After the excitement of Las Vegas, we slowed the pace with a few easy days in Long Beach, California—our final North American stop before flying across the Pacific to New Zealand.
Long Beach, California
We spent a couple of relaxed days in Long Beach before our long flight ahead. It was meant to be just a pit stop, but it turned out to be a lovely pause between adventures. We booked a room through Airbnb with Karyn, who welcomed us into her cozy home along with her little dog, L’il Momma. It was our first time sharing space in someone’s home, and it quickly put us at ease with how friendly and comfortable it could be. We wandered along the beach, browsed second-hand stores, and hunted for cheap cool-weather clothes for our next chapter in New Zealand. I even found a pair of jeans—my first in nine months. Long Beach had the perfect mix of small-town charm and California sunshine, sitting right on the edge of Los Angeles.
The Long Flight to New Zealand
Our route to the Southern Hemisphere was a marathon: Los Angeles to Fiji to Auckland to Christchurch—around twenty-four hours in total. Knowing we’d stop in Fiji again on our way back made it easier to push through the long journey. We planned to start our travels in the South Island, where it would be cooler, and work our way north toward warmer weather as winter arrived.
Settling into Christchurch
We booked another Airbnb when we landed, this time hosted by a pair of expat Canadians. They weren’t home, but their friends Andy and Kathy from Germany were housesitting and couldn’t have been more welcoming. They offered great travel advice and helped us sketch out a plan for exploring New Zealand. Christchurch itself felt both inspiring and sobering. The city is still recovering from the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Much of the downtown core remains under reconstruction, but the spirit of renewal is everywhere—like the innovative shipping-container mall, where even a full bank and Lululemon store were built from sea cans. The resilience of the people here left a deep impression.
Earthquake Reflections and Rebuilding
We spent a few hours at the earthquake experience centre, learning about what the city endured. It was fascinating and humbling, but I couldn’t help wondering how people find the courage to rebuild in a place that expects major quakes every decade. Still, Christchurch radiates a sense of perseverance that’s hard not to admire.
Planning the Road Trip
Our next few days were filled with logistics—deciding between a campervan or a car, sorting out SIM cards, and registering with Kiwi House Sitters in hopes of saving on accommodation. In the end, we chose to rent a car and stay in hostels. That decision has already led to great conversations with fellow travelers and a few cost-saving wins. We even landed our first house-sitting gig north of Auckland for later in the trip, which will easily pay for itself.
A Day Trip to Akaroa
Once our car was ready, we took a day trip to Akaroa, a picturesque fishing village on the Banks Peninsula about an hour and a half from Christchurch. The drive wound through stunning hills before descending into the small French-influenced harbour town. We wandered the streets, admired the views, and enjoyed the quiet coastal vibe. It reminded me of the east coast of Canada—peaceful, tidy, and full of character.
Driving on the Left
Getting behind the wheel on the left side of the road for the first time was an adventure of its own. At first, I hugged the shoulder too closely on the narrow roads, but I adjusted quickly. By the end of the day, it felt almost natural. Driving through those curvy roads surrounded by green hills felt like freedom again after weeks of buses and flights.
Kaikoura: Seaside Scenery and Seals
Our road trip officially began as we drove north to Kaikoura on the Pacific coast. It’s a small beach town known for whale watching, dolphins, and seals. Gas prices were steep—over two dollars per litre—but the scenery made it worth every kilometre. We checked into a simple hostel with a private room, hot tub, and pool, and happily cooked our own meals for the first time in ages. After months of eating out, we both agreed it felt good to prepare something homemade.
The next morning, we went for a run as part of our “get healthy again” plan—our first in quite a while. Later, we hiked the Kaikoura Peninsula trail, a 12-kilometre route that winds along cliffs above the ocean. The seal colony along the way was a highlight—watching them snooze and yawn on the rocks was endlessly entertaining. After a day of running and hiking, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Rainy Days and Thermal Pools
The weather had been miserable since we arrived in New Zealand—rain almost every day. Still, we made the most of it. From Kaikoura, we drove to Hanmer Springs, a small mountain town famous for its thermal pools. It reminded me of a tiny version of Jasper, Alberta. We soaked in the hot pools for hours, letting the tension melt away. That evening we sat around the hostel common area chatting with travellers from all over the world—Germany, France, Australia, and beyond. Hostels might not be luxurious, but the sense of community is something special.
Onward to Methven
The next morning we hit the trails again for another 10 km run through the Hanmer Forest, then packed up and drove about four hours south to Methven. It’s a quiet inland town along the scenic route 72, and we stopped there mainly for a rest and to visit the local i-SITE. Our real destination was nearby—Mount Sunday, better known to Lord of the Rings fans as Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Even though I’m not a die-hard fan, it felt exciting to be heading toward a bit of movie history nestled among such breathtaking landscapes.
Reflection
These early days in New Zealand have been full of new beginnings—new landscapes, new routines, and a renewed appreciation for slowing down. From soaking in thermal pools to running through misty forests, every day has reminded me how vast and varied this world is. The rhythm of travel has shifted from constant movement to something steadier and more reflective, and it feels just right for this next chapter of our journey.
