A short set from Kaikoura.

A short set from Nelson and Tasman.

A short set from Arthur’s Pass.

A short set from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

I took a quick trip to Auckland and Napier to visit my dad and Cathy. We mainly caught up over conversation, beer, and a coffee or two. I also discovered that my dad is a bit of a hustler at pool. Dad resting outside Uncle Christopher’s place in Auckland

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.

Although I had taken a few short trips this year, to Nepal and Taiwan, I had been saving my annual leave for a bigger journey through South America. This trip will probably be my last for quite some time. This morning, I woke up and finished preparing for my flight. I had some difficulty organising my seats because the departure time kept changing, I couldn’t check in online, and calling the hotline proved futile. The check-in lines were long, but I could use a shorter queue because I had no checked baggage.

Because it was Saturday, the Nelson market was in full swing. I am not usually a market person, but this one was relaxing. Many markets sell whichever gadgets and trinkets are popular at the time; this one felt more authentic. The honey, artwork, jewellery, and food were distinctly local. The sun was also intense. Before arriving in New Zealand, I had read about different sunscreen formulations after learning a difficult lesson at a cricket match. For the market, I applied and reapplied sunscreen containing zinc oxide and other ultraviolet filters. I avoided getting burnt, although many people around me had already developed red necks. Nothing at the market particularly tempted me, but I did find a new hat. …

One of my earliest memories of New Zealand was staying in a cabin in Abel Tasman National Park. On this trip, I was lucky enough to drive to the park, catch a water taxi to Torrent Bay, and hike the 12-13 km back to where I had parked. Although I never found the cabin, I had a great walk, and the pictures speak for themselves. One of the best parts of the hike happened before I even left. I had a short list of travel items I needed but could never find at the right price. One was a tiny collapsible backpack to use as a daypack. Just before leaving, I stepped into an outdoor shop and found exactly that. After trying it on, I knew immediately that I should buy it. It worked well on the trail, and I looked forward …

Europe 2011 Day 1 It had been almost seven years since I last went to Europe, so with nearly 40 days of paid leave accrued, it seemed like a good time to take a few weeks off. I had also just finished a PhD, so the break felt like a well-deserved reward. While planning my trip, I realised that my dad and Cathy would be in New Zealand around the time we were considering leaving. I arranged to visit them first, then take advantage of a good AirAsia fare to Paris.