The attempted return to England
After having embarked on a trip down under to the Southern Hemisphere, with destinations including Singapore and then Australia, it was time to return to England. After deciding that New Zealand would be the best route back to the UK, we didn’t expect to get stuck there.
When planning our journey back to England, and then looking at the map and seeing the spread of COVID-19 throughout the world at that time, we changed our flights from going back via Singapore to London to instead going back via Auckland to London. When we reached Auckland, it became apparent very quickly that the flight to London just wasn’t happening.
So, what were we going to do?
As we knew that New Zealand had no COVID cases at this point, we decided that given the situation we would use the opportunity to discover Auckland city. After a series of flight cancellations and alterations, and then seeing prices rise exponentially, we realised that a flight out of New Zealand wasn’t going to happen any time soon either, so we decided to explore more of what New Zealand had to offer.
Tauranga
The first destination that we decided on was Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. Having heard wonderful things about the Bay of Plenty, we decide that this was a great place to start. Unfortunately, whilst planning for the trip there, cases of COVID-19 had been discovered in low numbers on the shores of the island. This would have end up having consequences that we had not anticipated.
During our bus journey from Auckland to Tauranga, it was announced that New Zealand would be going into a Stage 3 lockdown, and within 24 hours, they would then be entering a Stage 4 lockdown too. This all had happened very fast.
This was a huge shock to the system and lead to mild panic, as we had just arrived into this new location, and at that point, had nothing planned in preparation of a lockdown. We were very lucky that our Airbnb still allowed us to arrive as planned. They provided a completely contactless check in, and we were able to let ourselves into our new lockdown home.
As we knew time was of the essence, we quickly then went shopping and stocked up with what we could. The weeks that followed was made up of a combination of working on-line, sitting outside on the deckchair given to us by our hosts and walking around the local area, we even made a rainbow cake. We were very lucky that there were plenty of interesting walks in the area.
Fortunately, the family that owned the Airbnb were very accommodating and ended up being of great help during what was a stressful time. They would always check in and ask us if there was anything that they could do to help us. In addition to this, when it got difficult to find certain items in the shops, their offers to pick these items up (if they could find them) whilst shopping made a difference too.
Our hosts even surprised us on Easter morning, with an Easter gift left hanging outside our window. The family had created a beautiful little handmade card and holder, with little eggs hiding inside. The community spirit we found present in New Zealand was an important part of what has allowed them to get through harder times like these and the family really included us in that.
When things started to improve again, we were finally able to hire a car, which we used to then explore this part of New Zealand further.
Being able to move around again
After the lockdown was lifted, we decided to travel back to Auckland. We were hoping that we might be able to get back across to Australia, as case numbers there were still tiny compared to most other countries, but due to restrictions, this didn’t look so imminent. Therefore, we decided to try to explore the north island further.
We then elected to travel further up the north island, to the Bay of Islands. This area is beautiful, and we end up staying here for a while whilst we are working. Our time there was far from just work though, as we also explored various parts of this area of New Zealand. Being able to escape to nature has been particularly wonderful at times like these. The colourful flowers and nature all around proved it can certainly help to lift a low spirit.
Might we make it across the water this time?
We return once more to Auckland, as the talk of a travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia seemed to be growing. This however still seemed a way off from fruition, as timelines continued to shift and slide.
During this time, we take the time to explore local areas further and learn more about the city. It becomes like an unintended temporary home. We also use this time to book some tours. Unfortunately, once again, COVID-19 numbers spike, and we find ourselves faced with the announcement of a fresh lockdown in Auckland, all due to an outbreak in the city.
We once again find ourselves in the position of extending Airbnbs and generally staying inside. Getting out to exercise though becomes a new challenge, as it is easier to stay away from people in smaller towns with more walks, by rivers and in the woodlands, than it is in a city. Once the restrictions are eased, we rearrange our tours. Fortunately, the agencies are very accommodating and supportive, making this whole process much easier.
Taking this window of opportunity, we also decide to travel to the most southern point of New Zealand’s North Island, the city of Wellington. Using a website that we had used in the past, we arrange with a lovely family in Wellington to come and house sit for them, whilst they go away for a few days themselves. This provides an opportunity to explore Wellington, a city brimming with character and some interesting gastronomy too. We also spoil ourselves to a night at the InterContinental there.
After returning from this trip back to Auckland, we were finally able to take a trip across the water and back to where we started this part of our adventure, we were heading back to Sydney, Australia.
It was with mixed emotions that we departed the island. Its people, its policies and the support we experienced whilst there will always remain a part of our journey there during this COVID-19 pandemic. This land with helpful people, willing to lend a hand or outstretch one when one is needed by a neighbour, or even by a stranger. I hope that this is behaviour that long continues.
