Auckland arrival... and departure

After 13 or so hours on board a very comfy Singapore airline flight, and acting a bit wobble-headed because we hadn't slept, we touched down in Auckland. It was a nice day. It is a small airport. We got some friendly words of advice from an elderly kiwi lady sitting next to us on the plane that I don't remember because I was that far gone due to sleep deprivation.

Lisa and Kaye show off our lovely beenies

Auckland airport is a big departure from Singapore. In Singapore robots practically carry your bags for you. Auckland is a bit more spit and sawdust. We were a bit nervous walking up to the immigration desk, figuring we'd be grilled about our finances, or someone would don a rubber glove, before we would be given our work visas. But the lady at the desk seemed positively relieved to see workers coming inward, so we were stamped and on our way. Although not before the 30 or so flora and fauna inspection points. They're very worried about non-endemic animals or fungus or diseases getting into the country, for good reasons. They're still trying to eradicate the stoats and rabbits that some gobshite let wild in the country over 100 years ago. We got our boots checked to make sure they were nice and clean, and were checked for any secretly stashed gerbils (not really).

Our pride and joy - the Thermo King sponsored car

Then we just collapsed in the arrivals foyer, trying to think what to do next. What do you do when you arrive in a new country that supposed to be your new home? Well, we bought a NZ mobile number and rang the only contact we had - Lisa's Dad's colleague from Thermo King New Zealand. Again, the hospitality we were shown by otherwise strangers has been amazing. Within 20 minutes, Kaye, from Thermo King Auckland drove over and picked us up. We were brought back to the nearby office and got to say hello to everyone, including Willie, the owner.

Kaye and Willie gave us more advice that this time I was able to store in my sleep-deprived memory banks. More than that though, Willie lent us one of his courtesy cars for our exclusive use for a few weeks. You simply can't get off to a better start in a new country then getting a free car for a few weeks.... We thanked them profusely, donned our new Thermo King beenie hats and headed off for Auckland.

Except that we got as far as the nearest petrol station and did something rash. Again I blame the lack of sleep (somewhere around 24 hours without at that stage), but we decided to turn the car around and head south. See the country. Take in the sights. When would we have a free car at our disposal again?

We aimed the car for Taupo, some 4 hours away and hit the road. I really wish I could remember more about that drive. I do remember being awake for all of it. But the scenery just slid past as I concentrated on getting to Taupo. Lisa passed out on my left and I listened to local radio stations.