I Found the Center of New Zealand

Left early this morning for Nelson. In Auckland, I was shocked to hear I only needed to arrive 1/2 hour before my flight, and checked with someone else just to be sure. When I got to the airport, I understood why. The domestic airport is a completely separate building from international (which was like any bigger airport). When I walked in, there weren't any lines because 1) they don't have check-in counters, just dozens of kiosks, 2) not many people seem to fly domestic (may have to do with the size of the country), and 3) there is no security line.

Nelson reminds me of a small town from the fifties or sixties. It's safe for kids to run around and everyone moves at a slower place.

Even the airport reminded me of the old days. Because there are no security checks, families were there waiting with those about to take off. They even have an observation deck up some stairs where you can stand outside and watch planes come and go. But the best was when they told me my luggage would be out in front of the airport near the taxis. It was a very small airport - just one big room. I've been in small airports before, but never one that didn't have even one baggage carousel. At least the airport stayed open for more than just my flight (in both Finland & Croatia the airports only stayed open for my flights).

The city itself reminds me of a larger version of old Westerville. I almost feel I've stepped back in time. I went for a walk along the water this morning and met a father and son fishing. The father mentioned he moved here from England because of his son - I can see why - it would be a great place to raise kids.

The only thing I found strange about the city is that even though the city is on the Tasman Bay, the city center was built further up a river, away from the sea. Between the city & the sea is a park and outdoor sports field. On the other hand they do know how to make the most of their rivers. A walkway covered with trees, bushes, and flowers runs along it throughout the city.

So after a lunch outdoors on the main street, soaking up the sun and watching people., I headed for the center of New Zealand - this is literally deemed to be the center of the country. I was told it would be about 20 minutes to get to the park, the didn't tell me the center was on the top of a mountain. I figured it would be a nice walk, and then I'd hit a couple of other parks that looked interesting. Hah. It was at least a 30 minute hike up the mountain. Then I decided to stay and get my money's worth. It really was beautiful up there. Although I'm not sure which was worse, my lungs on the way up or my knees on the way down. Getting old sucks. But it was well worth the effort.

I met my first American at the top - Ryan from Chicago. Ryan is around my age and is in the middle of 6 mos here. He's been living cheaply, and often earns room & board by working on farms. He's been all over the south island and is now heading to the north island. I have to admit, I'm a bit envious, but don't think I could do what he's doing.
So that's it for today. Tomorrow I meet up with the other four on the trip. More later...

Interesting fact Day 2: the sun always seems to be directly overhead. When I started my hike this morning, I noticed the sun was overhead (about 11 o'clock). Now it's 6 pm and the sun's still overhead (about 1 o'clock). I wonder if it has something to do with how far south I am.

Pictures: downtown Nelson, river path, me at the center of NZ, center of New Zealand from bottom of hill, view from top