The Travellers in New Zealand

At the Sailboat Airport, four sleepy and jet-lagged figures emerged from the arrivals terminal. The Travelers, arrived in Auckland, N.Z.

“You should probably let Learoy out and let him stretch his paws a little,” said Josh to Tasha who was carrying her dog in a kennel. “Good idea,” replied Tasha and as soon as she opened the little door, Learoy leaped out happily. “Ah yes! Learoy knows what I’m feeling, mates!” exclaimed Robbie, “I’m absolutely ecstatic to be back home!” Lori, who had been quiet due to the terrible ordeal of being cramped into a plane full of people, muttered to herself, “Over 20 hours on a plane and he’s got the energy of a kangaroo on too much caffeine.” Much to her surprise Robbie heard her and replied, “Well, that’s because I followed the very important rule of walking around to prevent circulatory disorders, and sleeping whenever possible!” Lori did not reply but instead concentrated on using the remnants of whatever energy she had left to stay awake and upright.

In fact, Robbie was the only one in the group who was so energetic. Everyone else, felt much like Lori did. Their flight, with a starting point on the east coast of North America, was an exhaustive trek around the globe, with a stopover in Hawaii after a 12 hour flight, landing in Auckland, New Zealand 10 hours later.

To recuperate from the long flight and in order to adjust to the local clock and calendar – not only does one lose a day by traveling from North America to New Zealand, but the seasons are also reversed – the Travelers settled down on Kaua Kaua Bay. It is located on the North Island in a secluded area somewhere north of Auckland. After many hours of laying on the beach like lazy crabs, Tasha just couldn’t take it any longer and started pressuring everyone to go exploring. Much to her dismay the general consensus was something that sounded like “Aww.. naaahh… hmpf!”, which translates roughly to ‘no’.

So, Tasha took Learoy and went for a walk by herself. “Guys, I think we upset her somewhat…” speculated Josh, to which Lori replied that he should stop thinking and just lay there and look pretty, or better yet help her apply more sun-block lotion. Lori was always careful when it came to protecting her skin from sunburn. Because the sun seemed so pleasant, there was also the risk of getting sunstroke when one least expected it, so Lori had a plentiful supply of fashionable hats for every occasion.

Suddenly, Robbie got up and noted that Tasha had indeed gone, “and I thought she was just trying to get us to come… but she actually went off by herself! I think we should try and find her!” he exclaimed. Josh just waved his hand at Robbie like there was a fly bothering him saying “and you’re surprised because….? Tasha always does this sort of thing. But I have an idea, why don’t we go to a nice restaurant in Auckland? It’s known for its delicious fish and other seafood! Your choice which restaurant we shall choose, Lori.” “Well of course it is,” replied Lori matter-of-factly. Robbie decided that he will try and find Tasha instead. So Robbie parted ways with Lori and Josh, and made his way down the beach.

Josh was right, Auckland restaurants are known for its fabulous fish and seafood dishes. There are restaurants to be found anywhere in the city. Lori chose one by the marina, so she could ogle at the beautiful yachts that pulled in and out in plentiful numbers. Sitting at a table by the window, Lori admired the views while Josh gave his undivided attention to his dish. Actually, he had ordered quite a bit already and couldn’t get enough. “I don’t know what it is, but the freshness of the fish is the best ingredient in these dishes!” he kept repeating. Lori acknowledged that the food was indeed very good but she suggested that they try and get on one of those yachts later on and added, “this marina is the largest in the world! It’s known for its peculiar as well as extravagant yachts, jet boats and catamarans. Oh look, and there is a Greenpeace boat.”

In the meantime, Robbie unable to find Tasha, made his way down to the marina as well and was, in fact, by the Greenpeace boat at the very moment that Josh and Lori were discussing it. He was taking many photographs of the large boat, and of the activity going on around it. At one particular moment he noticed, what could be an interesting shot (Robbie always tried to make at least one or two artistic photographs for his collection on each trip). The angle of one of the sides of the boat made a beautiful silhouette against the sun, and the rippling water. He set up his camera, adjusted the focus and then…. A big slobbery, hairy face jumped up right in front of the lens barking loudly. “Learoy!!” yelled Robbie partly angry, partly happy to see him because that meant Tasha was here too. And indeed, Tasha stood on the side laughing hysterically. “I’m sorry Robbie, I couldn’t stop him!” she exclaimed apologetically, although to Robbie’s mind she didn’t seem one bit sorry. But he couldn’t stay mad for too long, and happy to see Tasha started showing her around the marina and of course around the Greenpeace boat. He felt like he was showing guests around his home. “Greenpeace is known to visit the Auckland marinas often to keep watch on the many transport ships and to check for any signs of oil leakage, and other matters” he explained as they walked around. Tasha was very interested in all that Robbie had to say, which made him swell up like a balloon of pride for his hometown. “Would you like to see the marina from the water’s point of view?” he asked a while later. “How do you mean?” replied Tasha, and Robbie explained that one of his uncles owns a small boat and docks it in this very marina. He had called him earlier and received permission to use it. Tasha was completely up for it.

The next thing that happened was Lori jumping up from the table she was sitting at with Josh in the restaurant (who was on his 7th course by now) pointing out the window and between gasps yelling, “Josh!! Look!! It’s Tasha and Robbie and they’re… they’re… on a BOAT!!!!” Never had anyone seen a person move this fast as at that moment. Lori was out of the restaurant like lightning, running down to where Robbie’s uncle’s motorboat was docked. Josh, half a crab hanging out of his mouth, looked on surprised. He quickly gulped down the last piece, paid the waiter and ran out after Lori. Robbie and Tasha, of course, wouldn’t have left without the other two, and waited patiently as the figures of Lori and Josh ran madly down the marina.

Soon, everyone was calm once more, laying around on the boat enjoying the skyline, the breeze, the sun and a little light conversation. “It is so much easier to access these restaurants at the marina, by boat rather than by car,” noted Lori. “I think if I had to choose a place of permanent residence, this might just be it.” Tasha laughed, “you say that about every place we visit, Lori.” And that’s the truth for all of the Travelers.

While in Auckland, the Travelers decided to book a trip to a Dolphin Explorer Expedition. The cost was approximately $90.00 (New Zealand dollars). Since the weather was excellent, they got a chance to swim with the dolphins, all except Josh who became extremely sick. “Next time don’t be such a greedy food-aholic!” teased Lori and jumped in the water after the others. The three of them swam, eyes wide open with amazement at the beauty around them, and at the excitement of the dolphins being so close. Such great creatures yet they seemed so gentle at the same time. Josh didn’t miss out completely, however, as the view from the boat was just as great. The dolphins frolicked around, being really playful and cooperative.

After much excitement in Auckland, the Travelers headed off to Rotorua, which is north of the city. They rented a convertible and sped down the freeway. Everyone was glad Robbie knew how to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, because otherwise they would have to fear for their lives at this speed. Upon arrival in Rotorua, Robbie explained that this place is known for its Maori Aboriginal population. Tasha being extremely excited about this, took everyone to see a Maori traditional tribal dance. Lori noticed that it was a little reminiscent of a Hula dance one would see in Hawaii, U.S.A. Afterwards, they headed off towards the Geyser park. They met a Maori man at the entrance (this park belonged to the Maori people), and Tasha jumped at the opportunity to “try out” the Maori greeting, which consisted of their noses rubbing together. Inspired by Tasha, the rest of the group proceeded to do the same.

Once they entered the park, they headed off to take a look at the geysers. “Let’s go and admire one of nature’s most wondrous creations!” exclaimed Robbie. “What – boiling pits of magma, water and sulphur?” replied Lori, holding her nose shut at the smell. In truth, the sulphur did cause an awful ‘rotten egg’ –like smell to float into the Travelers’ noses. Josh had to sit down at one point because the odour did not help his already queasy stomach and dizzy head. Just then Robbie’s voice called from behind one of the geysers, asking everyone to join him because he had something to show them. As they walked to where Robbie was – which was on a beach filled with dark sands – they all exclaimed in awe. There, posing for Robbie’s camera, were black swans. There were many of them! This sight made such an impact on Lori that she decided it justified the suffering she had to go through (smelling those awful geysers) in order to see them.

The next day, the Travelers made their way to Robbie’s grandmother’s house back in Auckland. Robbie told them she was excited to see them and prepared a light meal. After resting and eating (and Josh miraculously becoming well after drinking one of grandma’s teas), they made their way to a sheep farm. New Zealand is known for its wool and excellent shearers, and Robbie wouldn’t let them leave the continent if they didn’t visit a sheep farm. Josh, feeling up to par again, tried out riding the bull. As much as he’s talented and swift in the kitchen, he is not so on a bucking animal. However, everyone enjoyed the show he put on.

The trip soon came to an end – too soon, in Robbie’s mind, who would miss his homeland – and the Travelers made one last trip to Cornwell Park, to admire the enormous trees.
The Park is known for its One Tree Hill, representing the unity between the British and the Maori Aboriginals (with mounting troubles, it was recently cut down by the Maoris).

New Zealand used to be an island filled only with birds until settlers came and introduced other animals into its ecosystem; this is the reason for its plentiful trees.