“Where there’s life there’s hope, and need of vittles.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
We have decided to visit New Zealand and asked Santa for a little present. Santa was so kind and gave us two airplane tickets. Hooray! We have been very excited and started to plan everything for November 2018. It took a while, but we managed to have a plan, organized by days.
How to arrive?
We have chosen the cheapest way. For this reason, we assumed the long flight.
Cluj – Istanbul
Istanbul – Hong Kong
Hong – Kong – Aukland
From Aukland we took the van for the rest of the period.
Where to sleep?
We rent a car from spaceships agencyfor the entire period, for both, North and South islands. Instead of getting a hostel and such every night, you could just sleep in the rental car the days that you’re using it. It was equipped with everything. Renting a car will allow you to save the money you’d ordinarily be spending on a hotel room!
How to travel ?
With a van, you can stop whenever you want, or you can go everywhere you want, at what time you want!
We used to camp in a campground, all of them are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. They have showers and laundries, full kitchens and bbqs, TV and wi-fi option (some are included in the initial price, or you need to pay some extra cost). Most of them have attractive landscaped settings, often beside a beach, lake or mountain.
NZ loves beer
The country is a beer-making nation with around 150 commercial breweries. More details TBA!
So, we started with Auckland
After a very long flight: Cluj – Istanbul – Hong Kong -Auckland, we arrived to New Zealand! The airbnb.com helped us to access unique home and experiences, this time as well. We found a cozy home near town.
In the morning we decided to take a walk around the city. It was almost 25 km and 25 degrees, but it was a memorable day.
We found out the eastern coast of the North Island is filled with lovely beaches and bays of every description.
Maungauika is a volcano forming a headland called North Head at the east end of the Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, in the suburb of Devonport.
Known for its sweeping views over the harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.
This beautiful tree, the pohutukawa (botanical name Metrosideros excelsa) is New Zealand’s best-known and most visible native tree. It is found virtually everywhere along the coastline of the upper half of the North Island
Next stop: Whangarei Falls
Whangarei Falls is located in Whangarei Scenic Reserve. The classic curtain waterfall is part of the Hatea River and one of the most popular swimming spot in the area.
Easy access and a well-maintained Scenic Reserve make this waterfall one of New Zealand Must See Waterfalls.
New Zealand plants are very special, they evolved slowly amongst unique geology and animals and now are extremely diverse.
New Zealand forests feel as if a dinosaur might appear any moment – this is probably due to the ancient tree ferns which haven’t changed much in the last few hundred million years. Somewhere, lost in the trees, is Clau, trying to handle a liana. Hihi! I was overcome with excitement whenever I saw the ferns, for this reason I took a lot of pictures.
Piha beach
We arrived at Piha lately in the night after a long drive and camped in the Piha Domain Campground which is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction. We went to Piha beach in the morning and had a great day! We have seen numerous pictures with surfers and the conclusion was that Piha is New Zealand most famous surf beach! Indeed it is!
Situated on the west coast of the North Island, 40 kms from the city of Auckland, this black iron-sand beach has a reputation for awesome surf which rolls in over the Tasman Sea.
You can climb the rock which is in the middle of the beach up to the top which has stunning views. Also, there is a short hike, if you go on the right side of the beach, you can admire the beautiful view from the top.
Coromandel Peninsula & Cathedral Cove
The Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape.
We left the car in the paid parking car, and started the walk to Cathedral Cove, around 11 am. It is an easy walking track, approximately 1h 30 min return, accessible only on foot or boat.
It is an untouched beautiful part of the country that is truly good for your soul!
Hobbiton, you are amazing!
Just south of Auckland lies the Waikato region, a land of lush pastures that was chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
We bought in advance the tickets including the tour and the meal (
a delicious buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee). This is the best way to avoid the queues.
We took a lot of pictures with the surroundings and we also had a lot of fun.
It was a fully guided tour, without doubt one of the favourite guide,
having a good sense of humor that made us more enjoyable to be around!
Taupo
We continued our day to Taupo where we had a relaxing evening at
Otumuheke Stream, a hot spot where you can relax in healing mineral water.
The natural hot pools of Otumuheke Stream are located in Spa Thermal Park, Taupo. Spa Thermal Park is about a 25 minute walk from Taupo town centre. Once you have passed Taupo Bungy & Cliffhanger, turn left at County Avenue into Spa Thermal Park until you reach the car park. From there, follow the path towards the river until you come to a bridge. The hot pools are located around and under the bridge.
Tongariro
Tongariro was on our list from the beginning, even if we were aware of the bad weather conditions. That’s why Tongariro Alpine Crossing enjoys its popularity. You can walk through a dramatic and awe-inspiring volcanic scenery!
Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. The Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek.
We woke up early in the morning, to make sure we the first hikers. When we arrived there, the responsible for the area, informed us the hike is closed due to bad weather conditions , and if we want to do it by our own, we can do it!
We have chosen to do it by our own, even if I was a bit scared of the weather, C asked me: “Could you turn down a chance to follow in Frodo’s footsteps?”. And I say: “Ok, this is our chance, let’s do it.” I will never regret the choice, because it was a memorable day, even if the bad weather conditions!
We arrived on the top, where we have seen for 5 minutes the Emerald Lakes in their full beauty! The Emerald Lakes fill explosion craters near the summit of Mt Tongariro. Their brilliant colours are partly caused by dissolved minerals, washed down from the thermal area of nearby Red Crater.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing details
Moving distance: 3:53 km
Total distance: 17 km
Max Elevation : 1844 m
Avg Pace: 13:44
Taranaki – Egmont National Park
Egmont National Park can be found on the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme! I still fall love with the view!
We left the car in the small parking area, and started our hike. In order to arrive to Egmont National Park and see the famous Taranaki mountain, you need to pass the “Goblin Forest”, for its mystical mossy trees entwining enough to spark the imagination!
At the end of the track where the lookout is, you’ll see the mountain towering over swampland! There is a small lake and if you stay in front of it, you can immortalize such a beautiful landscape!
When we arrived at the lake, we met 3 girls and one of them helped us with the camera and took us the photo that I have chosen for the cover.
Taranaki view – Egmont National Park
Total distance: 12.10 km
Max Elevation : 1299 m
Avg Pace: 16:43
Muriwai beach
Muriwai is an impressive coastline with cliff-top trails to a huge gannet colony.
We found out that the gannet colony is in residence from August to March. A windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 kilometres, and interrupted only by streams and rivers, makes Muriwai one of New Zealand’s most spectacular black-sand surf beaches
PROXIMITY
45 mins from Auckland (by car)
Lots of Love and Happy travels !
Lately, I’ve had some time to reflect… and I’ve been feeling extra thankful for this trip! It can be considered a big chapter from our “TRAVEL BOOK”!
