September 29th, 2018, the day had finally arrived for our trip to the North Island. We had been planning for what seemed like forever and now it was time to catch our flight to Auckland, New Zealand.
Of course the travel time was immense as we were crossing over several time zones in order to get to our destination, however the excitement took over and the first flight from Toronto Ontario to Vancouver British Columbia seemed to take no time and it was 5 hours long!
My Husband Doug getting a cold brew between flights
Our next flight was the long haul. It would take approximately 13 hours to get to New Zealand. We were flying with Air New Zealand, http://airnewzealand.co.nz. Also, I recommend you upgrade to Premium Economy for the long haul, they were a bit more expensive but well worth it. Premium Economy provides wider seats, more leg room, a lazy boy seating option to sleep more comfortably and lovely meals with real silverware. As well, complimentary beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Be sure to try the New Zealand Marlborough Region’s Sauvignon Blanc wine, it is my favourite.
AUCKLAND, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
We finally arrived in Auckland New Zealand at around 6am local time on Monday Oct 1st; we had lost a day while flying because New Zealand is ahead of Canada by 16 hours. The first thing I noticed stepping out of the airport was the fresh clean air; this is a memory burn for me that I will always associate with this beautiful country. We picked up our rental car which is a must for travelling New Zealand! The vehicles are all right side drive and opposite side of the road driving from Canada and the USA.
After catching up a bit with our daughter, we decided to go and explore the Auckland Zoo.
AUCKLAND ZOO, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
We were greeted by this handsome fellow at the Zoo
After the zoo was dinner and bed, we were exhausted.
AUCKLAND MUSEUM
The next morning we woke refreshed and ready to explore! It was a cloudy day so we decided to go and tour Auckland Museum. We enjoyed it, there was so much to see and learn about the native Maori culture. Also, we learned about native New Zealand animals and birds.
One of the many artifacts we saw at the Auckland Museum
DEVONPORT
Next, we drove to Devonport, which is a beautiful little Port town close to Auckland. Also, we went to a place called Maungauika, North Head. Here we did a bit of hiking and the views were fantastic!
The Author and her husband posing with Auckland Volcano in the Background
Devonport is only about a 30 minute drive from Auckland, New Zealand.
WAIHEKE ISLAND
The next day we headed out on an exciting adventure to Waiheke Island. Getting to Waiheke Island from Auckland, New Zealand is easy. From the Auckland Harbour, you board the ferry and it takes less than an hour to arrive.
Auckland Harbour
Off we went across the South Pacific to Waiheke Island. It is a beautiful ride with breathtaking views of the South Pacific Ocean. Also, Waiheke Island itself is stunning, with incredible views everywhere you went.
Incredible views on Waiheke Island
We had made arrangements to do a wine tour on Waiheke Island, and our bus was waiting for us.
Our first winery was Stony Ridge Winery, best known for its world renowned Cabernet blend of wine. It was a pretty, quaint looking winery and the combination of the wine tasting and views were fantastic!
Stony Ridge Winery on Waiheke Island
The next winery was called Mudbrick Vineyard. The wine was lovely but the views were absolutely incredible!
The view from Mudbrick Winery
NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP
WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVES
The next morning we headed out for a road trip. With anticipation we headed toward Waitomo Caves where we would tour the Glow Worm Caves. The drive time from Auckland, New Zealand to Waitomo Caves is about 2.5 hours. We arrived and got into the line and started our tour. Unfortunately we do not have photos from inside the cave as photography is not allowed but it was spectacular! As we walked quietly down into a dark cave, our guide instructed us to stay silent. It was an eerily surreal feeling. As our boat quietly pulled up we boarded. Subsequently, once we got around the first corner we couldn’t believe our eyes. Here we were faced with thousands of these tiny worms that glowed like tiny iridescent lights. And as we slowly slipped through the water in the cave it was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Coming out of the Waitomo Caves
FARM STAY
After the cave tour we got some lunch and headed to our Farm Stay location. As you travel throughout the North Island of New Zealand you will be treated to spectacular views. Rolling green hills with more sheep grazing than you can count. It was Spring in New Zealand. Hence, there were lots of little lambs playing about.
Our Farm stay was in Te Kuiti, New Zealand. Only about a 15 minute drive from the Waitomo Caves. We met such a lovely couple. It was a farmhouse that was the owned by the farmer and his wife. They welcomed us into their home like family. Also, they chatted with us over wine and made us an absolutely delicious dinner to share. The next morning we had a wonderful breakfast and headed out on our way once again.
Property view from our Farm Stay
HOBBITON MOVIE SET
Our next destination was one of my favourites. We were headed to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour. Driving from Te Kuiti, New Zealand to Matamata, New Zealand, is approximately 100kms. This drive should take about 1.5 hours. The Hobbiton Movie Set is where they filmed the Hobbit trilogies. Furthermore, the Lord of the Rings series was also partially filmed here. It is a replica of the shire. Whether or not you are a fan you cannot help but love this tour.
One of the little Hobbit Homes
After our tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, we were once again on the road. This time we were travelling to our final destination on the North Island of New Zealand, the city of Rotorua. We checked into our apartment at Quest Rotorua Central and settled in for the night.
GO NATIVE MAORI DAY TOUR
The next day we were picked up by Wikitoria Oman. She was taking us on the “Go Native Maori Day Tour with Wikitoria Oman” tour. Wikitoria, or Wiki for short, is a Maori lady, native to New Zealand. Wiki took us to the local Tribe village that she is a part of. Rotorua Te Arawa tribe and their village is set in an area of geo thermal activity. Consequently, she explained that active geo thermal activity spots often appear just about anywhere. It was absolutely fascinating to see and learn about.
Geo Thermal Activity at Rotorua New Zealand
Imagine how happy we were to hear that we were to experience a hot geo thermal activity pool. After an invigorating soak we headed to her home for lunch.
Soaking in a geo-thermal pool
Her her home was not in the village. However, the setting was incredibly beautiful. Once again we were treated to a homemade meal in someone’s actual home, it just doesn’t get any better.
View from Wiki’s home
MAORI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Later that day we were attending a dinner and cultural performance at the Mitai Maori Village. When we arrived we were greeted by Maori people dressed in full costume. They escorted us into the area where we would enjoy a traditional dinner cooked in the earth oven called “Hangi”. Afterward, we headed out to the rear of the building into a treed area. Here we watched the most fascinating cultural performance put on by these wonderful people!
The Performance by the Native Maori People
That was the final tour of our North Island trip to New Zealand. I hope you enjoyed it.
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