My lasting memories of New Zealand will be the shear space available and the natural beauty of the place. With a population of less than 5 million it is like the best bits of The lake District and the Scottish Highlands all rolled together and amplified by 10. Massive skies, breathtaking lakes and endless beaches all there to enjoy with nobody around to spoil the view.
Experience wise traveling with 3 young children throws up all sorts of challenges. Flying with Singapore Airlines was a master class in customer service and personal attention. We were ushered to the front of queues, helped with luggage, toys and special meals for the kids and generally cared for with a smile at all times. Imagine the opposite of Easy Jet and all on just economy tickets.
Traveling around in a Camper Van meant our experiences were mostly rural but it was refreshingly different to see that even in the larger towns the individual and independents are wining the war against the big corporate brands we are so used to seeing in the UK. From coffee shops to restaurants the level of personal service was excellent, informal and always with a smile. Far removed from the rushed conveyor belt feeling that is all to often the case in London
