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Day 101
Monday, April 20, 2020 at 4:00 PM
🌙 14 °C
Altitude: 368 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68811, 176.0693438°41’17” S 176°4’10” E
Day 26 of self isolation
April 20, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
This morning we got up early and walked to Wi-Fi spot to video call Carla our friend who we worked with in the hostel. It was lovely to see and talk to her. She managed to get a flight back to Barcelona after weeks of trying. We were glad she made if back safely. She has invited us to come and stay with her in Barcelona when everything has settled down. We might make a holiday of it next year.

At 4pm we watched the PM Jacinda Ardem announce that lockdown level 4 which we are currently in, is going to be extended for another week. We will then be going in to level 3 for 2 weeks. Not exactly what we hoped for but at least we aren't staying in level 4. There were only 9 new cases of coronavirus today and no new deaths.

The whole effort of everyone in New Zealand has definitley paid off. Jacinda said "We have done what very few countries have been able to do, we have stopped the wave of devastation. Our transmission rate is now 0.48, overseas the average is 2.5 people," Ardern said. Another 3 weeks does seem a long time after a month in isolation but we completely understand why it needs to be done. Hopefully this will mean new zealand can return back to normal after this and we won't have to go backward back in to lockdown again.Read more
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Day 102
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 4:00 PM
🌙 14 °C
Altitude: 372 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68799, 176.0687738°41’17” S 176°4’8” E
Day 27 of self isolation- feeling fed up
April 21, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
I woke up not feeling very motivated at all and in all honestly a bit fed up knowing we have to wait it out for another 3 weeks before we can move on and travel after a month of being in isolation . I had a long lie in then got up. Laid on the sofa didn't do anything all morning and most the afternoon. Didn't even bother doing a plan the night before to keep us both busy today. Ashleigh was feeling the same today. At 4pm I finally showered and got ready Ashleigh persuaded me to go out for a walk saying we both need it we will feel better. It was a beautiful evening and the lake was so calm I havent seen it that calm in about 2 weeks. The weather has been windy and raining most the time. I did feel a bit better after the walk. I decided I would write a plan for the next day in the hope I'll feel more motivated to do something. The more busy we are the quicker these 3 weeks will go. Hoping that it won't be for longer than that.Read more
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Day 103
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 5:56 PM
🌙 14 °C
Altitude: 367 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68801, 176.0687138°41’17” S 176°4’7” E
What a difference a sunny day makes!
April 22, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
Day 28!

I woke up feeling a bit more positive. The sky was clear and sunny for the first time in a week and a half! We could see the snow on the mountains for the first time ! Which has been covered by clouds for a while. I started the day with a Bodybalance class. We went for a walk by the lake and relaxed at our favourite spot two mile bay. We were having lunch on the terrace and I heard my name being called! It was Conny and Timo. They were dropping some rubbish off in the large hostel bins. Timo has been clearing out his house. It was lovely to speak to them from a distance (the terrace) they were both feeling a bit fed up recently too. Hopefully we will be able to properly meet up in a week when it's level 3.

We relaxed on the terrace with a book this afternoon. We went for another walk early evening as the weather was so nice! Didn't end up making Welsh cakes in the end. We don't always stick to the plan. It just helps us be in some sort of routine. We will make them tomorrow.Read more
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Day 104
Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 372 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68567, 176.0699238°41’8” S 176°4’12” E
Day 29 of self isolation
April 23, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
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Day 105
Friday, April 24, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 373 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68599, 176.0716638°41’10” S 176°4’18” E
Day 30 of self isolation
April 24, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Another beautiful day today! We went for a walk by the lake and relaxed on the grass soaking up the sun. Cooked spaghetti Carbonara in the evening and enjoyed it with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc. We stocked up on some wine from the supermarketRead more
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Day 106
Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 4:25 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 379 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68587, 176.0716538°41’9” S 176°4’18” E
Day 31 of self isolation
April 25, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Enjoyed a relaxing yoga session followed by a sunny walk to the harbour.
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Day 107
Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 5:02 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 367 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68779, 176.0692238°41’16” S 176°4’9” E
Day 32 of self isolation- 30 going on 13
April 26, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
This afternoon we went for a cycle to the hot springs. Ashleigh decided to try out the BMX dirt hump track on the way. I did tell him he was too old for it and the kids have been doing it for a while so they know what they are doing, but he ignored me. He followed a kid over a hump and fell off his bike. He now has about 6 cuts/grazes, a ripped hoodie and a painful bruised hip....30 going on 13 🤦‍♀️Read more
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Day 108
Monday, April 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM
🌙 15 °C
Altitude: 373 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68602, 176.0738°41’10” S 176°4’12” E
Day 33 of self isolation
April 27, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 15 °C
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Day 109
Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 360 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68961, 176.069538°41’23” S 176°4’10” E
Day 34 of lockdown day 1 level 3!
April 28, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Today the lockdown has been lifted to level 3 from level 4. We had a wonder around town to see what's open unfortunately you couldn't go in the shops but the restaurants and cafes were open for takeaways only and also shops click and collect service. I ordered a Cappuccino and Americano for Ashleigh and two cookies online and then picked them up at one of our local cafes. It was so nice to have a takeaway coffee it's been a long time! Makes you appreciate the little things in life. We then relaxed on the beach by the lake.Read more
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Day 110
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
🌙 12 °C
Altitude: 373 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68603, 176.0715738°41’10” S 176°4’18” E
Day 35 of lockdown
April 29, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
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Day 111
Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 6:47 PM
🌙 12 °C
Altitude: 373 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68603, 176.0715838°41’10” S 176°4’18” E
Day 36 first takeaway and great company
April 30, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
TravelerLooks delicious 👍
4/30/20Reply
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Day 113
Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 3:55 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 353 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68995, 176.0695338°41’24” S 176°4’10” E
Day 37 of lockdown
May 2, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
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Day 113
Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 4:12 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 353 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68992, 176.0695338°41’24” S 176°4’10” E
Day 38 of lockdown
May 2, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Ashleigh asked me to cut his hair this morning. Never done if before but thought I'd give it a go! See pictures below of before and after. I cut a bit too much behind his ear 😂 but other than that I didn't think it was too bad for my first attempt.

We went for a walk by the lake in the afternoon. I checked my bank account and we've been paid a wage subsidy from the NZ government which we did not expect! :) we will use the money when we travel the south island. I feel we didn't deserve that money but I feel a bit better that we will spend it travelling the south island so the money will be going to NZ tourism.Read more
TravelerIt's a shame you can't cut mine! Love Dad
5/3/20Reply
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Day 115
Monday, May 4, 2020 at 4:02 PM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 366 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68786, 176.0693938°41’16” S 176°4’10” E
Day 39 of lockdown
May 4, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
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Day 115
Monday, May 4, 2020 at 4:04 PM
🌧 14 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.6867, 176.0704638°41’12” S 176°4’14” E
Day 40 - No new cases of coronavirus!
May 4, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C
There is a rainbow of hope at the end of every storm 🌈
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Day 116
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 372 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.688, 176.0687838°41’17” S 176°4’8” E
Day 41 of lockdown
May 5, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
Second day in a row of no new cases of coronavirus. Brilliant news! Well done everyone in New Zealand for their great efforts. Will still remain at level 3 of lockdown. We find out on Monday if we go down to level 2 meaning we can travel around New Zealand. Starting to feel a bit more hopeful . There has also been talk about a trans bubble between NZ and Australia. It could take weeks or months. Hope it won't take months.

In the morning I looked through my new zealand books and brochures to start getting some ideas of what we what to do in the south island. In the evening we treated ourselves to a nice Indian takeaway from suncourt our local takeaway. We had it with a nice cold beer.Read more
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Day 117
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 354 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.69043, 176.0704638°41’26” S 176°4’14” E
Day 42 of lockdown
May 6, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Woke up to a beautiful sunny day today. In the morning we got up early to video call Callum and Crimp. It was lovely to talk and have a catch up.

We then went for a walk to two mile bay. In the afternoon we relaxed reading. In the evening I video called my mum for a catch up. It was lovely to talk and also to speak to Austin.Read more
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Day 118
Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 4:54 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 366 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68405, 176.0685238°41’3” S 176°4’7” E
Day 43 of lockdown
May 7, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
The mountains are looking beautiful with snow on them now! So lucky to have this on our doorstep.
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Day 119
Friday, May 8, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 364 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68785, 176.0679838°41’16” S 176°4’5” E
Day 44 of lockdown
May 8, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
This morning we had our first work meeting after lockdown with Timo our manager , Leanne and Theresa. Conny and the kids also came to say hello. The meeting was to discuss if anything needs doing in the hostel. We showed everyone around the hostel and the work we've done. They said we've done a fantastic job and everything looks spotless. It was nice to see everyone. I bought a blueberry crumble cake for everyone to enjoy with a coffee.

In the afternoon we went for a walk a long the beach by the lake. It was sunny but a little cold!Read more
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Day 120
Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 367 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68802, 176.0686638°41’17” S 176°4’7” E
Day 45 of lockdown
May 9, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
This afternoon we invited a few work friends over for a bbq. It was nice to be able to have some sort of normality again! :)
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Day 121
Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☀️ 9 °C
Altitude: 360 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68966, 176.069538°41’23” S 176°4’10” E
Day 46 of lockdown
May 10, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C
This morning I woke up early to video call my friend Rachel. It was so lovely to see you and catch up! And know that you are safe and well :)

Didn't take any picture's because the weather wasn't great today. We find out tomorrow if we go to level 2 🤞Read more
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Day 122
Monday, May 11, 2020 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 379 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68758, 176.077338°41’15” S 176°4’38” E
Day 47 of lockdown - Best news
May 11, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Coronavirus case numbers in NZ have remained low for a while now. As of today only 90 people have the virus. Thanks to the PM Jacinda Ardern for acting so quickly and everyone in NZ for their great efforts to stay at home as much as possible. Ashleigh and I feel very well looked after by the government here and have been lucky to spend lockdown here in such a beautiful country ❤️

We go in to Alert level 2 on Thursday. Meaning we can get out of Taupo and start travelling around New Zealand again. Hoping that the buses will be running. I'm so excited! This is the best news 🎉😁

In the evening we were sat on the sofa watching TV and I saw a shadow move under the sofa in the corner of my eye. A little mouse came out and ran behind the heater it then went under the cupboard when I got up. We opened the cupboard and moved everything. I opened my rucksack and it was inside at the top. Ashleigh put the backpack outside and luckily enough it ran off 🐁Read more
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Day 123
Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 7:38 PM
⛅ 11 °C
Altitude: 375 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.68764, 176.0772738°41’16” S 176°4’38” E
Day 48 of lockdown
May 12, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C
This morning we walked to the boat harbour and sat by the bay. There were lots of ducks and geese hoping we had some food.

In the afternoon I saw a message from intercity the bus company we are using to travel the south island. We paid for a bus pass for the south island the scenic south route including milford sound tour before lockdown. Unfortunately they are not running at the moment which was very disappointing. I think I got my hopes up a bit too much yesterday after they said we will be able to travel around new zealand at alert level 2. Intercity is the main company for getting anywhere in NZ. There is also skip but they haven't said they are running yet. We were going to use intercity to go to Roturoa this weekend. We are hoping to hire a car to get there so I'm glad we may be able to do that. Not sure what to do now though. A hire car wilL be quite expensive to get to Wellington and we can only get one if we can drop it off there. Hoping that intercity will start running form the 29th May. I guess we can wait 2 and a half weeks. We've managed to wait 6 and half to travel again. It's just a little disappointing.Read more
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Day 124
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 363 m
New Zealand Nukuhau -38.68958, 176.0694538°41’22” S 176°4’10” E
Day 49 of lockdown
May 13, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
This morning we went for a walk down to the harbour and had a takeaway coffee. There were lots of ducks following us hoping we had some food. It was quite funny because there were so many of them. In the afternoon I had a sort out because I've bought a few things in lockdown, I now have too much stuff to take travelling with me. In the afternoon I read my book. Then we went for a walk to Otumuheke. Looking forward to being out of lockdown tomorrow. Will be so strange that the shops, cafes and restaurants will be open!Read more
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Day 125
Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 4:00 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 419 m
New Zealand Taupo -38.67922, 176.1137438°40’45” S 176°6’49” E
First day out of lockdown! Mt Tauhara
May 14, 2020 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
This morning we went over Timos for breakfast. We had poached eggs on toast and a coffee. The eggs were very fresh. Laid this morning by his chickens that he keeps in the garden. We then went to Mt Tauhara with conny in the car. She has been using Timos car. It took about 1 hour and a half to reach the top at 1,088 high. We climbed up a steep track through lots of trees. The view was beautiful from the top! We stood on a big rock on the edge of the mountain.

Late afternoon we had a look in a couple of shops. I bought some leggings because my old ones had a hole in them. Ashleigh bought a chiefs rugby shirt in the sale. It was strange being able to go in the shops again. However not the same as it used to be. They had to still limit the amount of people in the shop and you still have to social distance. They also asked for our details for their records.Read more
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