A Little Bit Kiwi

Can't believe we have already been here 2 months. It is amazing how time flies. Many have commented about our blog and want to hear more. We decided not only to make the blog about us, but also to let you know a bit about NZ and the lifestyle that we are living. Really, we thought it might entice more of you to save your pennies to come to visit.

Some things we love about NZ:

* Golf is extremely inexpensive and accessible. There are more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world. The average round of golf for non-affiliated members of courses is $24 per person. Most courses are walked and have fantastic views.


* Kiwis are very aware of saving their environment. Recycling is done throughout the country and the word "re-use" is taken very seriously. Weekly trash pick up is interesting. Everyone must purchase a rubbish bag ($1.20 each) that is recognizable by our local district (county). The bag is about double the size of a plastic grocery size back in the States. Since we have been here, we have only put trash out on the curb (1 bag per pick up) four times. All the rest is composted, recycled, and re-used...


* The big push right now is for everyone to ban plastic grocery bags. They just end up on a roadside somewhere or in the city dump, so why use them. Almost every grocery store sells tote bags for very inexpensive that are reusable at any location.

* For all of you fishermen and women, NZ is experiencing a problem with Didymo (some type of rock snot they think came from North America). It is infecting the rivers, streams and lakes by basically strangling and suffocating the river habitat. The Department of Conservation is working hard to put up Didymo cleaning stations and asking all water users to dip their boots, bikes, kayaks..... after use on the water and before entering other waters. They say the best cleaning solution is just some basic detergent and then completely dry all goods. Customs has become even tougher at the airports and will examine any outdoor gear and most likely sterilize it on the spot. If you come and visit, be prepared for this and pack wisely.