Chris Skudder - New Zealand House Swap page 2 of 6
This was our seventh exchange, and the most ambitious yet. Ten years ago we tested the water in fjordland Norway, and a decade on Canada, California, New England, Provence and Ireland have all broadened the family horizons.
Down Under though had always seemed so far away, and once the kids had come along, looked way out of reach. But here we were, three generations, six of us from eight year old Henry up to granny Margaret at eighty-two embarking on a four week trip to New Zealand by way of Singapore.
Mount Albert, Auckland
Three and a bit weeks in kiwi land staying in four different houses, all for the price of one back home. A semi-retired couple had come to our home while we were away on a ‘regular’ holiday in summer 2007 - they’d asked if we’d mind them bringing two of their friends along, a couple who in turn had two American friends who would also join them at our house near Ascot. In return we’d stay at both of the kiwi couples’ houses in the nice parts of Auckland, but the real bonus was getting to stay at their country houses too - the ‘bach’ as they’re known in New Zealand - and lo and behold a lake house and beach house were part of the deal!
Singapore would be the stopover, a couple of nights each way to break that long journey. Most travellers head for the centre of the island state but for ultra-convenience and not inconsiderable comfort we checked out the shiny new Crowne Plaza Hotel at Changi Airport.
No hint of a dreary transit hotel here, this was up there pushing for five stars, out of town, yes, but an easy metro journey into the centre from the adjoining new terminal three, and, a real boon this with tired kids in tow, you could check your airline bags in at the hotel itself, forget about them, go for a swim in the fabulous pool and then wander to your plane stress-free last-minute minus all the queues. Oh, and by the way, the kids thought it was the best hotel they’d ever stayed at!
Chris & his family made a stopover in Singapore
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