New Zealand Day 8 (Crossed over International Dateline, 7 April 2018)
Today has felt like a few days rolled in to one. We weren’t allowed to check in until a few hours before our flight, and then it was a SLOW process. The regulations for suitcases are 22 kilos for luggage (48 pounds) which was a little bit of a trick with wet swimsuits and clothes full of moisture. However juggling between a few bags made it work out just fine!
Here’s our view from the balcony too!
We spent the day resting and doing laundry. I’m so grateful for a washer and dryer! Granted, the wash cycle takes almost two hours and the dryer takes 45 minutes, but I didn’t have to wash anything by hand! That’s a total win for me.
An interesting side note is that the emergency sirens in New Zealand sound the same as in the US! That was a surprise, since they sound different in Europe.
The Delicatessen was New Zealand’s take on a New York diner. It was a little unusual to understand every word on the menu, but not know what half of the things were. I asked the server about it, and she said if I had to ask, then they probably weren’t doing a good job of creating a New York diner. 😂 We settled on sharing a chicken salad sandwich with gravy as well as poutine.
I learned a few important things: a lemon Rickey is what Americans consider fizzy lemonade. If you order a lemonade in New Zealand, it’s actually Sprite. The most unusual thing I ordered this evening was an orange and dill soda. Yep, you heard correctly. The orange and dill soda combo was a pleasant surprise! I think both acids cut the other, and it was oddly refreshing!
I have also learned to ask about tips and when you pay them. In Tahiti, you had to tell them the tip total
At the airport in Papeete, you have to show your passport before they’ll let you stand in the line to check in. (There is no online checkin or kiosks at the airport). Then, you have to show your passeport to receive your boarding pass, to be allowed to go through the doors to passeport control, to go through security, and to get on the plane. These people are serious about making sure you have everything in order!
My parents are staying two additional nights in Tahiti, and Alex and I flew down to New Zealand before them. We were able to both get aisle seats, AND not have anyone sit next to either of us. What a luxury!
They served breakfast at some strange hour. I chose the eggs, which also had beans and a sausage link. However, it wasn’t so bad, and the fruit was delicious! They walked around handing out customs forms. I’ve never had to declare granola bars, water from the airport, snorkel gear, hiking shoes, or personal medications before. However, they write on the form that there is a $400 fine if you don’t declare anything you bring in that can change the ecosystem of New Zealand.
I took medication where I should’ve slept for 6-8 hours for it to wear off. Sadly, I wasn’t thinking too clearly, and it was torturous to have the plane land three hours later. Luckily, Alex was willing to figure out the right shuttle to get on to take us to our B&B and directions to it too. You know what I just realized?!? They didn’t even stamp our passports when we came into the country. 🤨
I didn’t realize Auckland has a lot of hills. It really is a pretty city. The B&B is a cute two story penthouse (with a room and bathroom on the top floor).
Here’s our view from the balcony too!
We spent the day resting and doing laundry. I’m so grateful for a washer and dryer! Granted, the wash cycle takes almost two hours and the dryer takes 45 minutes, but I didn’t have to wash anything by hand! That’s a total win for me.
After we move another load to the dryer, we are planning on going to dinner. I’m sure it will be delicious! Look how delightful the city view is at night!
I also loved how they draped white lights back and forth along cords to form a beautiful false ceiling outside. Think they’ll let me do this in my classroom?
An interesting side note is that the emergency sirens in New Zealand sound the same as in the US! That was a surprise, since they sound different in Europe.
For dinner, Alex pulled out her yelp app, and found a place called Federal Delicatessen, which was just across the street from the Sky Tower. We had a 25 minute wait, so we went over to the Sky Tower and walked around it for a few minutes. They have these darling white twinkle lights wrapped around the base of the columns. I’m pretty sure I need them at my house too. 😊
The Delicatessen was New Zealand’s take on a New York diner. It was a little unusual to understand every word on the menu, but not know what half of the things were. I asked the server about it, and she said if I had to ask, then they probably weren’t doing a good job of creating a New York diner. 😂 We settled on sharing a chicken salad sandwich with gravy as well as poutine.
I learned a few important things: a lemon Rickey is what Americans consider fizzy lemonade. If you order a lemonade in New Zealand, it’s actually Sprite. The most unusual thing I ordered this evening was an orange and dill soda. Yep, you heard correctly. The orange and dill soda combo was a pleasant surprise! I think both acids cut the other, and it was oddly refreshing!
I have also learned to ask about tips and when you pay them. In Tahiti, you had to tell them the tip total
Before they ran the card. In New Zealand, you can pay with a card just about everywhere you go, much like the US. However, the average amount of tip you probably would leave is approximately 10% of the bill.
I have been pleasantly surprised by New Zealand. Alex said Auckland feels somewhat like NYC. I agree! However, it’s on a smaller scale. It was a fabulous start to our New Zealand leg of the trip! Here’s to great experiences in New Zealand! 💕
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