First off, apologies for being so slow to update this blog! Rest assured, there’s plenty to talk about, and we certainly plan on updating more regularly going forward. As I write this, we’re already nearing the end of our leg in Australia, and getting ready to move into Southeast Asia. But let’s back up a bit and return to the land of the Kiwis - New Zealand. Kiwi the bird, which is the national icon of New Zealand and unofficial national emblem, not kiwi the fruit.
WHAT DID YOU DO?
After doing a bit of research, it seemed the best way to see the country would be by road trip through the north and south islands. After having done it, I do think it’s the right move. There’s just too much to see (granted you have enough time to do it), and I never felt like the driving was excessive. So long as you don’t mind driving on the left side (my record still sits at 0 head-on collisions), it’s worth the trip. I’m glad Peter feels that way, because he did literally all of the driving. #blessed
After exploring Auckland briefly, we hit the road and headed for the Coromandel peninsula, home to some beautiful beaches, as well as a couple with particularly HOT spots due to the geothermal activity below. Pro tip: If you go to Hot Water Beach, make sure you grab a shovel and don’t shave your legs right before because that salt water burns not just from the heat. Although we only had one night in Coromandel, we greatly appreciated the beautiful place we stayed. Needless to say, the accommodation isn’t the cheapest near white beaches and idyllic rolling hills, so we headed down to Waitomo the next day to check out their famous caves. Although I’m a long-time river tubing enthusiast, I’ve never done black water tubing. The experience was gnarly to say the least. Learning to put on a wetsuit was half the fun! (not really). Although the water was a bit chilly, the adventure of floating through a cave lined with luminescent glow worms and stunning cave formations was worth it. Despite my frozen digits, I would do it again. Totally agree! My favorite bits were jumping backwards off underground waterfalls.
From our BnB near Waitomo, we ventured northeast to a small town called Cambridge, had some really notable kabob (more on that later), and then hit the hay before leaving for Hobbiton the next day. The tour of the bucolic Lord of the Rings set was a ton of fun. We were really impressed by the amount of detail and effort that went into the set design. The guides were very knowledgeable and gave good insight into how the movies were made. Admittedly, the tour did feel a bit like a factory line - you’re shuffled through in a group of about 20 or so people, taking pictures, then moving onto the next thing to see. Considering the number of people that want to see the set, it’s not surprising. I’ll admit, my favorite part was getting to hang out at the Green Dragon pub for an ale that they brew on site! The setting was super cool and it was impossible not to soak in the quaint atmosphere and give a toast to The Shire. I think this is a must-do whether or not you’re a big LOTR fan. It’s just so very cool and picturesque.
After our morning tour, we headed south to Rotorua - a hub for geothermal activity. There were many points during the trip when I wished my geology-loving mom was there, and this was no exception. There’s a not-so-faint odor about the town due to all the hydrogen sulfide. I’d like to say I got used to it, but it’s probably more accurate to say that it certainly didn’t stop me from enjoying the attractions. We went to a really cool Maori cultural experience one night, then spent the next day at Te Puia to check out some of the most active geysers. Finally, we hit a spa to soak in an array of pH controlled giant hot tubs.I emerged a new man, revitalized, and slightly acidic. Can confirm. I hardly know who he is now.
Our next stop in Turangi was one of convenience: it was the closest sizable town to the “world’s greatest single day hike”. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an eight-hour hike revered for its stunning views around the Tongariro and Ngauruhoe mountains, alpine lakes, and the fact that scenes from Mt. Doom were filmed there. To our dismay, our shuttle to the hike had to be canceled due to strong winds on that day. We decided that if the shuttle company wasn’t running, then a couple of novice hikers like us should steer clear of Mt. Doom. We settled on a somewhat less intense hike to the aforementioned alpine lakes. We were still exhausted and reasonably fulfilled, but it’s safe to say that if I get the chance again, I’m going to allot a few days to make sure the weather cooperates and I get to do the hike. Are you? You’re going to have to do it alone then because I’m not so sure I would survive the journey. I’m no Sam to your Frodo!
From there, we had a slightly longer drive to get down to Wellington. Here we would spend a couple nights resting, enjoying the local pubs and museums, then we would take the ferry across to the south island and continue the adventure.
WHAT WAS THE COOLEST THING?
On the north island, I really enjoyed our time at the beach, and the Waitomo caves. Everything was great, but those were probably my favorite spots!
My favorite things were the rolling hills and cows (the scenery).
HOW WAS THE FOOD?
We’ll probably continue to comment on this as we go, because who doesn’t love food reviews? If I’m in Auckland again, I will DEFINITELY get bao buns and dumplings. They were honestly some of the best ones I’ve had in a long time. In Wellington, we also had some super good Chinese take out. As far as the local cuisine, I hate to say it, but it was less impressive. Meat pies are a big deal and widely available, but I think it’s fair to say you need to make sure you find fresh ones with good ingredients. Other than that, there’s a lot of burgers, chicken, chips (fries), and fried fish. With the exception of one excellent hole-in-the-wall fried fish spot that was recommended to us by a very lovely Kiwi, the food is a bit bland. I’m sorry New Zealand. You have high marks in nearly EVERYTHING. You can’t win them all! I can’t believe Peter didn’t mention the flat whites? He’s turned into a “coffee guy.”
Part 2 of South Island coming soon!
Shriya & Peter