The First 24 Hours

January 24 & 25, 2025
We made it to New Zealand! The flight seemed like it was never ending, I did mange to sleep through most of it, and then get a few little naps in after that to help keep me on the new time schedule for arrival in New Zealand! Uncle Mike shared a wonderful piece of advice, that no matter how hard it is to stay up adjust to the new time right away! Which wasn't too hard until we got settled in and had a chance to kinda stop and take a breath. The first part of the drive from Christchurch to Oamaru wasn't anything crazy, but about half way through, once we got more out of the city the landscape just truly exploded! More cows and sheep then I could have imagined! Beautiful fields all different shades of green as far as the eye could see, and that was just the beginning! Besides the ocean, so far most of the landscape has reminded me alot of Montana. The water here is such a beautiful clear crisp blue, every time I look at it the color blows my mind. All of the houses are small and cute from what we can see, but privacy also seems to be very important to the people here because practically every house has a fence or tall privacy hedges surrounding them (which I think is awesome!!). It is summer here until the end of February so the flowers are still big and vibrant, the sun feels refreshing but of course there's a pretty cold breeze coming from the ocean as well. Their winters here are pretty mild, coldest it gets is around 40 degrees, they get some frost and rain instead of snow. Within the coming days we will set up bank accounts, check out the town and figure out jobs. They are able to give us a vehicle to use while here, so I'll get a refresher on how to drive manual and then learn how to drive the complete opposite direction as home haha if driving doesn't workout though we can use bikes and take busses as needed for any further exploring. I am kinda determined to drive here though, so wish me luck! I do certainly miss home and my family. I am really craving some cuddles from my cats and dogs too. The first couple we are staying with does have a dog so that does help some! I have not taken too many pictures yet, I do realize I am new here but I also don't like to look too much like a tourist haha more pictures will come! 



Comments

  1. KcjJanuary 24, 2025 at 1:58 PM

    You can do hard things - you'll be driving in no time !

    What town are you in? I was just discussing moving to NZ with one of their citizens. They said:
    Christchurch would be my pick if you found work there. I really love Lyttleton. Funky, small town feel with music, local food, and community feel. The rest of chch is also nice. Heaps of new things popping up. Great for families. A bit more land options.
    Wellington you wont really find affordable land. Really cool city, though. The rest of the north island is fine but i don't love Hamilton.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hannah BazemoreJanuary 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM

    I appreciate you! I did actually drive today and it wasn't as bad as I anticipated! We are in Oamaru! I will definitely look up Lyttleton! Christchurch did look like a great town as well! I was just looking up the Hobbit homes from the movie set and that's up on the North Island, so we will for sure be making a trip up there with plenty of stops on the way I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MindyJanuary 25, 2025 at 7:48 AM

    I am so proud of you driving manual stick shift on "wrong side" of the road. Right hand turns? How much is gas at gas station? A cup of coffee at a cute shop?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hannah BazemoreJanuary 25, 2025 at 4:23 PM

      Well thankfully this first car I was driving was automatic, so I got the feel down for their driving before throwing in the manual! I think monday or tuesday we will get the manual car and do a refresher. No right hand turns on red, they have left hand turns but not sure you can make them on red, that I'm not sure on. I haven't stopped for gas yet, but here you pump the gas first and then go inside to pay! I guess they just trust people not to run off?! I did get a cup of coffee but I don't recall how much it was, I'll check next time!

      Delete
  4. PatsyJanuary 27, 2025 at 7:46 PM

    The winter sunrises are the best, definitely wake up for them they are soooooo worth it! When you’re at the lookout point you can get a full 360 view because the pink and oranges reflect off of the mountains!

    ReplyDelete

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