Wine glasses, great light and amazing views: our first 24 hours in NZ

YOU GUYS. We have arrived in NZ and the excitement levels are high. Even the hormonal teenager is having a good time and is impressed and that is saying something. Truly. From the moment you arrive into Queenstown over the snow caped mountains you can’t help but be blown away by its beauty. New Zealand is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And for us being 4 hours away? Well that makes it even more special!

We arrived 3.30pm Sunday afternoon (the time difference this week is 3 hours thanks to daylight savings starting a week early, and picked up our car and headed for the one hour drive to our accomodation out towards Wanaka. A quick stop for supplies (superior Otago wine, cheese and butter of course). I knew this place was going to be special when I booked it but we have been BLOWN AWAY by just how special. For the 39 billion messages I have had asking me where it is I will be sure to share when I do a round up post at the end of this section of our trip. I promise! It’s won awards and is truly spectacular – we feel very lucky to be staying here and I can’t believe I managed to find it. I am patting myself on the back for sure. We had dinner at home before crashing out early after a big day.

Yesterday morning we had bit of a slow start as we all woke at 8.30am (which is unheard of for me) but actually was 5.30am and drove into Wanaka for a look around, a stop in at Rippon vineyard and a drive over to Treble Cone. With each and every corner you turn the views are more beautiful than before, different and turn as much as the light and the weather. Let’s just say that there were lots of requests for stopping for photos. Rob loved that!

We stopped in at Puzzling World in Wanaka on the way home again (a bit piss weak world but the kids loved it) and then home with more supplies (cheese/wine) and late afternoon on the terrace watching that magical light change down the valley.

When we were driving along those beautiful roads yesterday I had a couple of moments that I know will be with me to the day I die. One in particular was listening to Paul Kelly & Neil Finn sing Moon River – a version that I absolutely love. The words so poignant as we travelled around corners that looked like the rainbow end they were so beautiful… “There’s such a lot of world to see, We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ’round the bend. My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me”. Travel is such a privilege and I have been lucky enough to experience a lot. To be able to do it with your kids though, show them a little of the world is even more special for me. My people, all in the car together, seeing and experiencing the wonder together – well there’s not much better. And when we sat outside an ate dinner together I knew that these are the moments that make life amazing. I am so so grateful we are getting to experience some of this together.

Comments

  1. Debs Sutton says

    Oh Beth this is just blissful and magical. Isn’t travelling just an incredible experience, so awe inspiring to immerse yourself and your family in the wonders of our truly beautiful world. Enjoy.
    PS I love Moon River in any form!!!

  2. O-M-G that place looks amazeballs. I love NZ. We did a two week trip for my 40th Birthday and every single day of the trip we talked about selling up and moving to New Zealand. Towards the end of the trip we got pretty serious about it and my husband thought we could really make it happen with a job transfer. On our last night the Christchurch earthquake struck and I have never been more petrified in my life. We never discussed moving to NZ again. Have a glass or three of a cheeky NZ Pinot Noir for me.

  3. Well this looks SO BLOODY DREAMY! I just had to get up this version of Moon River to listen to while I read blogs. Not quite the same but it’ll do for now 🙂

  4. Bravo✨ Again.. Thank you for sharing your adventures and to see the beauty and wonder of our earth .. I sit back for a few and enjoy a
    🥂🍾 ..so grateful I am.. you share things that are most important, family and friends and my ❤️ is full..

  5. Looks just amazing!!! New Zealand has been on my list for many years, I’m definitely going to do it next year (and remember this post!). I’d love to know where you are staying – looks incredible!

  6. Gosh Beth, I’m a long time socials follower and I’d forgotten how magnificent a storyteller you are here on the blog. New Zealand has jut moved up on my travel list with the family and I can’t wait to hear more about your trip.

  7. i loved new zealand!
    that’s a great place you are staying in! … love the architecture there.
    lots to enjoy!
    much love mxx

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