We got off the plane in Auckland around 5:45am. Our layover was approximately 2 hours. During that time we ate a snack and exchanged our US dollars for New Zealand currency for the rest of our trip. We boarded the plane to Queenstown around 9:10am and that flight lasted 1 hour and 40 min. We were picked up by Phil Morrison, our Kiwi guide after we landed and headed to the Queenstown waterfront. There, we went to lunch at the Ballarat Trading Co.

After we exploring the many shops and photo opportunities, we took a water taxi on Lake Wakatipu to Mt. Nicholas Station. Here, the leader of their agricultural tourism business, Bruce, showed us to our living quarters and let us get situated. We got acclimated to the area by taking a walk around the farm. We were able to see the beautiful mountains and landscapes, as well as sheep, horses, and cattle that live on the farm. After getting back from the walk we were served dinner. Our hosts prepared lamb for us along with a variety of vegetables. We finished off the night with a desert called Pavlova, which is a special super sweet treat unique to New Zealand’s culture. During dinner, the owners of Mt. Nicholas Station, Jack and Kate Cocks, told us a little about the property and operation.

Our first day in New Zealand gave us a taste of the incredible scenery, briefly introduced us to a Merino sheep farm, and allowed us to spend a night on an authentic New Zealand farm. Since it is so far across the lake to Queenstown, the Cocks family homeschool their two children while running their operation. The property is completely self-sufficient, even creating their own electricity and growing much of their food. Much of the food we ate their was grown on the farm including the lamb, veggies, and fruit.

We would like to thank all of our hosts at Mt. Nicholas Station for a great first evening and we look forward to seeing what else New Zealand has in store for us.