So, not so funny story. This is the SECOND time I’m writing this post, so excuse the slight lack of enthusiasm! (Should know better than to write without saving…)

Anyways, I’m committing to the cause of writing more frequently on the blog, because I want to be able to look back at some of the memories we’re making in this season of our lives. So here we are - take 2.

My parents recently joined us in New Zealand for a short while. It’s actually a trip they’d planned long before we even considered moving here; and a trip to Christchurch of all places too! It was a special time we got to spend with them one-on-one and memories we’ll always cherish.

My parents actually come to New Zealand at least once a year for a mini break during winter, when the crowds are fewer. They always hire a camper van for the freedom to explore without much planning. So this time was no different.

They arrived late on a Thursday night, so we all had the Friday off together. Emile and I decided to rent our own campervan and join them on their adventure for the weekend. We ended up hiring a van from Jucy, which was really affordable, especially considering that most places have a 5-day minimum, and we only had 3. I’ll write more on my thoughts (and my parents’ thoughts on campervanning later).

Anyways, on Friday morning after breakfast, we picked up our campers and hit the road to the wild west coast - over Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth. We travelled up the coast to Westport and the Murchison, which is when Emile and I turned back and my parents kept travelling north for the next few days to Nelson, Picton and Wellington, before coming back to Christchurch via Kaikoura. We chose to park and stay in the Top 10 Holiday Parks throughout the trip.

The west coast was incredible, and it’s true, very wild! You can go kilometres of driving without seeing much civilisation, the sea is rough and the landscapes are breathtaking and majestic. There’s something so special about going to a part of the world that still appears to be un-touched. New Zealand never ceases to amaze.

Here are some of our highlights along the way:

• Seeing Kea birds for the first time in Arthur’s Pass - the world’s only alpine parrots, and cheeky little things they are!

• Happy hour each night in the campervan - so cozy!

• Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth. We did the brewery tour which was really good, plus $ super worth ($25 which gets you a tour plus 4 200ml tastings - we stayed a while after before hitting the road again).

• Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We got super lucky on this one. We just happened to see it and decided to stop and check it out. By far blew us away (literally, it was windy). It was also high-tide when we arrived, so the ‘chimney’ was in full action. It was incredible.

• Lunch at Rivers Cafe in Murchison. Mango cheesecake - that’s all I’ll say.