Before heading to another world, there are some things to prepare for. After the passport, many countries require a VISA. New Zealand has on-line e-visa process. It’s not too difficult but a photo must be submitted. And it costs a few dollars.

Speaking of dollars, determine how to spend money. NZ uses primarily plastic (debit and credit). We are also taking a little cash. The exchange rate is ~1 USD = 1.6 NZD. Also check to see what things are allowed/not allowed. NZ is very restrictive on agriculture products as they don’t want invasive species and other reasons. We are taking a kilo of grated parmesan for Joe!

Look into the country’s history and culture. Pacific Islanders first lived there followed by the British. From Wiki: Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa). Māori originated with settlers from East Polynesia. Aortearoa means “Land of the land white cloud.” In the most recent New Zealand census, in 2018, 70.2 per cent of the population identified as European and 16.5 per cent as Māori. Other major pan-ethnic groups include Asians (15.1 percent) and Pacific peoples (8.1 percent) (from some website :)).

Figure out the climate and weather forecast!! NZ is temperate since it is comprised of two large islands – one with a serious long tall mountain range, the Southern Alps on the South Island. Joe and Anna’s wedding is the 14th and yesterday we learned that there is a major tropical storm headed toward the North Island. Just after we arrive tomorrow! It could impact their wedding plans.

Figure out what to do there. After the wedding we will fly to Queenstown and will be spending a week on the South Island (Te Waipounamu). Aoraki/Mt. Cook is the tallest peak in the Southern Alps. We’re not ready to scale it but will be hiking about. Fiordland to the south has a bunch of fiords that we will explore.

So we’re at the airport in Birmingham with a 3 hour flight delay. Oh well, our 13 hr flight from Dallas to Auckland doesn’t leave until 10:30 tonight. It will be a fun time since Gina and Katie are sitting just behind!

Until the next time – peace!