Well it’s our first full day in New Zealand and what a day it has been. This morning we had breakfast at our new favorite coffee shop called Holm in Auckland. A very trendy place that all the hipsters flock to. We went there yesterday when we first arrived. They make amazing avocado toast with chipotle sauce and sesame seeds. Not to mention they have really good coffee. After we checked out of our hostel we took an Uber to a car rental place and got a car and then hit the road!
Driving on the other side of the road is a trip. I suddenly have so much respect for my dad who drove around the UK when my family traveled there over 10 years ago. No wonder my mom didn’t feel comfortable driving. I am so grateful for my travel companions who did the driving as I was not feeling up for it.
The drive took us nearly four hours along with a very short ferry ride (about 5 minutes). We made it to Russell, got some Thai food, then found a place to stay for the night. We’re staying at this really cool holiday park that has a pool and a big field for camping as well as a kitchen. It looks like a place a lot of New Zealanders come to go camping and makes me think of the places my family used to go camping when I was a kid.
One of the coolest parts is that the back of the property turns into a forest where there is a great hiking trail and the possibility of seeing a Kiwi! We haven’t spotted one yet, but when the sun went down we could hear them calling. Later this evening we may go outside and lie under the stars, keep our eyes open for some Kiwis.
So driving in New Zealand makes traveling good and bad. We’ve got the independence and we can go anywhere we want (the bus system isn’t great here) however….driving when everything is reversed is really hard and really stressful. I keep thinking that I’ve gotten used to how the traffic works and then I look the wrong way when crossing the street… It’s only day two so we’ll get used to it by the end I suppose.
Anyway, we’re tucked away in our room and getting ready for bed. Tomorrow we’re gonna hit up a beach and then head to an Airbnb a little south of here.
Beach here we come!
Autumn Micketti 
Yes you need to look both ways and then reverse and look again both ways.
It’s fun to be on the other side of the world.
Have fun and be safe. No fear.
I love you.
Your dad.
Ah yes… now you know how much energy it took to drive all around the UK for 5 weeks. Papa should get a medal.