New Zealand
Wellington
We made a short stop in the town of Norsewood for a coffee before stopping for lunch at an amazing cafe called the Clarksville Bakery. After lunch we continue driving—suddenly we were on a super curvy road in a Read more…
Napier
Napier
It was a short drive from Taupo to Napier. We made a quick stop Waipunga Falls to stretch our legs. We are glad we stopped to see the two-waterfalls drop more than 40 meters. We missed the Art Deco Festival Read more…
New Zealand
Taupo
There are two geothermal areas en route from Rotorua to Taupo and friends suggested Waimangu Volcanic Valley. It is the world’s youngest geothermal valley and is constantly changing. The walk started with panoramic views of the Tarawera mountain. It Read more…
New Zealand
Rotorua
Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity (and associated sulphuric smell) as well as Maori culture. On the drive to our hotel, we stopped for the daytime Redwood Treewalk in the Whakarewarewa Forest. The treewalk is a 700-meters walkway made Read more…
Matamata
Matamata aka Hobbiton
A visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where scenes from Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies were filmed was a highlight of our time on the North Island. We arrived and took a carriage from the gift shop/parking Read more…
New Zealand
Tirau
Lake Karapiro Lodge was not easy to find. Nevertheless, it was very much worth finding. Eddie and Ann were delightful, very knowledgeable about the area, and had many stories of their own adventures. In addition to a stunning view (from Read more…
Hamilton
Travel Day: Matakana to Tirau
Before leaving the area North of Auckland, we stopped at the Brick Abby Sculpture Trail. This was an unexpected highlight. The trail showcased 68 sculptures displayed in and among flora, fauna, lakes, open pastures, native forests, and a vineyard. Read more…
Matakana
Matakana
We left the Bay of Islands after an incredible morning jet-ski to drive to Matakana. While on the road we stopped at the Kawiti Glowworm Caves. This was our first experience with glowworms and we learned that glowworms are really Read more…
New Zealand
Paihia, Bay of Islands
The drive north to the Bay of Islands was scenic. We booked our rental car from a pick-up site just out of the city — which was good because we did not have to drive through downtown. Ian quickly adjusted Read more…
Auckland
Auckland
The flight to Auckland had many empty seats, so we sat across three rows. Although the food was standard airplane fare, the movies made the time pass quickly. We lost a day when we crossed the date line, but Read more…