North Island

Turangi to Hot Water Beach

Turangi was wet. It rained the whole day and the journey continued to Hot Water Beach. I was excited but the drive is so winding and winding.

One cool caretaker of Hot Water Beach. He watches all of us.

That was my bed, my store and car for nearly 2 weeks in NZ. By the way, I brought along my own sleeping bag which was indeed very useful.

Finally SAMPAI.Orakei Korako.

A thermal resort with beautiful setting. U take a boat to reach this thermal island. Serious a thermal island with exciting places to see.

Aladdin's cave . For me, it looked spokky.....

Next is a place not given much fame but I liked it . Huka Falls. In guide books ,not  much was written . A beautiful fall with its volume and power from gushing blue water will melt anyone's heart.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village( I could not roll my tongue)

This a Moari village with continual traditional way of life around geysers and the unique environment . Had a stroll the village and a free cultural performance . Heart warming.

A friendly Canadian lady travelling round the world by herself. My role model in 2014.

One scary face.

Next was long waiting Auckland... I arrived One Hunga.One Hunga is an outlet heaven to shop. Next was a stay for a night in City Garden Lodge in Parnell nearer to town since we had to say goodbye to the campervan.

City Garden Lodge is a crazy place filled with backpackers from the garden ( in tents) to the backyard.

Auckland's Volcanic Cones which has a wonderful viewpoints 360 of the city. But be prepared it was a windy .One Tree Hill is awesome. The best part is as you walked down you will be greeted with lots and lots of sheep.