home!

Day 9: heading home.

Do you like visual aids? I like visual aids. Here is a map of the route.

The downside of the way Stray designs the route is that the last actual stop is Wellington, which is at the bottom of the north island. Auckland is near the top of the north island. You can see the problem here. That means the last day of your tour, you’re on the bus from 6:45am to 5:30pm. This is a less-than-desirable situation. However, we were just ready to get home, so we stocked up on snacks to grin and bear it.

Our first two buses had been smaller tour buses, but the home bus was a great big 45-person coach bus. And there were only about 15 or 20 of us. So we had plenty of room to stretch out and take naps and catch some scenery as we drove up the whole north island. Even if you don’t like your bus mates, as long as you don’t have to sit too close to them, it’s not a problem. So the trip home wasn’t too bad. The worst part about it was that the driver let one of the 18-year-old girls who was batting her eyelashes at him be the DJ for the day. So we were stuck listening to a playlist that can only be titled as Your Most Clichéd Hits From The 80s, 90s, and Today. It was not enjoyable. Nonetheless, we made it home safe and sound with a raft of new photos and stories, miles of adventure under our belts. Next up: planning the south island!