This morning I peered my head out from my cocoon (my top bunk at the Atlantis Backpackers Accommodation) to find that last night’s commotion I thought to be a dream had in fact resulted in what lay at the foot of the 6-rung-ladder, the first of many obstacles between me and the toilets. The woman who was, when I laid my head to rest last night, cozied up in the bunk below me now snored softly on her back, sandwiched between a green mattress and a Barbie blanket.

The speck of floor meant to be shared by eight and their packs and snacks and damp clothes had overnight been transformed to accommodate nine sleeping bodies. And not without a fit of stressful scrambling on the part of the hostel staff, working at some too-late hour to issue refunds as a result of over-bookings.

I am starting to understand that the knowledge I’m acquiring on this journey of mine may actually have some practical value —

Here’s some maybe useful travel notes from me<3

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Picton is at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Many travelers pass through this harbour town each day, each on their way every which way.

A highlight for me: the spectacle that is the Queen Charlotte Sound (one of the Marlborough Sounds) as the sun rises up over the hilltops in the morning.

If you find yourself in Picton:

Stay at Atlantis Backpackers! Its painted walls and overflowing bookshelves and generous hosts inspired me when I needed it most. (At a questionable $25NZD, it’s really a must)

Go kayaking, too!

Eat the mussels!

Take the ferry across the Cook Strait!

And when you get to Wellington:

Visit the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum (each time I thought I was ready to leave, something new and beautiful pulled me right back in!) (free general admission!)

Quick practicals:

Shop at Pak ‘n’ Save if it’s cheapest you’re after. Shop at New World if you want a more lush experience. Stay away from the 4Squares if you can manage it.

Queenstown and Tekapo were my most expensive stays; if you bus from Queenstown to Christchurch with Intercity, you get lunch in Tekapo! So you get to see the loveliness of the lake without paying to stay a night there!

Frankton is close enough to Queenstown and less expensive overall! And there’s a holiday park — bring your tent!

Throughout the holiday parks in the South Island, the most I paid for an unpowered tent site was $55; the least was $8.

My cheapest coffee was in Christchurch — $4! At a café on the beach! Imagine that!

If you want to do the campervan thing (which looks too good!), you may consider buying a van and selling it at the end of your stay rather than renting! (Keep in mind there are seasons when everyone is trying to sell)

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There is Oh So Much more to this but I’ll save it for another time

xx