The day has finally arrived... We are off to New Zealand and Australia!

After months of planning, preparing, and packing we have embarked on our antipodean adventure. Preparing to be away for 5 months was more work than I expected, but I hope it will be worth the effort!

Four checked bags, 1 carry-on, 4 personal bags and loads of high expectations!

34 hours later, after learning that Danny is the only one of us who can truly sleep on an airplane, we arrive on New Zealand.

Dave did a stellar job driving 2.5 hours on the left side of the road (like you do in NZ) in his sleep deprived state to our accommodations in Rotorua.

**A much appreciated home cooked meal after freshening-up and hitting the local food mart.**

A pair of black swans

and their four babies (cygnets) swam up to the deck outside our condo for a snack of bread!