins are easily spooked -- which means they won't return to feed their chicks and the chicks starve to death. Few people inside this lookout hut. They saw a couple penguins awhile ago who went out to sea and were waiting for their return. About twenty minutes after we got there the people who were there before us called it a night and took off. Not even 1minute after they left I spotted a penguin retuning to the nest. Oh the penguin waddle is so cute 😍. We watched him disappear into the grassy nest. Waited a few more minutes and then retreated to our villa to enjoy some NZ vino and the smoked Brie cheese. Tomorrow--drive the catlins and make it to te anau, the start of the drive to Milford sound.

New Zealand Day 6: mount cook

Woke up and showered for brekke by 850. Had toast and cereal with a family from germany who were here for a month visiting their daughter who was working abroad. Then we back figured our trip-- where do we need to be by when to make sure we do all the things we want to do. We still have three days of wiggle room. Then we decided we were going to drive out to mount cook and overnight in oamaru-- known for their blue penguin and yellow eyed penguin colonies. Got out to our car--no flat tire! Packed up, said goodbye to our wonderful host Ginny-- who told us to park by the red shed and walk the beach to see he penguins (and avoid paying 25$/person). And with that we were on our way.

Two hour drive out to lake takapu, known for their gorgeous night skies. Made it to the beautiful mountain lake, skipped (or attempted to) rocks and then drove to the spa area. Captured some pictures and then drove towards mount cook. Pulled off and made pb&j for lunch then continued for an hour to mount cook. Very touristy spot. It in the middle of a valley surrounded by mountains with hanging glaciers. We parked the car, walked and snagged some pictures before retreating to the cafe. Ordered a flat white coffee (coffee and milk) and sipped it while enjoying the scenery.... and numerous coach buses letting tourists out by the dozens. Picked up a post card and sent it off to kaylee johnson and then we were on our way-- with andrea driving. Detoured to a hiking spot which we didn't hike. Then the three hours back to the main road. Lots of one lane bridges and winding mountain hills. But we made it out.

Turned into oamaru and started looking for a hotel nearby the penguin spot. Matt found an olden building with shred bathroom in the heart of everything for 90usa$ a night. We took it. Turns out the building used to be a brothel back in the day. And dropped our things off, enjoyed some cheese and drinks before going down to the Scott's brewery before the penguins come ashore. Had a really good Greek pizza and a pint and then set off to the red she'd recommended by Ginny. We hopped down a wall to the beach and climbed up a harbor. We saw the bleachers where everyone who paid $25 per person were waiting for the penguins. "Here they come" we hear, and then a security comes out and kick the dozen of us out. But we saw a few dozen penguins come to shore for free. Bam. Climb up the wall and head bavk to the brewery for one more pint before retreating to bed. Tomorrow-- south scenic route to position us for Milford sound.

New Zealand Day 5: Canterbury

Woke up around 830, showered packed up our stuff for the most part and walked a quarter mike to our car rental location--Lucky. Cars were 18usa$/day. Cheapest car rental per my usual searches was 50usa$/day. So knowing we were going to be getting an older rundown car was okay. Got to the car rental place, reviewed the insurance policies--original one booked was $10/day with a 1000$ deductible. Plus 1$/day to add a second driver. Or for 15$/day we could have 0 deductible .... which we ended up choosing and good thing we did. Time was 945 and we had to be checked out of our hotel by 10, so I left matt to collect the car and I packed everything up and out of our room... that was tricky with the 4 grocery bags 2 packs 2 rollarboards and 2 purses. Anyway, got it down in one trip and checked out by 1001 to avoid extra charges. Meanwhile matt was still waiting for the car to be brought around. Finally about a half hour later it was brought around. Not a typical car we are used to renting. No power anything. Damage all over the car and 333,000 km on it. If this car gets us around the entire South Island without issues we will be happy. Anyway-- since we selected the 0 deductible plan the agent didn't even go over the damage as we can essentially crash the car and walk away without paying a dime. Matt drove to the hotel and we put the stuff in the trunk. As we couldn't figure out to lock the car.... you have to use the key on the outside of the car and manually lock it-- it prevents the keys from being locked inside!

We walked around the block to pick up coffee and eggs on toast for 10$.... but we're behind a big order so luckily we stepped outside and noticed a subway! Subway brekke is usually cheap and filling. Matt ordered a footling eggs and ham sandwich and a coffee for 10nz$ (about 7.50usa). Done. Super good. While he waited to order I went to the grocery store and picked up some water (1$/1.5l at the grocery store vs 4$ at the gas station). Met matt back at the subway and ate brekke. Packed up the car and drove around the block the ther way to the Antarctic center-- center which brings you to the Antarctic without setting foot on an expedition. 50$ per person to enter by it was pretty cool. They had a snow room complete with an Antarctic winter storm where winds are created to dust up to 30mph and the temp is maintained about 17f. The windchill during the storm dropped to -1f..... I'm pretty sure our walk to the lightrail last week when we left was colder than that but anyway-- for the kiwis it was pretty exhilarating. We then got to hop a ride in a hagglund-- the all terrain vehicles created for Antarctica driving. We went through an obstacle course up 40* inclines and declines, over a 3ft gap, 30* sideways pitch and through water and logs and over a tire track. It was pretty neat to see all the different things the vehicle could do. Then we headed back inside and saw a few little blue penguins, read through other exhibits and then into the 4d movie experience "ice voyage". The seats moved and there were wind and water spurts that made you feel like you where there. We also had 3D glasses on. It was pretty neat, almost like the voyage we did. Then at 145 we left and started our drive. (After stopping back at the car rental about our cars at not working -- thy don't have to fix it so they aren't going to).

Drove an hour and a half out to the peninsula town of akaroa. Stopped at a cheese factory and sampled some Gouda and Edam cheeses. Bought a couple. Made up pb and jelly sandwiches for lunch. Cars engine had a hard time starting but alas we Made it to town. Walked the harbor. Got some pretty pictures. Then took the tourist road back-- the high road offering pull offs of beautiful scenery. Puts banff to shame. Then 2 hours later we were back on the main road with our sites on Timaru, a southern town known for some little blue penguins and at the mouth of the highway to mount cook and lake takupo. Found an b&b for 70$ a night. With 2 hours Togo, we pulled over and andrea drove as Matt's head cold was getting the best of him. Trying to stay between the lines and actually being able to see with the mirrors on the right side of the car is surreal. Made it to our bnb only to drive a little too quickly into re curb as I was trying to turn around. Oh well 0 deductible... hopefully no flat tire as if it's our fault we pay. Oh well. Unloaded our stuff and it was about 815 and per Ginny our host most restaurants close at 9pm as it's a "sleepy town" but the penguins Come to nest around 9-11pm. Found a pizza shop ordered Togo and walked the mile to the beach.. no penguins. Enjoyed our pizza, walked back as matt neeeed to sleep and I drove the car back to the beach. Quite a turnout but only 2 penguins were spotted. Returned to the bnb and fell asleep pretty easy. Next day: mount cook and oamaru (hundreds of penguins).

New Zealand Day 4: Wellington to South Island

Woke up, matt a little groggy and stuffy from a head cold / fly he probably caught while crossing the pond. Packed up the room, showered and made our bacon and steak pie in the oven. FaceTimed matts parents to wish Dave a happy birthday and off we went. Drove the coast down to Wellington. Stopped at a small town pharmacy to pick up some chlorapheneramine for Matt's post nasal drip and cough drops. It was a little bit of a challenge but at last we found what I wanted-- well the dex-isomer of what I wanted 🤓. Along we continued. 2.5 hours to Wellington.

Made it and drove atop of a lookout, which was very pretty-- saw the airport and the harbor then we were going to drive the coastal drive around the harbor but on the way found a kabob shop-- had to get a döner kabob and drove to the harbor road. Found a lookout with a bench and enjoyed our kabobs overlooking the water. Matt took a nap in the car and then it was nearing 330. We booked a standby flight to Christchurch for 36$ total for the two of us that takes off at 610. Continued driving around the harbor and then made it to the airport.

Checked in for our flight and were given exit row seats immediately :-) easy standby trio ever. Booked a hotel walkable to the airport and car rental location and we were off.

50 minutes door shut to door open and we were in Christ church. Called the hotel shuttle. Checked into Our room and booked a car (for 18$ a day....). Off to the grocery store and found a Mexican restaurant with $4 tacos on tuesdays, then to sleep. Next day-- Antarctic mueseum and driving ... somewhere! Cheers!