Last Day in NZ - Christchurch - Day 92

23 days in NZ isn't nearly enough time to see everything. We have much preferred the South Island to the North. We've kind of raced through NZ with no time to chill out and just take it all in. We would definitely come back here, preferably in spring because it would probably be even more beautiful seeing everything come into bloom. This really is such a beautiful country, everything is a lush green (even in winter).

We can see why so many Saffa's have come to live here, however, Saffa's here seem to have made a bit of a bad name for themselves. In Auckland, we heard a story where some parents have tried to force the schools to teach their kids Afrikaans, I mean really, this is not your country, culture or heritage, if you want your kids to learn Afrikaans, either teach them yourself or go back to SA. End of.

Kiwis themselves seem to be a little stuck in the 80's, even the radio stations consistently play hits from the 80's. Kiwis also seem to be so uncomplicated, there is no need, or rather, they feel there is no need to keep up with the Jones' They are very happy driving an ordinary car, we have only seen 1 flash car while here and that was a Porche in Christchurch! Houses make no statements about the owner either. They are very eco driven, with any new builds all being environmentally friendly. Recycling is huge, everything is recycled, campsites even have wormaries for scrap food. NZ is definitely a model for other countries. It has been a little confusing though, with them being stuck in the 80's yet completely eco driven, we need to ponder this a little more.

It's been difficult to update the blog while in NZ, it's bloody expensive for one and we have been blazing on through! Thanks to all who have sent Peter and I emails in the last couple of weeks, we promise to reply to all of them as soon as we can.

Onwards and upwards to Australia for a jam packed 28 days, surfing, rain forests, snorkeling on the great barrier reef, etc, etc, etc!!

Sien jou