Monday, 5 June 2006

New Zealand 2006 - Exploring the North Island...

"Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances..."

05 June 2006
Day-1 : The Thermal Wonderland

(Our spacious 2-berth caravan)

Arrived at Auckland International Airport at 11.00 a.m. We decided to rent a campervan that will allow us to explore the beuty of New Zealand lush green landscape at our own pace. The Apollo Motorhomes Holiday sent a pick-up at the airport and after some paper works at the office, we were off on our journey in a cute and well-equipped Cheapa-campa, a 2-berth campervan. The day was sunny and the weather cool and wonderful!

(Serene beautiful morning)

Drove to Manukau Supermarket for provision. On the way to Rotorua we stopped in Hamilton for a fillet-o-fish lunch at McD. It was already dark when we reached Rotorua. Rotorua is situated on the shore of the lake Rotorua, the thermal heartland of the volcanic central North Island. We camped the night at Holidaypark Campsite. After dinner, we slept in like babies. The heater in the campervan kept us warm till late morning.

(Misty cool morning drive)

06 June 2006
Day-2 : Maori Culture
(A photo shot with the furry)

We had bread and scrambled eggs for breakfast. We drove to Rotorua Agrodome for Sheep Shearing Show and bought some souvenirs. Other attractions include a helicopter ride for a breathtaking view of the vast sheep farms and a tour of the organic farm.

(An energetic cultural show)

Next attraction was the Tepuia Thermal Wonderland to watch the Maori cultural show with contemporary song and dances, including the welcome ceremony, stick dance and the ferocious haka, the posture dance.

(A scary stance)

Later we joined a guided tour around the Ngamakaiakoko Mud Pool and the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest of several geysers within the valley. The Pohutu geyser erupts on average once or twice each hour and can reach heights of up to 30 meters.

(The crater of the moon)

We later took the Thermal Explorer Highway to Taupo. On the way we stopped at Waikato River’s biggest Huka Falls. Arrived Taupo around 4 p.m. and stopped at the lake side for a rest. We filled up petrol and bought some provisions. Took the lonely dessert road to Turangi. The road was winding wet and some parks covered with frost. We had McD dinner in Bulls. As it was already late and the weather was extra chilly, we stopped at Sanson Caravan Camp for the night.

(The helipad at the Agrodome)

07 June 2006
Day-3 : Windy Wellington

(Cloudy dark sky)

Breakfast with cereal and scrambled eggs. We drove to Palmerson North through Levin and Otaki. Stopped at Puikura Beach for a short rest. We continued to Wellington and headed to Te Papa Museum. Visited the Lord of the ring Exhibition. We had a sumptuous lunch at one Thai Restaurant.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills.

(Calm blue water at the Lambton Quay)

Called Kid Noraini and promised to arrive at her house in Churton Park by 3 p.m. Her Consulate husband was at work but their chidren Muhamad and Sarah were home. Stayed for a while and she packed Nasi Briani and beef curry for us. We drove to Napier, but on the way we stopped at Waipikurau Campsite for the night.

(At Kid Noraini's house with Sara and Muhamad)

The weather was wonderful and we had a good night's rest.

(Lake Rotorua - scenic view)

08 June 2006
Day-4 : Shadow of the Sun
(Cool nice weather in the morning)

Breakfast with bread and beef curry. Drove to Napier and stopped at Pak n’ Save and the Bank to exchange some foreign currency. Took a rest and photo shots along the beach. Drove direct to Taupo and had late lunch at the lake side. Toured around the Crater of the Moon, steam vents and boiling mud pools at Wairakei Terraces. Drove along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Auckland. Reached Manukau Campsite late night. Dinner was bread and chilli sardine. The weather was wonderful and we had a good night's rest.

(The iconic statue by the beach)

09 June 2006
Day-5 : City of Sails

(Rough white water rapids)

Early morning we drove to Devonport and parked our camper at the car park and took a ferry across to the Ferry Terminal at Auckland City. We took the Hop-on Hop-off bus for a 1-hour tour of scenic views around the Auckland City.

(Auckland view from the ferry)

After the tour, we took the ferry back to Devonport and drove to Whangarei along the Twin Beach Discovery Highway. Drove back to Auckland and stayed another night at Manukau Campsite. Before we sleep we packed our bags, Our flight tomorrow is at noon but we need to return the campervan before 10 a.m.

The holiday is coming to its end. Kia Ore...

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