New Zealandisms

The NZ$ is about the same as the AU$ at the moment. There are still some expensive aspects. There are no tolls on NZ roads but fuel varies up to 50c a litre from $1.90 to $2.40. We paid $2.40 in Lake Tekapo.  There are many one lane bridges and one end always gives way to the other end but which end depends on either a small red arrow or a big black arrow.  If there is a queue you may be able to use this as a means of getting ahead of a campervan.  Hitchhiking is alive and well in NZ. This is how we got around 40 yar ago however we have not picked up anyone in our small car.  The other hazard is touring cyclists, usually in pairs and with panniers and sticks poking out so that it will scratch your car if you get to close.  We always used YHA back then and these days they advertise YHA on TV commercials.  Backpackers have never had it as good.  YHA was all there was and now backpackers lodges are everywhere. You can tell it is a wet cold day as I am indoors typing this.

Ideal beach house even on a wet day