We're less than a week out from our departure, and I get to make the first post on here! We've been busy getting things squared away at home and at work, and getting everything ready to pack for our trip. The to-do list really does seem never ending! For those interested, here' a rough idea of what we'll be doing once we get to New Zealand:

Sunday Oct 25: arrive in Christchurch, pick up camper van, purchase groceries, take in Christchurch
Monday Oct 26: drive to Dunedin, visit the blue penguin colony in Oamaru
Tuesday Oct 27: check out Dunedin, possible stops include: Otago Museum, downtown streetwalk, a wildlife tour in Otago
Wednesday Oct 28: drive to Te Anau, check out caves
Thursday Oct 29: Milford Sound, overnight in Te Anau
Friday Oct 30: drive to Wanaka, quick hike, dinner at Cinema Paradiso
Saturday Oct 31: drive back to Christchurch
Sunday Nov 1: Christchurch activities
Monday Nov 2: Kaikura, water animals day (swim with the seals? dolphins?), golfing
Tuesday Nov 3: Blenheim, bicycle wine touring
Wednesday Nov 4: ferry to Wellington (8am!!! ouchie); check out Wellington
Thursday Nov 5: Wellington, Guy Fawkes night fireworks
Friday Nov 6: drive to Taupo
Saturday Nov 7: Tongariro Crossing, Guy Fawkes celebrations in Taupo
Sunday Nov 8: Rotorua
Monday Nov 9: arrive in Auckland
Tuesday Nov 10: drop off camper in morning, fly home at 3:40pm; arrive home at 3:30pm (yes, before we leave)