So – it was my big six-0 and I wanted to celebrate in style. Found a Caribbean cruise that took in my birthday and showed hubby. Great he said – are England playing cricket out there (apparently it would of have been a shame to go all that way and not see a match!) Checked with the ECB website but alas to west Indies tour but they were playing in New Zealand which was also over my birthday! I would add at this point I duo love cricket too!
Next thing we had booked flight to Auckland with China Eastern!
Now I have always gone on package holidays so I was nervous about what we would do. We booked a hotel in Auckland for the first 2 and last 3 nights, booked a hotel for a trip we were booked onto for my birthday (present from the kids) booked car hire and everything else we would play be ear.
We drove the Pacific Highway route booking a hotel the day before and if we liked it extending it a day or so. We saw so much of the North Island it was fabulous. We did everything! Went to a jet boat ride (thrilling) saw all sorts of hot springs and thermal baths, visited an active volcano (White Island) and even saw some Dolphins. We visited zoos, aquariums and wildlife sites. Cable cars, caves – we tried it all! It was wonderful and the weather was brilliant (March).
Our first day of cricket was washed out so we bought tickets and went the next day!
Would – I go again? Yes!!!!! But next time ~I would like to go to the South Island.
Would I travel China Eastern again? Probably not. It was a long flight (8 hours stopover in Shanghai).
Next time I would try hiring a camper van (hubby would have to drive though).
Hubby is sixty in 3 years so we are already planning our next big trip (he is still checking the ECB website lol)
