Parents in NZ

A dream comes true! Mama and papa’s smiles are priceless. They arrived on the 13th of November 2023, my mum’s 65th birthday! Thank God for this moment, I really know from my heart, they both deserve this experience. My brother’s family and I greeted them with hugs and love. Finally! they are here in New Zealand. I have arranged a little surprise for them at the back of my car. My dad recording me while driving feeling so proud. We had a quick prayer in Mother Perpetual Church right after and lunch nearby Mission Bay, a dinner in Yum Cha as well. These moments we are just so blessed to have.

Parks Everywhere!

Introducing them slowly to the beauty of nature. Within two days, I took them to see Cornwall Park with its cows, Botanical Garden with its roses and Ambury Park with its horses, peacock and lambs. We also had Jimmy’s ice cream. For the last stop we went to Michael Joseph’s memorial to be at the top and have a sneak peak of the city.

We continued seeing nearby places the next day. They were amazed by the cleanliness of the surroundings and fresh air. We went to Devonport and Birkenhead wharf trying to have the Harbour bridge and SkyTower in a picture. We had our lunch beside the wharf.

First Road Trips!

First stop would be Hobbiton, been here before but I am still amazed (see graphics page). This time, my aunt from Canada arrived as well and will be staying for a week. She is looking forward for this time with us. It has been a long time we haven’t seen each other.

Next stop is Taupo to see the lake and Huka falls. We stayed overnight with a perk of jacuzzi and this made it memorable! Last stops are Rotorua and Hamilton Gardens. Red woods are so beautiful, and my aunt and I took the tree walk adventure. Famous museum is such a sight, and the Polynesian spa had acidic and alkaline pools! This relaxed my body. Good times!

South Island Trip!

My brother dropped us to airport, and we flew to Queenstown early morning of 26th, November. A funny story with this, my rented car which supposed to be Toyota Corolla because it’s similar to my car was changed to last minute due to availability. My first time driving a big car! A Volkswagen 2022 with all its buttons and size but it turned out to be a blessing because we are more comfortable during long drives. It was scary and exciting at the same time. We had a buffet dinner at the top after riding a Gondola. My mum was scared but she settled to look great in pictures and videos ha-ha. The mountains will just take your breath away.

I wanted to spend the next morning in Glenorchy. My dad cannot stop walking and jogging, and mum was smiling so much. I remember my parents liking flat white and hot chocolate in the small cafe. Then a road trip to Arrowtown, one of the oldest villages with one small Catholic church and we strolled and had our lunch there. We stopped by a viewpoint with flags and also saw Bradrona. Then after an almost an hour we reached Lake Wanaka, memorable driving seeing different forms of mountains, beside it, going up, in between the mountains. Scenic road trip indeed! We had a quick look of Wanaka tree and lavender farm.

I requested for them to wake up early on the third day so we could have plenty of time and enjoy places on the long drive. We then began our trip, and first stop is Cromwell famous for its fruit farms. Had a coffee and snack then drove to Lindis pass. My dad said it is like Holy Land. Then we went to try the Aoraki Salmon, high quality and just melts in your mouth. I finished my Sushi salmon and kebab in Lake Ruawhanita. Driving beside Lake Pukaki is one of the best with its blue and calm color.

Picturesque mountains and lakes again! and finally, we reached Mt Cook! Tallest mountain in New Zealand. We stayed in Hermitage hotel and had buffet for dinner with a view of snowcapped mountains nearby. The food was really yum! Cold weather still even though we’re approaching summer.

On the fourth day, we had a delicious breakfast buffet. Before we leave, my dad and I walked to see Hooker Valley Lake, short walk but worth it, the snowcapped mountain showed a bit off the clouds for us. Back to the road trip to drive beside Lake Pukaki again towards Lake Tekapo.

Lupin Flowers! By the way these flowers are everywhere on the side of roads during this time. We also had lunch in flea market, got to try Italian and Vietnamese food. My dad brought strawberry ice cream on his own ha-ha.

Overnight stay in Tekapo with a view. We had a simple breakfast before heading to Christchurch. Had a coffee again in Geraldine before seeing the alpacas! and upon arriving, we had to wear boots before feeding pellets to alpacas, walking side by side with them. Amazing experience! Learned many things regarding these friendly animals. They even have names. Many thanks to our guide Kathy who made sure we’re comfortable and we enjoyed our time with these precious animals.

Last stops are Rakaia, salmon capital of New Zealand and Christchurch, explored Botanical Garden and Arts Museum which are unique to this place. Blessed to know Kuya Ruel and Ate Jhing and their sweet kids, I lived with them during my CAP course for 6 weeks almost four years ago. They were so kind to have let us stay with them for a night, even prepared dinner for us. Kuya Ruel even drove us to airport the following morning.

Overall, amazing dream come true experience!

Video compilation of our trips!

Christmas Moments and New Year’s Eve!

Christmas feels more special. Going to MOTAT, having evening dinner and going to the beach up north makes it worthwhile. Family and friends made it possible to enjoy this time.

We had our dinner in the city with family and friends and welcomed the new year witnessing skytower’s fireworks. The moment my mum and dad saw the fireworks, I immediately thought about the time I was just video-calling them back home at this very time and now they’re here, Thank God for making this possible.

Farms and Beach days!

We had to go see the Lavender farm and we brought with us my cute nephew Arki. We get to pick flowers as well, something new to this farm. Smells so good and relaxing! Then strawberry picking while eating ha-ha. Apples are just beginning to grow.

Next day, we headed out to the Sunflower farm, there are new sites to take a picture with. My dad took his time and chose the best flower to pick. My nephew enjoyed the time with animals especially the goat. Then Pokeno ice cream for refreshment to end the day.

Had a midday off and made it to the beach the following week. Long bay beach is beautiful and clear! We swam and had a good time as it is really hot.

Wedding Anniversary!

I tried my best to surprise them with the help of family and friends. Gladly it worked! This is their last day and I feel fulfilled to be able to give them this whole New Zealand experience. Their video messages showed their appreciation. I am really happy at least we did it in this lifetime!