October 14-15, 2023 travel from Airlie Beach to Sydney to Christchurch, New Zealand

 We had a couple travel days to get back to Sydney, then over to New Zealand.  The airport shuttle picked us up by 11:20 for the 45 minute drive back to Proserpine.  We came in to Proserpine by train and left by airplane, closet transportation to Airlie Beach.  The airport had an aquarium, which was really fun for travelers of all ages.  We flew directly to Sydney and had a shuttle to our room.  We had pizza and pasta delivered to the room and just relaxed for the short overnight in Sydney.  

We took the shuttle back to the airport at 6:30am for our 8:45 flight to New Zealand.  The Sydney airport was interesting and truly international.  The McDonalds had the kitchen above the counter and a track that sent food down in the bag when ready.  Maybe it solved a space issue for the kitchen.  Fun to watch.

I was also impressed with the restrooms.  They had an antibacterial spray for the toilet seat, and they offered showers.  And people walk the halls on the opposite side, like they drive on their roads.  

 

 

not sure why anyone would eat at McDonalds when you have this option

When we arrived in Christchurch, we had a hotel room reserved that was within walking distance of the airport, 500ft.  The dining room was on the 6th floor with a nice view of the surrounding hills.  And you didn't hear any of the planes landing or taking off!

 

We had nice lunch starting with steamed pork dumpling appetizer.  I had a seafood chowder and Dave had fish and chips.  We had a lazy night in the hotel.  I booked an upcoming glacier experience.   I had been watching the weather before booking, since we will have to drive up into the mountains.  Interesting facts on the weather page.

 

 

they give you the forecast for drying your laundry outside! I should have scrolled further for the BBQ forecast

The hotel offered a breakfast buffet, for an additional fee, and it was wonderful.  There was an oriental flare to the restaurant, yet very European.  Besides fruit, breads, warm and cold foods ,eggs, etc, they had Congee, which we had to try.  It was a bland gooey rice, but with lots of fun additives.