This should scare you…

 

Before leaving for New Zealand we watched a documentary about the reasons you should live in New Zealand (not just visit).  They had 15 reasons, the first ones were no surprise; a gorgeous country, good healthcare, friendly people, quality education etc.  But the last reason was; if there is an all out nuclear war New Zealand might be the most survivable place on earth to be.  All of the super powers are in the Northern Hemisphere.  In fact only 10 to 15% of the worlds population lives in the Southern Hemisphere.  So New Zealanders, in their far south, self contained environment might survive?

Maybe we should work harder at world peace…

Kerikeri / The Bay of Islands

 

Today we flew to Kerikeri and then drove along the ocean to the Bay of Islands.  We started on the southern tip of New Zealand three weeks ago and have now worked our way up to the northern tip.  We have one more week to enjoy this beautiful country.

New Zealand countryside

 

We went off-roading in the New Zealand countryside and only got lost once.

In the second photo all of the cows in the pasture came running down the hillside to check us out?…greet us??

The people of New Zealand

 

The people of New Zealand were made for the outdoors!  They are rugged, earthy & capable.  They are also really, really, kind, friendly and always willing to help a complete stranger.  We felt this on our first steps into the country.  When we walked up to passport control (this group is usually not the friendliest) they smiled, asked a couple of questions about our stay, wished us a pleasant holiday, smiled again and said; “g’day”!

The curry platter

 

We stopped at an outdoor restaurant and I asked the waitress what the curry platter was.  She said; WHAT!  You have never had a curry platter??  I said; isn’t curry that spice from India or something?  Waitress; you have really never had a curry platter?  She looked at me like I had 4 eyes.  The man at the table next to us said; You have really never had a curry platter?  So, of course I had to order the curry platter, it had fried bananas, cabbage, curry and lots of other foods I had never heard of.  It really was very good!  Then a man walked by our table and said; How’s the curry platter?  I said, it’s very good, it’s the first time I’ve had it.  He said; What!, you you have never….and here we go again…. This must be the same as someone in the US saying; What’s a hamburger & fries?

What are the safest countries in the world…

 

The safest and most trusting countries in the world are New Zealand and Iceland according to the Global Peace Index.  It’s a precious title to have.  When flying within the country here in New Zealand there are no security checks, none!  They don’t feel the need for them because who would harm another traveler?  

We traveled to Iceland recently and we stayed at a hotel in Reykjavik.  I forgot my key in the room so I went downstairs to get another one.  I told the man at the front desk I needed a new key and room number, he just politely gave me a new key (no questions asked, not even my name)  because of course he believed it was my room!  

There are a number of reasons why people in these countries are so trusting but “trust me” its heartwarming to see their belief that all people are good.

Hiking the Waikato River

 

We hiked along the Waikato River.  The underground geothermal water flows along with the unique vegetation on the shore gives the river its beautiful turquoise colors.  There was a thundering waterfall at the end.