Some observations.....
There are almost no native mammals in NZ (fur seals and 2 species of bats). The introduced furry tailed possums are their biggest worry as there are now 70 million (they say) of them and they eat the kiwi eggs among other things. Kiwis go out of their way to hit them on the road and we have decided that they also like to do the same to the tourists who look the wrong way when crossing the street.
Super highways are two lane roads with (occasional) one lane bridges. Heres one that shares with a railroad.
The road surface is crushed chip mixed with asphalt - very noisy to drive on and difficult to bike. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr (60 mph). Gas is $7.50/gal. There is no flat or straight road in all of NZ (it seems).
California pines are planted here by the acres because they grow twice as fast as they do anywhere else. They are harvested and sold to China as is a great deal of the milk.
There are 44 different kinds of ferns and they grow abundantly.
The silver leaf fern is the symbol for the All Blacks rugby team that won the world cup in 2011 when NZ hosted. They are very proud of this feat.
Grapes grow well here and all wine bottles have screw tops.
There are 44 million sheep and 4 million people.
Meals are usually three courses..entrees, mains and deserts. We have enjoyed the crayfish
And other local fish as well as lamb and steak. Pork belly is always on the menu. The meals are beautifully prepared. Tipping is not expected.
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