N.Zealand, North Island (Part II)

Rotorua

Where the Maori culture unites with volcanic activity and the haka and hangi reveal themselves. Rotorua is a surreal place steeped in legend and history, not forgetting natural wonders. Full of geothermal activity, the strong stench of rotten egg takes some getting used to and without even spending a penny you can walk by steaming pools and boiling mud.

A Maori wood carving.

Waka - a traditional Maori canoe on display in Rotorua.

Maori culture is alive and well in this city. Below some very scarey looking Maori warrior's performing at the Tamaki Village cultural show.

Geothermal activity in Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

The Champagne Pool

Bubbling earth.

Hot mud pools

Huka Falls

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river flows gracefully until it enters a narrow ravine just before Huka Falls, where the water is then ferociously forced out. Approximately 220,000 litres of water blast by every second over the falls.

Lake Taupo.

The freedom to stop just about anywhere you want, for as long as you want, is what it's all about.

Tongarario National Park - Lord of the Rings.

In order to complete this trek in a day we had to camp at the base of the National Park, which turned out to be the coldest night of our lives. With frost on the ground and icy winds hitting the back of our car (which was open and only protected with a flimsy cover) not even thermals, hats and jumpers eased the pain of the biting cold. Despite being blessed with relatively clear skies and great trekking weather the following day, the conditions were still harsh when we reached the top of the crossing. The last two hours we ran the whole way back down hill, hoping to catch one of the earlier buses back to base camp. Huge mistake! Our bodies were left broken and sore, even walking was a painful exercise.

The Emerald Lakes

To understand the scale of this place have a look at the bottom of this picture, you can make out the tiny people making their way up the winding path to the crater of the volcano.

Unfortunately we only have the above photos of the park. The following day we accidentely deleted everyone of Bruno's photos, thinking we already had them uploaded. Devastating, as they were taken with a wide angle lens and trully captured the enormity of this place.

Resting after the Tongrario crossing.

What's cooking?

Some wine to ease our muscle aches and pains.

Cheeky Little Red

Wellington

Our New Zealand trip was timed to perfection to arrive in Wellington for a family wedding and to finally meet all the O'Hagan clan in Plimmerton. Relaxing with everyone was a perfect way to break up our non stop touring of the islands. My mum and dad also made it out for the wedding which was lovely. Especially as she was able to bring over my high heels, dress, make-up and Bruno's suit for Sarah & Duncan's big day and then take them all back again, along with some things no longer needed...Cheers mum, you were a life saver!!

View over Wellington

Sunset at Plimmerton Bay.

Wine tasting in the Wairarapa.

New Zealand is full of long leisurely walks like the one below.

New Zealand - blooming beautiful!

The vibrant, native Pohutukawa tree.

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!