We are usually the book a ticket and then go from there type travellers: no reservations, no tours, just winging it. This time however there is the Internet!! Yes it has been that long since we last did this!! This means that places expect you to book in advance, there are many more options (airb&b, VRBO etc) and prices go up as you get closer to the date. Also, apparently places in New Zealand are having trouble getting staff so less tours, less rooms available etc. You get the picture.

So, while Pierre is hard at work on our bathroom reno (a story for another time) I have been looking at where we want to go and what we want to do in New Zealand. Man this is a lot of work!!

We now have places booked in various parts of the North Island for 4 nights each, with bikes or kayaks or hikes etc. planned in the areas. There will also be lots of wining and dining!!

Now all we have to do is get on the plane, hope our luggage goes where we go and then start this somewhat planned adventure!