Wellington to the Ferry and South Island

Our last stop in the north island was Wellington the capital of New Zealand. This is where we caught the ferry over to the south island. The ferry ride over took 3 1/2 hrs. but we got to watched 2 movies, and once we got near to the island saw some spectacular sights. The driving here is a bit scary with all the windy hills and valleys, but well worth it.

Lake Taupo

After the caves we went to Lake Taupo. The biggest lake in New Zealand. The views are stunning as it is surrounded by mountains. We took some scenic drives one to the Huka Falls where they have jet boating around it. Then to "The Craters In The Moon", which looked like craters in the moon. It was a 45 min. walk around with alot of steaming geyers and mud pools. We drove by one of the biggest mountains in the north island. It had snow on top. Just a reminder of what we are coming back to.
Then to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and the finish of the north island.

More Fun In Rotorua

After the Maori Culture Center we were ready for some fun!
We went for a Gondola ride, with a stunning view of the city and lake. Then at the top you luge to the bottom. When we got to the bottom we had to do it again. This time down it was a race to the bottom. Dianne out in the lead at first then Albert passes her, then right near the bottom Dianne passes Albert.... as you could hear the people up above in the Gondolas cheering us on. Next stop...Zorbing...what is that you say? It is a big clear rubber ball that you jump inside and they then let you go down a hill bouncing to the bottom.
From there we went to Waitomo Caves. We did some abseiling (repelling) into the caves where we then took a innertube and floated through the caves in the dark watching all the glow worms above. There were thousands of them and it reminded us of looking at the stars at night time. We then rock climbed back out of the caves. There are no pix because it was to dark and a bad water camera.

Rotorua

This is one of the must cities to go to for fun and culture. We visited a Maori (aboriginals) cultural area with hot springs, geysers and mud pools. The whole city is full of volcanic activity. At the Maori centre we were fortunate enough to see a display of singing and tribal dances. The Maori are also know for great carvings which we were able to see being made in a traditional way at the cultural centre.

Lord of the Rings

After spending a day in the north we headed down to Rotorua a city in the middle. But before we got there we had to make a stop at a town called Matamata. That's where they filmed the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit Villages" and "Bagends" home. Was a must do for Albert. I just followed along. So we arrived in the pouring rain and it was cold and windy. This is the only place left that has some scenes of the movie still around. We took the tour, I have to admit it was interesting and the surroundings were very beautiful.

Top of the North Island, Ninety Mile Beach

From Auckland we headed up north and did a tour of the Ninety Mile Beach.
Up and down windy hills we went till we reached the northern most tip of New Zealand.
Then they took us to some sand dunes where we took a wave board and climbed up to the top of the sand dunes (which was the hardest part.....phew!!) Then laid back on the board and away we went, down the dunes.....a bit like tobagganing but on sand. Then in the bus he took us down the ninety mile beach, not all the way down but about half way. We had fun and got to see the north of New Zealand all in one day.

New Zealand

Leaving Australia was difficult because it means we are winding down our trip. We arrived in Auckland, New Zealand on the 13th of November. To begin our trip we only stayed a short time in Auckland and rented a campervan and headed to Devonport to visit counsins of Barb and Mal Cook, Bob, Alison and Family. We had a nice visit and began our trip in the EZY campervan. This is living in luxury compared Matty the stationwagon.