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29 days (and only 3 rainy days);
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11 days hiking, 147km of kiwi paths walked;
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1493km driving on the left;
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$150 fine (I totally deserved that. .);
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$50 won in a pub’s raffle 😀
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0 kiwi birds spotted, 0 kiwi fruits eaten (the kiwi fruits in the supermarkets were from Italy!);
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2 barbecues;
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Many super cappuccinos on the road to help with the driving.
What I liked MOST
- The I Sites with lots of information and maps;
- The beauty of its landscapes, all its roads are very “scenic” when the sun shines;
- Its Great Walks;
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Maoris look much more integrated in the kiwi society than Aborigines in Australia;
- All the hiking trails are well kept and marked;
- Countless activities to do around the country, if you have the money to pay them!
- Very interesting country from a geological point of view;
- Its cappuccinos;
- Its Fish ‘n Chips.
What I liked LEAST
- Far, far away from Europe;
- Very expensive country;
- Sometimes it was difficult to understand kiwis, they have a very particular accent!
- No free wi fi in campsites or in cities except in Auckland;
- Where is the local food? Fish and Chips do not count;
- Its cities, which can only keep you busy for only one day or two.
Useful Information :
- Book the ferry well in advance, it gets more expensive if you buy it last minute;
- Wi Fi is free in all the libraries but in some of them, like Wanaka’s, its only free for 30 min;
- Book your accommodation in advance for dates like Christmas’ Day or New Year’s Eve;
- Great Walks must be booked many months in advance, through DOC’s website.