I decided it was time for a short holiday to recharge and reflect on the previous year. A vehicle-relocation service seemed like an interesting option. Because so many people travel from Auckland to Christchurch, rental companies often have campervans that need to be returned north. This arrangement suited me: I could fly into Christchurch and depart from Auckland.

I woke up early and took a train just after 6AM to the airport, arriving easily before 7:00. After checking in I cleared security and proceeded to my gate, waiting for my flight to depart. Jetstar flight 151 departed on time, and had me landing in Christchurch at 13:45 local time.

Since I only had carry-on, I was able to make my way to customs and out into the crisp Christchurch air. The sun was bright.

While waiting for my phone’s GPS to locate me, I asked a traffic controller for directions. In a strong New Zealand accent, he pointed me towards the road I needed. After carefully navigating a roundabout, I arrived at the rental company.

Although the main reception area was welcoming, I collected the van from a small demountable office. The vehicle was a relatively modern Volkswagen with more than 250,000 kilometres on it. It included a sink, bedding, a microwave, and a stove. After checking for existing damage, I set off down Memorial Road in search of a supermarket. A few turns later, I reached Northcote Shopping Centre.

I walked into the centre and noticed the food court, which reminded me I was quite hungry. Two curry dishes later, both vegetarian, and I was ready to go shopping.

The Pak N Save in the shopping centre brought back memories of some sort, as I had been in a Pak N Save before, and the layout felt very similar. While I was shopping I went to the Telecom store to organise a SIM card.

Buying the card was easy, but, ironically, the signal inside the store was so weak that it initially would not activate. Once it registered, I added credit and rejoined my companion in Pak’nSave.

Back at the van, which I had parked rather poorly, I put the food away and left for Kaikoura.

With the sun setting, I drove two hours up the coast until I saw signs for Kaikoura. I continued through town until the road met the railway line, then turned off. I had researched free campsites along the route and found a small site nestled between the tracks and the ocean. I parked with the rear of the van facing the water and began preparing dinner.

Everything in the van was a bit of a mission, as I was unfamiliar with most of the accessories. The LPG needed to be turned on from the outside. After dinner I spent a few minutes trying to figure out how to make the bed, which needed to be completed using the table.

Full from dinner and tired after a long day, I went to bed early.