After a nice relaxing week in the Cook Islands, we met my Aunt and Uncle in Auckland who were determined to see as much of New Zealand as possible in two weeks. This meant we need to move fast to make our way to the South Island for the majority of the trip.
We flew in at 10pm at night with a bus leaving Auckland the next day at 4pm. Now, travelers frequently say Auckland leaves little to get excited about so it’s an easy city to say goodbye to quickly, and we didn’t mind the quick version of the tour.
The Sting Ray
After a quick drive around town, we made a stop at Underwater World – and it was actually pretty cool. From there we took a ferry to Devonport (because we could hardly say we went to Auckland without taking a ferry somewhere) and had a great lunch before catching the bus.
at Waimango Volcanic Valley
We spent the next 3 nights In Rotorua – which stinks. The area is a geothermal area and the entire area wreaks of sulfur. The problem with Rotorua, other than the smell, is that there is too much to do. Like all of New Zealand, every extreme sport imaginable was being promoted. Tim and I had hoped to do some Zorbing (the act of or rolling down a hill in a huge ball) but there were just too many other things to do. We went to the tourist office and ended up signing up for about a dozen activities to do over a 2 day period. The Geothermal areas are incredibly scenic. We also went for the traditional Maori dinner and show (the tourist trap that can’t be missed), and spent some time soaking in the hot lakes. Too be honest though, Tim and I enjoyed being kids and driving luges down the mountain that overlooked the town.
the hot pools
Wellington - the Kiwi Capital
The last day on the North Island involved a flight, another whirlwind tour (of Wellington – a city that actually deserved a few days of our time that I wish we could have given), and then a 3 hour ferry to the South Island. All I can say is, there’s no such thing as hard travel in New Zealand. Everywhere you turn, there’s a view that’s better than the last. And the North Island isn’t even the “scenic one.”
“Travelling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’ ”
– Lisa St. Aubin de Terán
On The Banana Pancake Trail 
Nov 22, 2010 @ 16:52:39
Keep blogging – I want to hear more! I miss all the photos that Suzanne sent us!
Nov 23, 2010 @ 23:49:03
I’m traveling with you! You are a lovely writer Robin and the photos are wonderful.