The Great Escape

We're now in our 8th week of 'travelling' and according to the plan should just be arriving in Oz, but as you know compliance to our plan has been rather poor.

Report from NZ Geologists

Overall, Level 4 lockdown has been quiet, as you would expect - the only notable event was an earthquake of 4.3 on the Richter Scale!! Although Mary slept through, it was the oddest feeling when the van started rocking as if 2 people were gentle pushing on either side. The locals took it in their stride but were happy to tell their tales of when the 'big one' hit 10 years ago. Note to selves, a 5 would probably be exciting, anything more downright scary!

Eels in Otukaikino River

Otukaikino River

So, we have been filling time with local walks and are now on Plan 37, Revision C, still in Christchurch and likely to be here for at least 2 more weeks. Resulting from NZ's aggressive 4 week Level 4 lockdown Covid is under control and restrictions are starting to be eased gradually. Level 3, which allows more businesses to open, starts in a few days allowing takeaways to re-open but still no travel, bars or restaurants.

Philippa, Warren & Brodie

Over the last few weeks the tourists at NorthSouth Holiday Park emptied out and we were amongst the last to leave, as Germany and Netherlands carried out repatriation operations a couple of weeks ago.

Others that we befriended have also gone their separate ways: Ann & Peter from Toronto and Gail & John from Edinburgh have 'escaped', whilst Kiwis Philippa & Warren are moving to rented accommodation. The permanent residents on the site have also all been so welcoming and helpful. And a special word for Dan and his team running NorthSouth Holiday Park - Dan is one of life's good guys and really helped us out when the lockdown started. Together with his team, including Buster the black lab, he has kept things working and we wish him well in what is likely to be a tricky time for NZ tourism ahead. Thanks to all for your socially distant company, friendship and support!


So, the positive Covid NZ news together with the truly disgraceful behaviour of the aviation industry (3 flights home booked, all cancelled by the airline within 48 hours, and no refunds yet!), has led us to decide to stay on in NZ. Hopefully progress against Covid will continue, so that internal travel restrictions will be relaxed when Level 2 is introduced, and we can continue exploring this lovely part of the world. Eventually getting back to the UK may be a challenge, but we'll deal with that when the time comes.

The campervan was returned today at the end of its original 7 week booking and we are now in an Airbnb flat overlooking the coast near Scarborough (the other one!), east of Christchurch. It is a wonderful place, with lots of new walks nearby, and the owner, Janet, who lives in the house above the flat, has offered to lend us her car and electric bicycles, and make pizza in her pizza oven - life is good and getting better! 

That's all for now, next update when we have explored the hills above Christchurch in Level3.