I have to admit we haven't done too much since we arrived in Nelson New Zealand, on the northern end of the south island. We're staying in a really nice place on top of a ridge with a great view of the ocean. I find when we are at a particularly nice place, I feel like staying close to home base and just relaxing. So without many recent activities to describe, here's a list of random things I've learned about New Zealand since we arrived on the South Island.
1. What a beautiful place. Everywhere you go the views and vistas are amazing.
2. Driving on the left is tricky. I keep walking to the car to get into the driver's seat on the wrong side, and I still think the turn signal should be where the windshield wiper controls are. Then there are the ever present round-abouts - ugh. I attempted parallel parking once with some success, but I kept shoulder checking over the rght shoulder. It's confusing.
3. There really are more sheep than people here. Something like six sheep per person. You can't go very far without seeing sheep. We even saw sheep on someone's lawn in the suburbs. There are almost as many cows here too.
4. New Zealand is expensive. It's about 20% more expensive than Canada I figure, but that has a lot to do with the current exchange rate. But regardless, the cost of living for New Zealanders is high here, since income levels are a somewhat lower than in Canada. I can see the lower Kiwi purchasing power with fewer people in the restaurants and shops and the more modest cars and houses.
5. New Zealanders are a happy and friendly bunch. Various surveys show Kiwis self-assess as more content than most other countries. Everyone we've met has been very friendly. They are also very easy going in the driving department, even when I'm blocking traffic trying to find my way around.
6. New Zealanders are a crazy bunch, or at least they are in Queenstown. Between the bungee jumping, the speedboat racing on rivers through narrow cliffs and paragliding, they're just ... crazy.
7. Don't wait for the cheque. After a restaurant meal, remember to go up to the cash register to pay. We waited for the cheque for a while before we figured this one out. I like it.
8. Don't leave a tip. This one threw me at first too, but tipping is mostly for something exceptional, not regular service at a restaurant.
9. Black flies are a year round thing on the beach and lakes. They called them sandflies. Just when I thought the country was near perfect, I learned and experienced they have those small annoying black flies that we get in Ontario in May for a few weeks before they die off. They bite here too.
10. Where is everybody? If you like a relaxing place without too many crowds, this is a nice place to be. We often drove for some time in the country on "highways" before seeing another car or soul.
11. The best things are free - mostly. This place has great and free national parks, which I think are the best reason to come to this country. They are well marked with excellent trails and signage. There are good city parks for the kids too, and public washrooms are everywhere. Many people take their campers around, and there are campsites all over for them too. A few more water fountains scattered around would be nice though.
1. What a beautiful place. Everywhere you go the views and vistas are amazing.
2. Driving on the left is tricky. I keep walking to the car to get into the driver's seat on the wrong side, and I still think the turn signal should be where the windshield wiper controls are. Then there are the ever present round-abouts - ugh. I attempted parallel parking once with some success, but I kept shoulder checking over the rght shoulder. It's confusing.
3. There really are more sheep than people here. Something like six sheep per person. You can't go very far without seeing sheep. We even saw sheep on someone's lawn in the suburbs. There are almost as many cows here too.
4. New Zealand is expensive. It's about 20% more expensive than Canada I figure, but that has a lot to do with the current exchange rate. But regardless, the cost of living for New Zealanders is high here, since income levels are a somewhat lower than in Canada. I can see the lower Kiwi purchasing power with fewer people in the restaurants and shops and the more modest cars and houses.
5. New Zealanders are a happy and friendly bunch. Various surveys show Kiwis self-assess as more content than most other countries. Everyone we've met has been very friendly. They are also very easy going in the driving department, even when I'm blocking traffic trying to find my way around.
6. New Zealanders are a crazy bunch, or at least they are in Queenstown. Between the bungee jumping, the speedboat racing on rivers through narrow cliffs and paragliding, they're just ... crazy.
7. Don't wait for the cheque. After a restaurant meal, remember to go up to the cash register to pay. We waited for the cheque for a while before we figured this one out. I like it.
8. Don't leave a tip. This one threw me at first too, but tipping is mostly for something exceptional, not regular service at a restaurant.
9. Black flies are a year round thing on the beach and lakes. They called them sandflies. Just when I thought the country was near perfect, I learned and experienced they have those small annoying black flies that we get in Ontario in May for a few weeks before they die off. They bite here too.
10. Where is everybody? If you like a relaxing place without too many crowds, this is a nice place to be. We often drove for some time in the country on "highways" before seeing another car or soul.
11. The best things are free - mostly. This place has great and free national parks, which I think are the best reason to come to this country. They are well marked with excellent trails and signage. There are good city parks for the kids too, and public washrooms are everywhere. Many people take their campers around, and there are campsites all over for them too. A few more water fountains scattered around would be nice though.
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