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The Obis and the Kiwis
  • Bannzai on the run

The Obis and the Kiwis

Oktober 2019 Read more
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  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Oamaru to Mt. Cook

    December 11, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Another long driving day. We headed back towards the Alps and the weather should be nice, which is quite a bonus, if you like to do a walk. Passed by several dams and the road itself from Lake Pukaki to Mt Cool is just amazing! On the right hand side the lake and in front the mighty snow covered Mt. Cook.

    We were en route to the only campsite at the start of the Hooker Valley Track. It was very busy although it only had toilets and no other facilities. We squeezed ourselves between 2 campervans and had a nice afternoon off chasing ducks and hares.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Mt Cook

    December 12, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    It was almost noon, when we finally started the 3hrs return walk. It‘s a very easy well-formed track. Just not so interesting for Matilda. She prefers proper hikes 🙈

    It took us roughly 2,5 hrs with uncountable stops in 1 direction. The view was magnificent and Matilda was happy again, as she could do some rock climbing. We promised her to carry her back. So we ended up that I carried Greta and the backpack and Thomas our big girl. The other hikers didn’t envy him 😬. The return inclusive a couple of photo stops took only 1:10hrs 😂

    To the question, why Matilda didn’t want to walk. Her reply: why did you choose such a long walk? It was around 5,5km in one direction... good question big girl 😘 most of the time it‘s the over eagerly parents 🙈🙈

    For dinner we promised her her beloved noodles 😁    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo

    December 13, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    The weather forecast was right during the night it started raining and all taller mountains hid under big clouds. Gone‘s the beautiful view. So far we didn’t get surprised by a rain shower. The weather forecast‘s quite accurate.

    Despite the bad weather we decided to still do another smaller walk. But first coffee ☕️😄 we got some at a cafe in the village.

    Today we wanted to see the Tasman Glacier. The biggest one with over 20km length in the Southern Alps. If we‘re lucky we can also see some ice bergs in the lake. It rained... we weren’t to keen on getting outside 😬 luckily it‘s just a 15-20min walk with lots of stairs. Originally we thought of doing a boat tour on the Tasman lake, so we could have a closer encounter with the icebergs, but as smaller kids weren’t allowed we skipped it. When we were at the viewpoint we were: Puh, luckily we didn’t do that tour, as there were just only a handful of smaller ice bergs.

    Matilda climbed on all the rocks and stones and was just happy 😌 (we should consider climbing, when we‘re back home), while Thomas took pictures and I walked up and down, as Greta was sleeping in the carrier.

    On our way from Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo we passed by Lake Pukaki again. And the lake was bluer than before. It looked like being in the Caribbean.

    In Lake Tekapo we headed straight to the only campsite and were shocked by how many people queued at the reception! We just crossed fingers to get a space for tonight. This was the only time where we thought: we should have booked in advanced 🙈 But all good. We got our powered site.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Lake Tekapo

    December 14, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We booked tickets to Lake Tekapo Springs and were really looking forward to soak in the hot water. Just if you‘re used to Central European springs you might be quite disappointed. There are no indoor relaxing area or outdoors (outdoor was chilly and windy anyway). This means you soak in the hot water until you’re wrinkled. Lockers needed to be rent. Just only the kids area is cute, as they have fountains. In total it was quite nice for 1,5hrs. But nothing were you would stay for a day.

    Lake Tekapo‘s also famous for its lupin fields. Of course we wanted to take family pics there. But first playground... we needed sth to bribe the big one 😂 And if you have a photographer hubby it‘s not making thing‘s easier. You need the right light, the perfect surrounding and somehow the right clothes (no bright colors, depending on the background the right pattern etc )🙈

    Some time later we realized it was far too late to head back to cook our own dinner and went straight to the first restaurant, which happened to be the sky dinner. Food was surprisingly good and they had a kids play area, too! The view was stunning and after dinner we could have done a star gazing tour, but skipped. Lake Taupo area is also a dark sky reserve. An area, which is perfect for star gazing.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Lake Tekapo to Rakaia Gorge

    December 15, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Hmm, Tekapo‘s our last planned stop before going to Christchurch and returning the campervan. Just we have 3 nights left and the were questioning on what to do, as the weather‘s going to be lousy.

    We finally decided to go to Mt. Sunday aka Edoras (for the LOTR fans). Since it‘s in the Rangitata area, which got flooded recently we checked with the local I-site. So off we go. The last 25km will be gravel road but manageable. Mt Summers‘s the gateway. Just as soon as we took the junction, a big sign said: road closed. Man, we were disappointed 😔

    Now we took the second option: Rangitata Gorge. We found a little campsite and the spot for tonight was just at the cliff 😁 we explored the riverbed and the girls had a great time throwing stones and just playing in the sand.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Rakaia Gorge to Castle Hill

    December 16, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Another day and the weather’s not going to improve. We took advantage of the late check-out and left, but still no clue 😅

    We just headed towards Christchurch - 2 days early... In Dargaville we did a little fairy walk, which was lovely for the kids to discover the fairy 🧚‍♀️doors. While waiting that time passes the Canterbury brochure with a breathtaking picture got our attention: Castle Hill. Just about an hour away, but opposite direction (towards Arthur pass) exactly there were we could spot the rain clouds...

    We said: what else shall we do? On the way there it started to heavily rain and we questioned, if it was the right decision... the scenery there was beautiful. As soon as we arrived it only rained a little. And we weren’t disappointed. Castle Hill is beautiful and so worth the detour. We could’ve spent there hours just climbing the huge limestones. It was almost 7pm, when we returned to the campervan and quickly cooked some dinner, so this part would be at least covered. While eating we decided to head straight to the campground in Christchurch, where we wanted to stay the night before we return the campervan anyway. So it‘ll be 2 nights now.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Christchurch (1)

    December 17, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    I love breakfast burritos. You just put everything you like in a soft tortilla and roll it up 😁

    After our experience with big campervans in big cities we decided to take the public bus to Christchurch. We just kept walking and take it slowly.

    Also needed to clean out the campervan after 8 weeks. 🙈 this task took us longer than expected. Never thought how much stuff we had 😂    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Christchurch (2)

    December 18, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    After 56 nights in the campervan we returned it. It was quite an experience, which we will never forget. And if we would do it again? Yes!! It is like a driving home, no need to pack everything each day.

    Since we had quite some troubles with the fridge and the repair, we got some refund.

    A shuttle brought us to the hotel in Christchurch. The kids were amazed by the size of the apartment 😂 they kept running in circles and giggled all the way.

    After a pizza we headed to the botanic garden. The playground was huge and there was even a pool for kids. And that‘s all for free!! Matilda didn’t want to leave.

    We ended at a Malaysian restaurant that night. And note to myself, even if it’s a kids menu, the food can be spicy 🙈    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Christchurch (3)

    December 19, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    For today we pre booked a ticket for the tram. The driver even let us on without going to the headquarters on. I think this only happens in New Zealand. In Austria you would be kindly told to get the proper ticket first 😬

    Upon arriving at the museum, Matilda excitedly shouted to get off. The reason: she wanted to go to yesterday’s playground 😂 Instead we visited the Canterbury museum, which was exciting, too. Especially the hunt for 🎅🏽. They hid various Santa’s in the exhibition and the kids were encouraged to find those.

    Another tram ride took us to Regent Street. Unfortunately we ended at a very touristy cafe with rather low quality food 😒
    On the way to THE playground in Christchurch Thomas had his loping needed haircut. He felt like newly born 😂
    And I decided for a 20min Chinese massage. I knew from my time in China that this massage is not going to be relaxing. But as long as my backpain‘s gone I didn’t mind. A lady kneaded me and dug her elbow into my back. I wanted to jump from the table 😂 BUT she managed to losen my muscles and I felt so good. No surprise both Thomas and I endured a very long session at Margaret Mahoy Playground 😂    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Christchurch to Auckland

    December 20, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    A shuttle picked us up for our early flight to Auckland. (I still remember that we seriously considered taking an even earlier flight 😂😂)

    1 hour prior departure we arrived at the airport and was perfectly fine. And I never witnessed how quick a full A320 can be boarded. We are impressed ☺️

    Also our luggage arrived super quick. I would say jetstar knows what they’re doing...
    Another shuttle took us to downtown Auckland. The city‘s pretty hilly and reminds me of San Francisco and the hotel to one in Hong Kong 😂 but the view‘s nice and we could check in before it was time. So heads up!

    We were hungry and were looking for sth to eat. We ended at a nice little restaurant at the harbor and watched the chef to prepare our food.

    The rest of the afternoon we spent walking and exploring CBD.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Auckland (1)

    December 21, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    What a surprise. About 10 days ago I found out by co-incidence that my cousin from the US is now working in New Zealand. The last time we saw each other was 5 years ago on Bali. She‘s now in Palmerston North, which is about 6,5hrs drive away from Auckland.

    She arrived early morning on Saturday and we were ready to explore the city. First stop: Mt. Eden. In fact it‘s just a hill or better to say a volcano. Since a crater can be seen on top and is a tapu.

    Luckily the weather’s a lot nicer than yesterday, which makes strolling around a lot nicer 😄 we made it back to the CBD and Harbor. At Wynyard wharf we watched people and boats.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Waiheke

    December 22, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    My cousin left early morning and we took the ferry to Waiheke Island. 40minutes later we arrived in a completely different surrounding than big city Auckland. Waiheke is famous for its beaches and also vineyards. We opted for the first option 😁

    The weather treated us well and it was warm and sunny. Just a bit windy by the water. We were just happy to spend our last full day at a tranquil beach and to watch the waves washing our feet. Unfortunately we needed to leave paradise and I craved for some dim sum. Yes, I know normally dim
    sum‘s only eaten until lunch...

    We ordered the typical: Har Gow, Siu Mai, Bao (because Matilda liked the form), some veges and Beef Chow Fun. Also Thomas was convinced. He kinda has a dim
    sum trauma since his last visit to Guangzhou. But that‘s 15 years ago 😂 he‘s still suffering from the amount of dim
    sum we had at that time.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Auckland to Dubai

    December 23, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Happy that the flight‘s only in the evening. So we had plenty of time left to pack and get ourselves ready for the long home journey.

    I got Matilda bubble tea addictive, so she couldn’t wait to hers that day. But to be honest, I was longing for one, too 😂 luckily there‘s one („Gong Cha“)just around the corner of the hotel and what I liked most about that store: I could order a zero sugar one!

    The rest of the afternoon we just wandered around CBD and enjoyed ourselves before heading to the airport.

    It‘s been an amazing 2 months that we were able to spend in New Zealand as a family of four. It was sometimes hard and intense, but for sure a time we definitely won‘t forget At least not us, the parents 😄 and I‘m pretty sure that also Matilda will remember big parts of it. For Greta (and of course for us, too) we captured lots of pictures and videos.    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Dubai to Home

    December 24, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Oh dear, that was a loooong flight! We got seats just behind the „kitchen“ and like on the flight to Auckland the floor was partially soaked. Not so great, if you‘re traveling with a toddler, which wants to go down on the floor most of the times.

    Matilda was pretty obsessed with the board entertainment and didn’t want to sleep at all. 🙈 but later somehow she was able to and slept in various, not so comfortable looking positions and ended up sleeping on the floor (the dry part).

    Dubai airport seems to be never sleeping. We landed pretty early, just in time for the Muezzin to call for the morning prayer and the airport was busy. The girls were wide awake, but no surprise, in fact it was somewhen afternoon according to the inner clock.

    Soon it was boarding time again and luckily the flight was pretty empty and we could stretch on 4 and 3 seats 💺😁. The 6 hrs passed by quickly and soon we landed in Munich (the flight attendant welcomed us to Dusseldorf, but corrected after a couple of minutes to Munich 😂).

    Unfortunately it took forever to get our luggage and we missed the train to Salzburg by a couple of minutes. On the other side we could pamper ourselves with a Leberkässemmel 😁 and saw the Christmasmarket between T1 and T2.

    My parents „picked“ us up and the girls were super excited to see 👴🏽🧓🏽 🥰 It made waiting for the next train bearable.

    And in Salzburg we got picked up by Thomas dad. He brought us home, where Thomas mom was waiting for us. They even prepared the tree and decorated our home to be more Christmas like.

    What a home trip... we were all done and ready for bed by 7pm 😅    Read more

  • Bannzai on the runThe Obis and the KiwisTraveler

    Fun facts NZ trip

    December 24, 2019 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 4 °C

    65 days on tour

    * ✈️ : 5
    * 🚅: 4
    * 🛳: 5 (boat tours & ferries)
    * 🚕🚎🚡🚃: uncounted
    * 🚑: 1
    * 🚐: 56 nights (40x campsite / 6x freedom camping)
    * 🏨: 5 nights
    * Total 🚐 km: 6352 (2700km North / 3652km South)
    * 🦷: 3 new (Greta)
    * 🚶‍♀️: Greta started walking
    * Eaten Timtams: 1000 😂    Read more

    Trip end
    December 24, 2019
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