I’ve just returned from my mid semester break adventure. It was most definitely an adventure to say the least. The journey started Friday April 3, with Megan and I navigating the buses and finding our way to the Wellington airport. I had a lot of spare time before my flight so it was a time to reflect on the journey that was to come. My first flight was from Wellington to Christchurch. It was an easy one hour flight to the south island. Upon arrival I called the place I’d be staying for the night and they gave me a ride to my accommodation. I was to begin my Stray journey the next morning at Christchurch’s airport. The place I stayed at that night was an adorable little place ran by a husband and wife pair. They gave me a milk for the morning and sent me off to my room. Oh my gosh it was the nicest room I've stayed in, and it was all mine for the night! I slept in the fluffiest of beds, and I even had my own bathroom to use. It was a perfect chance to relax before the Stray Bus journey. I caught a ride back to the airport the next morning to meet up with my tour group. At the time I was super anxious, not knowing what was in store, and this was my first big traveling experience alone.
April 4
It all started with me running into a very hyper and extremely friendly lady from Germany. She was looking for the Stray Bus and noticed my confused look and so I had my first friend already. No longer was I alone and an instant wave of relief rushed over me knowing so. Her name was Ulli and she’s so lively and easy to talk too. It was a nice to already have a friendly face among the journey. At around 9 am our little Orange bus pulled up to the airport parking lot and a rather tall, Kiwi/Canadian, red headed man steps out. This guy was Twinkles and he’d be our guide and friend showing us around the South island for the next 6 days. I’ll let the story as to why he’s called Twinkles stay a mystery. He’s a funny mate that created an amazing laid back and unique atmosphere for our bus. On the bus we were a group of 14 women and one Twinkle. I’ll introduce to all the women but first I want to set the tone for the trip. BEST DECISION I’VE MADE THUS FAR!! Our bus developed into a stray family and I couldn't have imagined a better group of people to experience the beauty of New Zealand with. Our bus line up can start with my adopted Grandma and our bus Mom, Pat. She was a truly amazing women, the sweetest, and so inspirational. She reminded me so much of my own Grandma so having her around always made me feel comforted and safe. She came on the Stray journey with her daughter Ruth. The pair of them together made me smile more than I could count. I’d like to go on an adventure like this with my Mom sometime in my lifetime. They were both from Jersey in the United Kingdom. Then we can start our German party consisting of Iris, Doris from Switzerland (she was a crazy funny one), Jutta, the double duo from Berlin, Eva and Sophie, Valentina, and Alex whom is working in Auckland as a nanny right now. Then we had Alice and Jemma from the UK, such sweet girls, and last but not least Lindsay whom was from Maryland. Get this too she goes to Towson University which is like 30 minutes from my house. How weird is it that we would meet in all places but New Zealand? Who knew the world was such a small place?
The first rule of the bus we'd learn was never be late. If you were more than two mins late to the bus you had three choices: Sing your national anthem or another song, eat a spoonful of Vegemite (sorry if you like it but it is absolutely gross), or you could create your own punishment. This brought so much entertainment to the bus. The first day on the bus we had a long journey from Christchurch to Picton. It was a beautiful drive, but definitely a long one. We made stops along the way at Kaikoura (the best place in the world to swim with dolphins), and went to a pup seal colony here. They were so cute you just wanted to squish their little faces.
When we were getting closer to Picton we decided to take a scenic route to see the Marlborough Sounds, just spectacular views. At times though I wasn't sure our bus was going to make it, but it was all good. We stayed in an adorable hostel that night. I even got the chance to relax on a hammock. We went out to dinner as a group and I had an some sweet as fish soup from a Cafe.
The first rule of the bus we'd learn was never be late. If you were more than two mins late to the bus you had three choices: Sing your national anthem or another song, eat a spoonful of Vegemite (sorry if you like it but it is absolutely gross), or you could create your own punishment. This brought so much entertainment to the bus. The first day on the bus we had a long journey from Christchurch to Picton. It was a beautiful drive, but definitely a long one. We made stops along the way at Kaikoura (the best place in the world to swim with dolphins), and went to a pup seal colony here. They were so cute you just wanted to squish their little faces.
When we were getting closer to Picton we decided to take a scenic route to see the Marlborough Sounds, just spectacular views. At times though I wasn't sure our bus was going to make it, but it was all good. We stayed in an adorable hostel that night. I even got the chance to relax on a hammock. We went out to dinner as a group and I had an some sweet as fish soup from a Cafe.
April 5
Or better known to the world as Easter! Most places were closed during this day for the holiday, but we had a chance to explore some nature trails instead. Of course our Twinkles wasn't going to let the holiday go without being known. He bought us chocolate Easter eggs that we would eventually have an Easter egg hunt with! We were heading to Abel Tasman National Park today. We were giving a yummy breakfast at our hostel and off to the next adventure we went. I had the chance to see the small town of Nelson, cute little town. It was a beautiful day when we got to Abel Tasman and some people decided to do a hang glide. My bus Grandma even went for the dive. I thought about it but I have my heart set on trying to Sky Dive sometime instead, that is if I can save up enough money. But I have major respect for those that are brave enough to do these amazing flights through the sky. We eventually arrived at our next hostel, called the Barn. It was again super nice and we even all had free standing, single beds. It was so close to the golden beaches and just stunning during sunset. Twinkles made us a dinner fit for champions that night consisting of potatoes, steak, salad, sausages, and even corn on the Cobb. We were staying here for one and half days so it gave us some time to relax and enjoy the place.
April 6
Our full day in Abel Tasman National park. Must of our crew took an Aqua Taxi around the water for a bit and it dropped us off to a 12k (7.5 miles) walk through the park. It was supposed to rain but the luck must have been on our side that day because it didn't rain but only 10 mins. It was a beautiful trek, just amazing. We stopped at some of the beaches along the way too. My favorite was Apple Tree Bay where we ate lunch. Ironically enough I ate a banana here. It was this day that I began to realize how quickly I’d grown to know all these women already and how much I’d miss them in just a short few days. I surprised myself with how truly comfortable I felt around them all. That night we all went to grab a burger at apparently the best burger in New Zealand and it was a massively delicious burger, I got one called the Cow Pat.
April 7
We packed up and left Abel Tasman, our next stop was Hanmer Springs. Along the drive that day we stopped at what I believe was called the Resurgence to drink the cleanest most delicious water. The water was so blue and I was hesitant at first because we were just drinking it out of this little stream and pond, but I went against my instincts and just went for it and it was so worth it. For lunch we stopped at a little Cafe and I had the best BLT sandwich. After lunch we walked through the gorgeous St James Pass. It was just stunning. Then we stopped at Author’s Pass that day too and the views were honestly so beautiful there were moments when I felt like I could cry. Each day Twinkles would play music while driving and I don’t know if any of the other girls liked it, but I love jamming out to music and he had a nice eclectic collections of music. When we arrived at Hanmer Springs we went out to dinner courtesy of Stray and I had a pasta of the day- chicken& basil, and an ice cream sundae for dessert. We went to soak in the hot springs after dinner, so mystical. I’ve wanted to go back to a hot springs since that first day when we went to one in Auckland. The place we stayed at that night was true luxury. I wasn't expecting such nice accommodations along the trip. The trip was a such a confidence booster for my as well. Everyone was so supported and nice to each other, and it was such fun to hear the tales of others and be able to communicate with cultures from all around the world.
April 8
This was our last full day together. We were traveling from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura. We went on a sweet as walk around a seal colony and say some amazing views. This was one of my favorite days of the trip. Everyone had chosen to go swimming with dolphins in the afternoon, but since I did that in Picton I wanted to do something a bit different so I chose to go on a fishing trip. Best decision, this was my favorite activity I did during the journey. I was supposed to be on a fishing trip with three other random women but they cancelled at last minute and they decided to take me out anyway. So it ended up being my own private fishing trip with the other two fisherman. There names were Dean and Peter and they took me around the water, showed me seals, a sand shark, an octopus, the world’s largest bird, and we even saw some little dusky dolphins swimming around. It was the most perfect weather for it, we caught 7 craw fish, and I caught five fish of my own. One fish that I caught was a gem of the sea called a blue rim I think. They said it was a rare catch and that my Dad should be impressed with my fishing skills. They said I was a great fisherman and was welcome to come back anytime. I really felt like a new zealander hanging out with some friends. It was so easy to catch the fish in my opinion too, and the guys on the boat were just great. I smelled pretty fishy afterwards though but it was worth it. After the fishing trip the rest of the stray group met up for a party filled with Craw fish, wine, and some fun dancing. There was this Kiwi dip that was just delicious. I won’t soon forget the peacefulness of the ocean from that day, the adrenalin filled boat ride, or the views of Kaikoura as the sunset over the water. We stayed at a hostel called the Lazy Shag for our last night together.
April 9
We had an 6:15 am wake up call that morning to head back up to Christchurch. It was a sad but exciting day. Sad because it was our last day together but exciting because my adventures were not stopping here. I was heading solo down to Queenstown later that day. We had our final good byes and heaps of hugs, and the exchange of emails and Facebook names. My bus Grandma told me I had the same accent of Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. I love Spencer and that show so I found it a huge compliment and she said she wanted to adopt me as her Granddaughter (haha). Some of the others were heading down to Queenstown next too so we were going to met up the next day for dinner. So my Stray journey was done but the memories will carry on with me and so will the many people I met over this journey.
I caught a flight down to Queenstown that afternoon and my first thought after landing and taking a shuttle to my hostel was this place is so beautiful. Queenstown is surrounded by a little lake and huge mountains in the backgrounds. I stayed at a place called Bumbles Backpackers, it was really nice, so very clean and organised. My plan was to head down to Fiordlands and Milford Sounds the next day. After settling in I walked around the cute little town. It was a lot smaller than I first thought. If you’re not planning on spending money or doing an adrenaline junkie activity Queenstown is not the place you’d want to be though. This is the best place in New Zealand to really get the adrenaline pumping.
I caught a flight down to Queenstown that afternoon and my first thought after landing and taking a shuttle to my hostel was this place is so beautiful. Queenstown is surrounded by a little lake and huge mountains in the backgrounds. I stayed at a place called Bumbles Backpackers, it was really nice, so very clean and organised. My plan was to head down to Fiordlands and Milford Sounds the next day. After settling in I walked around the cute little town. It was a lot smaller than I first thought. If you’re not planning on spending money or doing an adrenaline junkie activity Queenstown is not the place you’d want to be though. This is the best place in New Zealand to really get the adrenaline pumping.
April 10
It was another early morning as my bus for Milford Sounds left at 6:30 am. It was called Kiwi Discovery and I’m so glad I booked this bus. Our driver’s name was Bob and he was such a sweet man. We went through Lake Taupo, Fiordlands National Park, Mirrors Lake and even Lake Wanaka. It was all so beautiful. This is one of the wettest places in the world and because of the amount of rain fall there was moss everywhere. I saw more Sheep, cows, and red deer then I thought existed.
New Zealand continues to amaze me at how small of a country it is. On my Milford day tour there were two other girls that went to the same university as me, just so small that we would end up on the same trip. When we arrived at Milford Sounds we set out for a cruise around the beautiful Milford Sounds and it was just great. It was about a two hour cruise around the sounds. We saw waterfalls, seas, and even the remains to some avalanches. On the way back to Queenstown Bob put on a New Zealand movie about the true story of Burt Monroe an Indy Motorcycle driver, I’m going to find this movie because I some friends back home that would just love it.
When I got back to Queenstown that night I met up with Ruth and Ulli from the Stray tour for dinner. We went to this placed called Coyote and I had some pretty delicious Chicken enchiladas and a strawberry margarita. It was nice to see them again because that day I was already missing the atmosphere of our traveling bus family. Pat even sent Ruth a message sending hugs Ulli and I’s way. It was a great time and a chance to cement our friendships. We said our good byes and Ulli told me I was a very cute and sweet girl. That was such a sweet confidence booster. Perfect way to say good bye. In general meeting all these people was a life boost for me. So amazing to have friends from all around the world, and who knows maybe I’ll see some of them again.
New Zealand continues to amaze me at how small of a country it is. On my Milford day tour there were two other girls that went to the same university as me, just so small that we would end up on the same trip. When we arrived at Milford Sounds we set out for a cruise around the beautiful Milford Sounds and it was just great. It was about a two hour cruise around the sounds. We saw waterfalls, seas, and even the remains to some avalanches. On the way back to Queenstown Bob put on a New Zealand movie about the true story of Burt Monroe an Indy Motorcycle driver, I’m going to find this movie because I some friends back home that would just love it.
When I got back to Queenstown that night I met up with Ruth and Ulli from the Stray tour for dinner. We went to this placed called Coyote and I had some pretty delicious Chicken enchiladas and a strawberry margarita. It was nice to see them again because that day I was already missing the atmosphere of our traveling bus family. Pat even sent Ruth a message sending hugs Ulli and I’s way. It was a great time and a chance to cement our friendships. We said our good byes and Ulli told me I was a very cute and sweet girl. That was such a sweet confidence booster. Perfect way to say good bye. In general meeting all these people was a life boost for me. So amazing to have friends from all around the world, and who knows maybe I’ll see some of them again.
April 11
This was my when I caught a Naked Bus back up to Christchurch. To answer the question right away, no one is actually naked on the Naked bus. It is just the name for the company (haha). I’d be up in Christchurch for a few days and then head back to home sweet Welly. It was a long bus ride, but the views were so amazing as usual. Traveling by bus is such a great way to see the country of NZ. When I arrived in Christchurch I met up with some of the other IFSA students there and stayed the night with them. It was cool to see how their campus and flats differed from mine at Massey, but being there cemented my love of my school and my home in Wellington. I spent the night relaxing and getting some well needed sleep.
April 12
I got to tour around the Christchurch campus some and even saw their library. I was meeting up with my flatmate that lives there later that day and I was spending the night at her house. This was so sweet of her to welcome me into her home and introduce me to her Mom. It was absolutely wonderful. I miss being in the family atmosphere sometimes so seeing her with her Mom and that relationship made me feel so happy. It was nice being in that safe home feeling again too, after traveling for so long. We watched Netflix together that night and I now have another show to add to my binge watching list. It's called the Peeky Blinders, a British television show.
April 13
This was my day to fly home but before I left I had some time to explore Christchurch and my flatmate showed me around some. I ended up going to the Cantebury Museum and going to the Botanic Gardens. For anyone that doesn’t know Christchurch was hit by a devastating earthquake about four years ago and the city is still in the rebuilding process. It has it’s positives, but there is a lot of work still to be done and the city can be a bit sad to see the destruction all around. The city has done a nice job of trying to turn the sadness into positives though, but they still have a long process to restore it to pre-earthquake. Later that day I caught my flight back to Wellington and I crashed on my own bed, so happy with the adventure I just finished.