Settled in New Zealand. We are already 10 days down under and slowly but surely we know New World, Countdown or PaknSave, driving on the left side isn't strange anymore and even our new driving home feels very naturally cosy. So we are unable to sit still: should we first get us a job? But first we need an IRD number and the CV's aren't translated yet.

The german way to do it

After the first two nights with Marty completely remote and on our own the supplies of fresh water with just 30% remaining and electricity (0%) were running out. And we got enough waste water which we would like to get rid of. So we went to Orewa. At first we go to the AA (similar to german ADAC) and the AMI to get some offers for third party insurance. An insurance is not mandatory in NZ, but we can‘t deny it we are just Germans: better be safe than sorry.

After that we went to the local library. For travellers an important ressource of electricity for devices, with the opportunity to print or scan and often enough even free wifi. We needed 1) to send our application for the tax number eventually and 2) send the first two applications for jobs. After that our route led us to the local campsite. Fresh water, hot showers, nice kitchen facilities, washing machines and especially electricity for our little campervan. Oh, how wonderful these little things are. And how happy those simple treatments can make you.

Rainy days ahead

Thursday, 18.02.: Another day in the library begins. It was sunny and rainy already the day before but today it is even more intense. We were so glad to sit inside with electricity, internet and a toilet. We sent out ten applications, sent emails, collected some information about campsites and appropriate passports to save even more. The day behind the screen simply went off. How annoying, you can also simply get used to not have to work with the laptop.

When we finally arrived a few kilometers north in the next Regional Park "Wenderholm", it rained cats and dogs. It always stopped in between, but then it started again raining. We spent the evening on our spread "couch" in the Marty and enjoyed having such a spacious van.

Eventually summer came back

And that‘s how the weather seems to be in New Zealand: Yesterday, everything was completely flooded - today the sun shines so intense and makes it lovely day. And all the water is gone. So we made a small track through the park as planned. First, past a restored colonial house, we went into the middle of the jungle. It is fascinating how well the rangers and the helpers maintain the nature here: the dense forest with palm trees, shrubs and trees. Colorful birds are singing and everything is well signposted and well run - including many stairs and footbridges. Always on the search for the indigenous birds we went the coast rocks up and down again. In order to protect the birds from predators, there is a large fence around every park (looks almost like in Jurassic Park) and you have to clean and disinfect your shoes to protect the plants from any pest plants before the start of the hike. We are of course exemplary hikers and spray our boots well and we also had a small snack on the way prepared.

Although we have seen not many birds, the track was worth it because of the great views of the bay. After the small 2h march, where we for the first time used our new hiking boots, we jumped into the turquoise sea. Hach - wonderfully refreshing. That‘s how you enjoy life.

Then we went with dried clothing to the north. In Warkworth, the local library helped again to check mails. Oh no - three rejections - well, we will keep on. After a short shopping tour in the local supermarket and a few more kilometers we parked for the first time on a free campsite with picnic ground, right next to the beach. The BioLite Campingstove first sighted NZ daylight and we bbqed directly at the beach. What is so special about this? It is fired only with combustible material, which can be found everywhere - wood chips, branches, pine cones, etc. And there is a BBQ upper part which we used for our roasting. And thanks to the built-in fan, the good thing even produces power during usage, for example, a smartphone ... the burgers have tasted twice, if not triple as well.

Afterwards we experienced an attack of a nasty dog while walking along the beach on sunset time, which could be withheld only with big difficulty. That was serious! Finally, we both fell asleep with a huge expectation for the sunrise next day awaiting.

 

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