‘Travelling in the company of those we love is home in motion’ … Leigh Hunt

Back in 2017, a year before my whole world drastically changed in every direction. Pre cancer, pre covid, pre bushfires and everything else that made me question my existence, my gorgeous Kirsty and I travelled to Europe. We went on a bus trip which travelled through Europe. We were only on it for about 10 days I think, but we made friends who would go on to become life long family. Being on a bus for a number of days in close proximity with people does bring you close but generally when the tour ends, the friendship fizzles out too. Even with all the best intentions to keep it going, it’s hard to make it work.

This tour was the tour that keeps on giving when it comes to friendship. We made friends from the USA, Canada, New Zealand and of course, here in Australia. While I haven’t yet had a chance to catch up again with the Canadians, we keep in touch on social media, but the others, I’ve all seen again and they are a huge part of my world. So after my friends from New Zealand came out last time, they said it was my turn to go there next time. So, what could I say but, challenge accepted. I waited until the fares were really cheap and booked.

So a few weeks ago, I was ready to fly to Middle Earth. The night before I left, I didn’t sleep at all. I’m always so worried about sleeping in and missing my flight, that I can never sleep but I didn’t care. I was off to spend some time with two people who I absolutely adore and as a bonus, I’d be seeing a bit of New Zealand for the first time. Amazing isn’t it, how we often ignore what is in our own backyard, but I’d never been there before. It’s only a 3 hour flight for goodness sake. It takes longer to fly to Western Australia or the Northern Territory. But I was finally getting there. I didn’t really care if I saw none of it though, as I was going to spend time with my friends.

Still, I had brushed up on my best Pōkarekare Ana, which I’d learned way back in primary school. (Full disclosure, I was disappointed to not have the need to belt out my version but my mind is at peace with the fact that I was prepared, just in case.) I had booked a trip to Hobbiton. I’m not a Lord of the Rings fan if I’m honest, but I’m never one to pass up the opportunity to walk through a fantasy world. Everyone said it would be cold, so I bought new slippers (they are still brand new, never needed them). I had my camera all charged and ready to go and my back had been packed 4 days before I left (unheard of for me). I had ordered some personalised jars of Vegemite as gifts, as well as a few packets of kangaroo poo (chocolate cherries with clever marketing really) so I was a bit concerned about going through customs with them but I had no issues.

I got there safely and was relieved to find the weather a bit cooler than we’d been having in Australia. It was still fine but not as oppressively hot. And of course, I was thrilled to finally be with Yoli and Mike. You know that kind of friendship when you just click immediately? Well that is what I have found with this gorgeous couple. I adore them. By the time we got back from Auckland to their place with a few stops on the way, it was time to have some wine and pizza. Let me tell you, no sleep the night before, all the excitement and then a few wines, I slept like a log that night.

The next day, after a nice leisurely pyjama morning, Yoli and I went for a drive to Tirau. It is a small little village which features lots of corrugated iron animals, flowers and stuff all over their shops. They even have a few huge corrugated iron sheep shops. How cool is that? I got to shop in an op shop in a sheep. Does that make it an op sheep shop? I don’t know but I loved it. We had a nice lunch at a little cafe in town called the Cabbage Tree. There were signatures all over the walls, architraves and ceiling. Great food and lots of conversation. We got back home again then went for a drive to Te Aroha (means love) and through some spectacular countryside. It’s so green and picturesque. The cows and sheep seem to move so slowly that the scenery looks more like an oil painting than real life. It was quite surreal but oh so beautiful. When we got home, Yoli and I had a few pre (and post) dinner wines (can you see a theme here?) while Mike cooked a delicious dinner for us. (he also had wine) I went to bed with the hugest smile on my face.

Happy home in motion….Livvy xxx