沈皓悦

　　I had my honeymoon in New Zealand. It was a nine-day self-driving tour. At first I thought we were crazy to have chosen New Zealand given the price of the whole budget. Besides, I was a bit apprehensive as it was my first time to go to an unfamiliar place without joining a tour package. However, the fear and anxiety were quickly dissolved by the marvelous scenery as well as the kindness and warmth of New Zealanders. When I finally visited the place, I simply fell in love with it.

　　Heaven on the Earth

　　New Zealand is a nature lover's paradise. You don't need contrived amusement parks or fenced-off 'scenic areas.' All you have to do is take a stroll and you can breathe, touch and see the beauty of this country. Wondrous scenery, pollution free, good climate, challenging activities...what more can one ask for?No skyscraper in cities at all. A four or five-storied building is a high and huge one in South Island. Hence there is nothing to block the sight. I like the fact that walking outside and, even on the way to the grocery store, I can see the most breathtaking scenery all around me.

　　Secluded inlets, rugged snow-capped mountains, wild coast and picturesque farming plains, all are like something that appears only in fairy tales. The Westcoast beaches attracted me most. Sitting on the black shimmering sand, listening to the wind singing, watching the fantastic tiding, we were exposed to a wild and pristine picture. It is really "heaven comes true"!We could not help killing thirteen rolls of films during our stay. These photos allow us to relish our memories of New Zealand even till today.

　　Visitor Information Center

　　What else impresses us most is the efficient service system. We rent a car and drove throughout the South Island ourselves.

　　There are several international car-rental companies like Herz, Avis and Budget in around the island. You can make a reservation through the Internet. It is quite convenient to get and return the car. We started our driving in Christchurch and stopped in Dunedin seven days later.

　　Fortunately we could find local Visitor Information Centers in most areas. In it there are maps and guide books and brochures of local events and entertainment, information of accommodation and restaurant, bulletins of attractions and activities, gifts, souvenirs, stamps and phone cards. Also friendly staff with extensive local knowledge are available. They will answer any question you may have with patience, and provide advice regarding local attractions, travel, and accommodation requirements.

　　Most Visitor Information Centers can make reservations for accommodation, and may also be able to make direct bookings for travel, tours, accommodation and attractions. All the service is free. One lady there once helped us to book the Motel in Arrowtown when there was no vacancy in Queenstown. We were charged only NZ.50 and that is the long-distance call fee. There was no extra spending at all.

　　This New Zealand Visitor Information Network (VIN) is an official one. Therefore, the information provided here is reliable. It is easy to recognize. Each center is identified by the distinctive logo and a green letter 'i'.

　　In the Dunedin Information Center we found a Souvenir Coin change machine. You can put all the left coins up to NZ, then it will give you a two-dollar New Zealand coin as a souvenir. Quite interesting!

　　Simple-hearted New Zealanders

　　New Zealanders call themselves Kiwi. That is a special species exists merely in this island. The characteristics of it is simple and kind. That is just what a New Zealander has.

　　On the way, the engine suddenly stalled. No matter how we tried, it just refused to work again. There was not even one car passing by. What should we do? Just then two bicycle-riding guys saw the parking car and came to us asking what was wrong. With their help, finally the car could move again.

　　Another time we lost the car key in Queenstown. When we realized it, we searched the way we walked inch by inch, hoping to find it, but failed. Then we were in panic for some time as all the things were in the car and what's more, the car number tag was on the key. We were a little released when we saw the car was still there. Then we just went to the Lost-and-Found to try our luck. The policeman was quite gentle and gave us all keys found within one hour to check. Our key was lying there! To find the key, we only spent about one hour including our own searching.That is New Zealand. A simple but splendid place!

　　(作者沈皓悦，现为北京外国语大学国际交流学院研究生)