Touring New Zealand & Australia in a campervan has been amazing, and I wouldn't change the way we've done it for the world, but I can't wait to get out of this campervan. Sleeping in a van for 3 months is longer than anyone needs to. It's definitely the best way to see the countries, but I miss having my own toilet, shower, and bed. Living like this has definitely made me appreciate the little things about home we take granted for everyday.
On our way back to get the ferry in Picton, I just couldn't miss the wine tasting in my favourite wine region in the world; (I'm only young, but it's what I love right now, and that's what matters) Marlborough, New Zealand. We went to a few different vineyards, Giesen did the best Merlot, but the best all round without a doubt was Hunter's, their wine was unbelievable. We couldn't not purchase 6 bottles of wine (talk about ruining that travellers budget we were on!). It wasn't just 1 wine that won us over, it was several, it was hard to choose. Hunter's wine from Marlborough is just incredible, go on Laithwate's website right now and order either the Savioungon Blanc 2016, Riesling (my preferred) for white, or Pinot Noir 2012 for red.
Although the view of the Marlborough Sounds is beautiful from the ferry, we weren't looking forward to the 3 hour journey after hearing that there was a 4 metre swell on the Cook Strait. The journey felt apocalyptic, but not as scary as hearing air raid sirens go off at 11pm a couple evenings later. Visiting a country that constantly reminds you of its volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunami's, flooding and cyclones, hearing those sirens go off in Te Kauwhata on our way back up to Auckland airport, was scary. After calling the police to be safe, turns out its the alarm sounded when needing voluntary fire service (completely the wrong noise in my opinion, felt like I was in the Blitz!).
After a stressful last few days of bombing it north, we finally dropped the camper back and make it to the hotel. It feels like luxury. All I can say is that I'm fully prepared for holiday mode in Bali with Dad & Marcia. I can't wait for the exotic food, beautiful scenery, change in culture and the best company!