N.Zealand, North Island (Part I)

We flew into Auckland on New Year's Day with huge expectations of what New Zealand had to offer and I can assure you we were not disappointed. In fact, within two weeks we were seriously considering immigrating to this amazing place. Why? Well, this is a country that simply has it all; glaciers, the Alps, pristine beaches, active volcano's, vineyards, skiing, diving, trekking, great National Parks, quaint little towns, lakes, tropical forests, waterfalls and most importantly really gorgeous people.

After leaving behind the chaos of South America the first thing that strikes you about New Zealand is how clean and organised everything is. People are well mannered, public bathrooms have toilet paper, buses run on time and nobody appears to be in a rush. Everything such seems to work! It was New Year's day of course and I guess the entire country was still a bit hungover, but our first impressions stayed with us throughout our journey.

First, we had to collect our Spaceship, camper-van/car, which was to be our home for the next month. What a thrill it was! To finally unpack rucksacks, have wheels and a huge country to discover, was simply a terrific feeling. Secondly, we had to fill our cupboard with all those camping necessities from cereal bars, pasta and beer to washing up liquid, gas and candles. The tank was then filled to the brim, ipod connected, maps opened and off we went on a journey that was to become one of the most memorable experiences of our entire world trip.

Hot start to the New Year

View over Auckland.

Auckland Sky Tower.

First Steinlager in New Zealand. Some celebrating was needed as we by-passed New Years Eve completely, flying over different time zones. Leaving Santiago on the 30th of December with not even a hint of a countdown, we arrived on New Years Day feeling a little bit cheated out of a party. We treated ourselves to a delicious lunch at the harbour, toasting to the great days a head.

The Bay of Islands

The photos we have don't do this place justice, unfortunately we only spent a day here as the weather was starting to become very unsettled.

Did you know that dolphins apparently can live up to seventy years old in the wild and once they are captured, our guide informed us that only 60% surive the first 6 months and the remaining 40% live no longer than 6 years. They just get depressed and die.

Lonesome tree.

Island hopping.

On the move again.

The Coramandel Penisula

One of our favourite spots in New Zealand

Rolling hills full of fluffy sheep, what more can you ask for in New Zealand.

The next few days were spent exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. With subtropical rainforest in the centre, white sandy beaches and cute towns dotting the coast, it is easy to see why this has become a major tourist attraction. We stayed several days, travelling from town to town but two weeks is what is needed to fully appreciate what this gorgeous little gem of a place has to offer.

Vast and empty, white sandy beaches with lush forest as a backdrop and not a tacky hotel in sight. Paradise!

Don't ask! This horrific hat I was forced to buy before entering the Amazon in Peru, as you can see, I have regretted it ever since.

Trekking to Cathedral Cove Beach - stunning.

Hahei Beach. Some very fortunate people have views from their living rooms overlooking this splendid scenery.

End of the day taking it all in at Cathedral Cove beach.

Bruno and his obsession with jumping.

Breathtaking views every where you look.

Time to rest in the comfort of our car.

Early start (5am) to Hot Water Beach, why the early rise you might be thinking! This fascinating beach has underground hot springs which filter up through the sand at low tide. If you dig as deep as you can, hot water is released allowing you to create your very own hot pool.

Attempting to create our very own thermal pool.

Better luck next time! Thankfully our neighbours invited us to join them when they saw us struggling.

Admit defeat!