We went to a ball… dancing ensued.
Part 7: Auckland and the long journey home (by train!)
Part 6: More fun way up north
Dolphin cruise in the Bay of Islands followed by Whangarei Botanical Gardens
Part 5: Tutukaka Coast
Holly and I spent the morning wandering along rocky shorelines and sandy beaches. When we realized that we didn’t have anything to eat, we decided it would be a good idea to hike to the nearest town for lunch. The guidebook said it would take two hours, but really it took more like four. Without food or water we were both completely exhausted as we finally stumbled into Ngunguru. Let’s call that one a learning experience. Nevertheless, the scenery was absolutely stunning, and we rewarded ourselves with a tasty dinner at the end of the day.
Part 4: Bay of Islands
I made the long haul past Auckland and up to the northern-most city in New Zealand, Whangarei. I decided there wasn’t much to do in the city, so I caught another bus to the seaside town of Paihia. It was absolutely lovely. I took the ferry over to Russell where I wandered along the beach, ate deliciously fresh seafood, and treated myself to a boysenberry ice cream (yum!). Back in Whangarei, I fetched Holly from the bus station and promptly went to bed. What a perfect day!
Part 3: Waitomo Caves
Holly and I headed west to the town of Waitomo, famous for its many caves and glowworms. We stayed at a lovely B&B and did some tramping (aka hiking). Then we got the chance to go right inside two of the caves! The first one was Aranui Cave. It was an incredible to see the stalactites and stalagmites that had formed over millions of years. Next we went to the Glowworm Cave. Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take pictures, but the ceiling of the cave looked like a night sky full of tiny blue stars - amazing!
Part 2: Rotorua
On the way to Rotorua, I made a stopover in Reporoa to visit my friend Andy. I stayed on his family’s farm, and he took me to a natural hot spring and the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park. The whole region is part of a volcano, so there was steam coming out of the ground, geysers, and boiling mud everywhere! Then I met up with my friends Holly and Shannon in Rotorua. I went to Te Puia Maori culural centre, had some excellent Thai food, and had to replace my phone which I lost in Wellington. Next stop - Waitomo Caves!
North Island Adventure Part 1: Napier
I had nearly two and a half weeks off school for mid-trimester break, so I went on a whirlwind tour of the North Island! The first stop was Napier, a quiet town with a fascinating history. In the 1931, it was destroyed by an earthquake and fire. The entire town was rebuilt in art deco and Spanish mission style. I did a lovely architecture tour of Napier followed by a wine tasting. It was only a quick visit, and I wished I had more time to explore the surrounding area. But I had to keep moving on to the next destination!
