East Coast

My incredible Mike has been so good on this trip, driving both coasts so we can soak up some scenery. NZ is stunning when it comes to how much can change within a mere 30 minutes of driving.

We started with tropical paradise, cruising down the west coast with sharp rocks and windy roads. We drove through a cloud through Arthur's Pass. We wound our way to sunshiny Christchurch. Wiggled our way over to Kaikora through amazing farms and made it to the surf town which is SO cute! I had really wanted to spend a few nights in Kaikora but we only had a quick stop by, enough for me to want to go back soon! We're back in windy Welly and making our way up to Auckland by Saturday. A lot of driving, a lot of beautiful sites to take in.
(proper photos coming soon)

Cow crossing!!

Finally got my fix of crayfish... not at the right place though :( there is a gyspy type caravan (like the one I used to live in, painted and all) passed Kaikora... I was mistaken, thinking it was before... so we stopped in town to have a tasty crayfish. Next time, caravan crayfish, you're mine!

This picture doesn't do this view justice, massive amounts of kelp/seaweed sparkled in the sea down this stretch of coast, it was gorgeous.

My tourist, my love: Mike.

Christchurch, New Zealand

New Zealand has without a doubt become a second home. When I'm in Canada, I call it home; when I'm in New Zealand, I call Canada home. I have two homes and I love it.

We just spent a week in Christchurch, the city where I met my love, the city where I lived for a wee six months, the city that has not fallen, but certainly picked itself up. It's incredible how little the city has actually changed. Other than some piles of rubble and closed roads, it's still the same quaint city with lots of charm and beautiful people. The people in Chch have made the city. Canteburians, you're doing great! As an outsider only visiting for a mere 7 days, I can tell you that I've felt the love in your city.

This trip, I was on the right side of the bar ;)

My beautiful twin, Beer Baroness, master of multitasking, sharer of clothes and shopping habits, kind, smart, charmer, force to be reckoned with: Ava.

My bestie, goofball, funny facemaker, best listener, adventurer, dreamer, sun beauty, challenger, my best friend and fairy: Aidan.

Big props to the garden city for showing us a great time, our fabulous friends and Chch families: Keeley and Jen, Alex (x2), Rob, Andrew, H&H, Jeff, Chef, Marion and Steve, the Pomeroy's, Sezzler, and most of all, my bridesmaids Aidan and Ava!

Miss you already.

bridesmaids

After a very long drive through the most beautiful west coast, we've made it back to Christchurch. We are very much looking forward to adventuring what we can of the town to see what all has changed since the February 22nd earthquake. What we do know is that the people here are still amazingly friendly. It's quite humbling to see humans come together in such light after going what I can only describe as heartbreaking.

Never the less, we're back with our pals. And after MUCH giggling and hugging and laughing, I've got my bridal party complete! Aidan and Ava will be standing up there with Mike and I on our big day and I couldn't be happier with my blushing beauties. It's been a year today since I've left this city and it's like only a day has gone by. That's how you know your friends are the best and what you have is true. I love these girls to bits! They've held a big part in our lives and I can't wait for them to venture back/over to Canada!

Fam Jam

We're here and loving it. Mike is over the moon to be back with his family and especially his Raven dog. It's been lovely and surreal just hanging with family and catching up properly minus the crackling connection of skype.

First day tasty indulgences (in no particular order):

• steak and cheese pie (I would have gotten a photo but we woofed them down too fast)
• L&P
• Mum's pavlova with real cream infused with passion fruit! I'm drooling.
  
• Pineapple Lump bar
• Pixie Caramel (this is new to me and may just be my new favorite)
• Double IPA's
• proper coffees!
• Kapiti cheese, you honestly haven't tasted cheese until you've had Kapiti
  

These are all food based. And honestly, we could move here on food alone with the perks of family of course ;)

Leap Day

It hasn't even been a year since I've been back and I'm already leaving again! Wonderful!

Great timing too. We'll be catching the beginning of the New Zealand autumn, seeing beautiful family and fabulous friends. We're totally hoping to geek out and partake in some LOTR tours, dreamy!! And going to some sites that I missed visiting before. We're having a much needed adventure.

We fly out in mere hours. I have lots to ponder on this long haul, too much. And if I don't feel like pondering, I'm totally popping some gravol, maybe I'll even slip some into Mike's drink too (Mr. Can't Sleep on Planes).

New Zealand, we can't wait to see you! It's been too long? Yes, it has.

Start pouring the pints! I'm already thirsty!

xo.