Middle Earth Adventures

McCrain's in Middle Earth
A travel dialogue of our adventures in New Zealand

In February 2004, Jim and Kathy McCrain began a five month oddessy in New Zealand. Kathy was transferred to Auckland for a temporary work assignment, and Jim followed her for moral support. (Isn't he just the greatest husband?) What follows is Jim's account of this adventure.

Day Two: The Arrival

March 12, 2004.
Takapuna Beach, Auckland, New Zealand.

Kia Ora!
(Or "Welcome" in Native Maori!)

I got my first glimpse of New Zealand at 8:57 am. It was a small island off the east coast of the mainland, and it was beautiful. I can’t wait to see some of this landscape up-close and personal. But before that, I want to be reunited with my Wife, and then get some rest. It just isn’t all that easy to sleep in an airplane, or at least, not for me. Sheer exhaustion did make me sleep for a few hours, but it wasn’t very restful. I am sure that I will sleep well tonight!

Good news! The bag that got stuck in the X-ray machine made it! It was almost too easy getting into the country.

Hold that thought.

There was a “slight” hiccup.

They had to quarantine my tent.

Yes, you read that correctly. They had to quarantine my tent!

It seems that New Zealand is VERY protective of their natural resources. So protective, in fact, that any camping or “tramping” gear that has been used in a foreign country has to be inspected, X-rayed, re-inspected, disinfected, and then inspected once more. My tent had been used in California nine months ago, but they were afraid it might have some grass seeds on it. After they had X-rayed the tent, taken it apart, and shaken it out, the MAF Inspector (something Agricultural something) said that my tent was the cleanest one he had ever seen. I smiled and said something pithy like “I take care of my gear. I can’t afford to replace it if it gets destroyed.”

He obviously wasn’t amused by this, as he quit smiling. He then asked me if I planned to go tramping in my tennis shoes, or did I bring any boots with me. I didn’t fall for his line of questioning though. I had seen them taking boots and shoes from a lot of other “trampers,” one of whom was told he wouldn’t be getting his boots back for two weeks because they were so dirty and they would have to be cleaned and sterilized. I simply told the Agent that I would be purchasing new shoes for the “walks” as I couldn’t fit my old ones into the bag. (Very true! Those bags were full.) I hope they don’t come questioning me when a package arrives by US Postal Service. It has two pair of (clean) boots in it!

After clearing Customs and legally entering the country, I took a semi-quick shuttle ride to the Spencer on Byron Hotel, where I had a clean room waiting for me. In the room was a lovely note from Kathy, along with a Coke and a piece of cake. I ignored both of those food items and ate an apple. (Yes, I DO eat healthy, every once in a while! But don’t worry, that cake won’t last very long around here!)

Kathy is going to take the afternoon off, or at least come “home” early. It will be good to see her, and to catch up on all the little things that we have missed out on for the past two weeks. Of course, I am a little “jet-lagged” so it may be an early evening for me. Tomorrow, Saturday, the Adventure REALLY begins. Look out, New Zealand! I’m Here!

The Adventure Begins!