If it looks idyllic, that could be because it is. Not too hot. Not too cold. Clear air. Friendly people. Thriving economy. And, incredible scenery.

Talking with the locals in Auckland and Wellington the apocryphal claims went something like this:

“There are more sheep in New Zealand than people.”
“There are more boats in New Zealand than people.”
“The Garden of Eden was actually in New Zealand.”

I couldn’t verify any of these claims; although, I hope to return to New Zealand in search of the Garden of Eden. In any case, I hope to return to New Zealand to explore more of ‘Middle Earth’. Thanks to Peter Jackson, the world has enjoyed the striking beauty of a pristine southwestern Pacific island paradise.