Continuing on from my previous post, my friend and I started our four week holiday in the North Island, landing in Auckland and being picked up by my family and driven to Tauranga.
Tauranga
We stayed in Tauranga for a week which was a great start to the trip as we enjoyed comfy beds, delicious food, and the pleasure of being driven everywhere, basically we were spoilt and enjoyed every minute of it. Taurange seemed to be made up of two parts not including the suburban areas. There was the city centre and the resort area over by Mt Maunganui. According to my family, everyone wants to live there and from the amazing views and the beach, I can see why.
First day my friend and I climbed the mount with my cousin. With jetlag setting in, I have no idea how I managed to climb that thing. An approimately 40 minutes hike up too me over an hour but the views along the way and at the top were worth it. After a climb, coffee was needed, as well as a much earned swim in the sea.
We also spent a couple of chilled out days with my aunty in town where she showed us where she worked at the theatre, wandered around the shops there, gasped at how expensive the books were ans got to eat a couple of cafes. One in particular, a recommendation from my cousin - The Nourished Eatery - which was vegan friendly. If you find yourself in Tauranga, I suggest seeking this place out.
Rotorua
While we stayed with my family we went to Rotorua to visit Te Puia, which is The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. We went for the geothermal valley and the famous geysers. No need to book in advance, just turn up. Despite the rotten egg smell that surround the place (its the geysers by the way, nothing to worry about) the place was beautiful. We were also lucky to see a couple of kiwi birds in their nocturnal enclosure.
Also in Rotorua, we found this amazing cafe. I say amazing because it was a completely free nut zone!!! Anyone with the same allergy as me knows excatly how wonderful this is. Be Rude Not To Cafe - recommend the brownies.
After lunch we all went to Skyline where we took a gondola up a mountain and took the luge down. This was really fun and I could see why everyone was going multiple times, but the chair lift back up was terrifying.
Hobbiton
As this place was part of the prime reasons for my trip, this will be saved, along with WETA for another post all to themselves.
Waitimo Caves
Later in the week, mu uncle came with my friend and me to Waitimo so we could see the glow worms caves. There are a variety of tours you can do but The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. is the best way to go. Dressed in the most uncomfortable wetsuits, you sit in your rubber ring and float through the caves, its amazing. Be warned though, there is some walking and clambering around in the caves too, as well jumping backwards over a couple of mini waterfalls, but its worth it.
Not photos of this trip, no cameras allowed, mostly because you're in water, but also, they take photos along the way and you can buy them after.
Taupo
Our first stop on our own, my friend and I took a bus (all pre booked) to Taupo and a very short but hideous walk to our first hostel of the trip, Rainbow Lodge Backpackers. Just like any other hostel to be honest so if you find yourself in Taupo, this place is pretty good, for a night or two. Three nights, not so much, especially if its pouring with rain. The weather took a nasty turn and as Taupo is kind of small and not much to do there, we had to make do.
We walked to the Huka Falls our first day, which is meant to be an easy 1 hour round trip walk, but it isn't. If you are not keen on long walks or hikes, I suggest you sit this one out OR if you're driving, you can just drive there. The falls themselves are amazing but I was exhausted by the end. Second day we explored the lake and hunted for Warm Water beach which actually really relaxing.
My uncle came to our rescue on our third day and drove us to Tongariro National Park so we could see the mountains. Most people who go to Taupo, go to do the famous Tongario crossingbut as the park had been closed off the last few days, no one could get up there. Luckily we went on the only good day. The park has three active volcanoes; Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, which was Mount Doom in “The Lord of the Rings" and Ruapehu which we got to take the chair lift half way.
There is no shuttle from Taupo that takes you just to the mountains, there is only one for the crossing. So, if you are driving NZ, you'll be fine but if not, you mat have to make other plans.
Before we left Taupo in the pouring rain, we had breakfast at Spoon & Paddle - definitely try the amazing french toast if you go.
Napier
Leaving the rain behind us we arrived in the sunny Art Deco City. We stayed in Toad Hall which was minutes away from the beach and the town, so perfectly situated but alas wasn't the best place to stay. When I go back, I think I'll try Airbnb. We had a very warm and sunny day and half, relaxing on the beach, soaking in the amazing art and lounging in the evening at the Ocean Spa in the warm water pools. We explored the shops, getting supplies and enjoying coffee at The Six Sisters Coffee House. We also went to the craft shop which was housed in one of the other six sister houses. I was sad to leave Napier behind but I will be back, if anything to track down the amazing ginger beer we had.
Wellington
We flew to Wellington (quicker and probably cheaper) and settled into our Airbnb which was in Kilbirnie. The view was superb and the decor even better. This was another city I would definitley go back to to explore more. Being back in a city with transport again was strange but welcomed. We walked around the centre, visited museums, ate delicious food in a few places and enjoyed relaxing evenings in the Airbnb house. Plus our hosts, Sara and Danny were great! We did quite a bit in those few days, so here is it summeried:
Te Papa Museum - My aunty told us to go see the Gallipoli exhibition, it was amazing! WETA actually made the gigantic models featured in the exhibition. We would have liked to see more of the musuem but we arrived late in the day. Something to do when I go back! The museum as well as the exhibition is free!
Enigma Cafe - Try the french toast, its delicious!
Danger Danger - Apart from the rude arsey staff, the pizza is pretty damn good BUT bring your passport with you as ID, as they don't accept anything else.
Mount Victoria - You can indeed climb this mount but there is also a bus. I suggest bus up, walk down as the walk is actually still quite confusing but fun, especially if you are hunting for Hobbit's Hideaway. Remember in the Fellowship of the Ring, the hobbits hide under that tree? Well we think we found the right spot.
Cable car - This was a short fun trip but my advise, go earlier in the day. We went late afternoon and most of the things up at the top are closed. The walks up there too would have been nice but we were starving so we retreated.
WETA - Our adventure here will be in another post, along with Hobbiton.
Cuba street - Definitely check out this street as it is filled with really cool shops including Iko Iko. Before our WETA trip we stopped off in Cuba Street at Loretta. The food was delicious, but we sat too near the kitchen and had our eyes stinging of onions. So maybe sit at the back or the front.
NEXT: South Island - Nelson to Queenstown