Adventure Bardsley: Nanna in New Zealand!

My Mom arrived on April 8th after 4 flights and two days of traveling. She braved nearly 24 hours of flight travel to come all the way down to see our lives in New Zealand. We were super excited to have her here with us for almost 20 days. My mom is an amazing traveler. Super fun to explore new places with. She is very flexible and willing to do just about anything!

Jen and Mom at St Clair - First day in New Zealand!

Alex and Nanna Karen at the Otago Museum with Kiwi Bird

Jen and Mom at Waikawitii Beach for Alex's Surfing Birthday party

Ellie and Nanna Karen at the Dunedin Train Station

Nanna Karen and Ellie at the Botanical Garden down the street from our house in Dunedin.

So begins our adventure tour of the south island. Mom and I drove all the way too Milford Sound to explore the glow worm cave, Southern Alps, Fjiordland National Park, Queenstown and central Otago.

We saved our pennies for the excursions and camped in a tent for 4 days. Mom was super tough to sleep on the ground with me (Did you know that NZ is really really expensive!!!)

The Milford Sound boat cruise was really amazing. Glacier carved rocks with waterfalls flowing down into Fjiord. We went on a 3 hour ride all the way to the Tasman Ocean and then went down 40 feet below in an underwater conservatory to witness the beauty under.

Mom at Lake Te Anau with a gorgeous rainbow touching down.

Getting ready to board on our cruise down the Fjords at Milford Sound.

Milford Sound

Mom enjoying a Fall day in Queenstown, NZ

Mom and Jen in Paradise Valley in the Southern Alps near the Glacier fed "Dart River"

Me up front for our jet boat adventure - Mom in back with hood over her head. She did not want to get wet, but probably got the most wet! Awesome ride up the Dart River - this boat only needed 3 inches of water to Zoom up the the river. It was insane!