NZ Winter Holiday Begins

I only realised after disembarking at Christchurch, that they don't
have any visible security to speak of at Wellington airport - for
domestic flights. How refreshing to fly without the ever-present sense
of paranoia that usually characterises airline travel these days. I
asked a New Zealander about this later, and he suggested that they have
a scanner, but you don't notice it. That would be ideal, I thought -
security without undue drama and inconvenience. For sure, I had
boarded hurriedly, after arriving at the departure gate lounge earlier
than most passengers. I'd been sitting typing away at the Mac's sleek
keypad. Checking mail, and being shocked at the best quality broadband
wireless connection I'd seen anywhere yet. Suddenly everybody else had
gone through the gate and walked the 100 metres or so to board the twin
turbo-prop (type?) Air New Zealand flight - the last of the day. I
looked up and the attendant asked me if I was travelling. I quickly
put the toys away, and presented my crumpled boarding pass. I wasn't
holding things up really. We were still on schedule. Someone has to
be last to board, and for the second time in recent months - it was me.
I had a window seat - although for a 2140hrs departure there were only
lights to look at on the ground. My neighbour was - like so many
locals here - friendly, helpful and informative. It was a clear night
- crisp and clear. He thought we could see the lights of Blenheim off
to starboard. We climbed, hot drinks and water were offered, and we
talked about various topics while I asked about differences between
North and South Islands. There are only 1 million people on the South
Island. The other 3 million New Zealanders live on the North Island -
2 million of those live in the more northerly two thirds. Looking at
the size of the land masses, it's easy to see how sparsely populated
the South Island really is. I don't have a lot to compare it to
really. Before this holiday, I'd only ever spent time in Auckland (a
few business trips) and Wellington (ditto, plus 4 months living and
working in the central part of the city.

I was off to the 'real' New Zealand. The one the travel brochures rave
about.