The Cunninghams

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012


Tuesday, February 7th - Friday Morning, February 10th

Our first night in Taupo was spent at a free camping area called Reid's Farm. I was expecting a pretty dumpy camping spot for free. I was quiet surprised to find that the area was very large with many loops and grassy areas to choose from as well as right next to a river. Not to shabby for free. It also has a reputation to be a little wild and attract some interesting people, probably because it's free. However, it was very peaceful except when our inebriated neighbors returned from town at midnight thirty.

The next day we went to Pak N Save which is a Kiwi supermarket. It's the cheapest place to buy groceries, kind of like a Winco but smaller. From there Alice and Audree took off to see Huka Falls while Dev and I headed to a couple's home where we would stay for the next few days. Enter Craig and Cris Cunningham.

Our connection with Craig and Cris started a couple months back in Chico back when Devon was working 3 jobs to sustain living and save for the trip. The story goes like this...

When I was working at Trader Joe's a customer came up to me and asked where the cornbread mix was. I showed him the giant display of cornbread mix that we happened to be standing next to. We had a good laugh and he told me it was the last time he would have the Trader Joe's Cornbread Mix for awhile.  I asked him why and he said he and his wife were retired and lived half the year in New Zealand so he wouldn't be in the US to get it.  Of course, I responded excitedly that I was going to be in New Zealand traveling during the same time that him and his wife would be there.  We ended up talking for a bit about why Eddie and I were traveling to NZ and what we were going to be doing.  He gave me some advice and answered some of my questions about car insurance, where to get a car, etc...   At the end of our conversation he gave me his e-mail address and phone number and said to call him when we were in New Zealand so Eddie and I did just that.  Craig and Cris kindly invited us into their home and spoiled us with great food and accommodation that we didn't even have to work for!

Devon and I had a great time getting to know Craig and Cris during our short stay with them. Our first night in Taupo we met up with Craig and Cris for dinner at an English Pub/ Restaurant on the shore called Jolly Good Fellows. I tried ordering the Lamp Shank but they were all out so I settled for the Pork, fried mashed potatoes, and a draught Guinness. Devon ordered the Fish and Chips. Both meals were very tasty. One night Craig prepared 2 dozen Green Lip Mussels for us. Which are very common and cheap, one of the only things go figure, in NZ but apparently typically pricey on any American restaurant menu. They were delicious and both Devon and I scarfed down more than our fair share. We also enjoyed Craig's 4 cheese zitti casserole and Cris's brownies. I plan on doing a post soon about the overall food culture in New Zealand.

We ventured the Tongariro Crossing during our stay with Craig and Cris.

Craig is an avid fisherman who gets out fishing about 3-4 times a week. I couldn't believe the size of some of the trout he claimed to be catching, even on a bad day. Luckily for him he always takes his digital camera and had plenty of pictures to prove it. To all those fisherman friends and family of mine: if you seriously love fishing than at some point in your life you must head to New Zealand and fish. It's unbelievable.

Cris is an avid quilter and belongs to the local quilting club. Cris happened to be hosting their monthly meeting at the house when Devon and I returned from the long day of hiking. We got to meet the lovely ladies of the Taupo Quilting Club. Don't quote me on that name, I just made it up, but it sounds right. It was very nice to be able to relax and not have to work right after camping and being on the rode for 5 days. Devon and I got to relax, eat, catch up on the blog, and get to know the Cunninghams.

I love hearing success stories about financially frugal but very happy people, especially Americans. I have to give a shout out to my parents, Margaret and Ed...hey guys, who I believe have done a wonderful job of being smart with their money and have set a great example for my sister and I. Such is also the story of the Cunninghams. Both were teachers, who actually met in Chico, small world. Cris grew up there and Craig got his teaching credential there. When they met Devon they were visiting Cris's mother. They were frugal with their money, spent responsibly, didn't purchase out of their price range, and worked hard. They retired and still follow the same philosophy. They dont have huge homes, fancy cars, or debt. Now, they live 6 months in Idaho and 6 months in New Zealand, living the dream and doing what they love. Fishing and Quilting. It was very refreshing hearing about two people who lived humble but very happy lives. Its easy to tell from their attitude and way they treat others, especially Devon and I, that they are very happy with life. I thought that their story was worthy of being posted in the blog. If you are reading this Craig and Cris, thank you again for so willingly offering up your home and hospitality to Devon and I. It does not go unappreciated or without notice.