More about New Zealand

New Zealand is beautiful, gorgeous even. Soaring mountains rising out of the sea, blue green waters in rivers and ocean, pristine sand beaches and forests that scream "LORD OF THE RINGS!" (Parts I, II, and III). With only 4 million people, it's a sparsely populated country, yet every Austral summer, the population of many cities more than doubles with the influx of tourists. The Kiwis seem not to mind. They are still uber-friendly and gracious. They realize that they live in a naturally stunning country, so tolerate the hoards of seasonal invaders.

New Zealand has fresh, delicious vegetables, eggs and meat. They make great wine and cheese and during our entire trip, we haven't have one, single bad cup of coffee. Even in the tiny, po-dunk towns every cafe has an espresso machine and a staff that gladly serves up fresh, steaming cups of caffeinated bliss.

New Zealand is mindblowing in its perfectness. Everything works, the entire country is clean and runs on time. There is no poverty that we have seen, and did I mention that it's CLEAN. It's practically impossible to find a trash can to dispose of our own trash, yet not a speck of trash can be found on any beach, path or parking lot anywhere. It's surreal. If I had children and they wanted to travel in New Zealand, I would be completely at ease. I have never felt so safe in my life. People are extraordinarily friendly, kind and helpful.

"Ah, ha! Utopia!" you're thinking.

And it is.