The north island is the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. There are a few mountain pecks but mostly rolling hills covered with a carpet of green grass. The grass looks like it has multiple ledges which is caused by the ash settling down over the years.
By the way, I learned how the nickname “Kiwi” came about. It seems a shoe polish magnet named his products after the country where his wife was born. In WWW1 all soldiers used the polish and soon the name stuck.
Most of the population of NZ lives on the north island. The ferry across the sound takes three hours and provides lovely views.
Wellington is the capital of NZ and seems to be built on a lot of hills. It reminded me of Pittsburgh except for the view of the harbor from my window.
The next stop going north was in Rotorua. This little city has hot springs, local shows with the Maori and water sights.
A stop for some “allsorts” was a nice break.
I took a walk to town for dinner and found Eat Street.
I have had the opportunity to have lamb at almost every dinner but I was always disappointed when it was cooked to “a second death”. On Eat Street I had a rack cooked rare and topped dinner off with “hocky pocky” gelato from Lady Jane’s ice cream parlour. This is a NZ favorite that is vanilla with little pieces of honey comb-yummy.
On the road again, further north to the Bay of Islands. This fabulous resort area is known as “the tropics”. The Pacific Ocean provides a great water playground. A trip to the “hole in the rock” provided the perfect backdrop for the dolphins to follow our boat and play beside our boat.
I guess I haven’t had my fill of seafood chowder so a bowl made a good lunch at a restaurant on the wharf.
I had a reservation to go fishing but the weather didn’t cooperate so I just had to enjoy the view from my room and an SOS massage- I felt like a piece of toast with the honey spread all over. With the dollar so strong the cost to me was $100. Manuka honey is available everywhere and in all types of lotions, cough drops and herbal products. This pic was the view from my room before the winds and rain started.
Even bad weather didn’t prevent a dinner cruse on the river with a photo op at the local waterfall. This might look like it is fake but it is real! I’m on the back deck….the pot to my right holds the mussels steaming on the stove. NZ is famous for their green mussels. The shells are a jade like green color but the mussels are large and not one of my favorites.
After the visit to this little piece of heaven on earth it is on to finishing up my NZ odyssey in Auckland. This is the largest city in NZ with 1.5 million population. As do most cities in NZ it has a great harbor. I was supposed to take a sail on the NZ America Cup boat–the Explore–but with winds gusting 40 knots this did not happen.
I could not finish sharing details of my trip without talking about this Lord of the Rings wonderland. In the South Island fans can visit scenic spots and dress in costumes for re-enactments. Hobbiton is in the north. The Hobbit set and many “Rings” artifacts can be enjoyed.
NZ has the best public toilets I have ever experienced. Some are works of art and others just bring a big smile.
The people are sooo friendly and there are visual treats around every corner–not just the stunningly beautiful geography but examples of a fun loving society. Where else can you take care of your car AND your dog.
I love New Zealand. I’ll catch up with you later when I get to the “land of oz”.
Barb Does The World 