Taste of Kiwi

We got up and checked out of our Auckland hostel this morning, making our very last trek down the 4 flights of stairs. We spent the day traveling, landing in Sydney in mid afternoon. We checked into our YHA hostel in The Rocks, the same hostel I stayed at twice, once when my mom visited in 2012. Hannah was excited about our private room and ensuite bathroom. We got pictures of the sun setting on the opera house, then we set out to find dinner. We ended up getting dinner at The Argyle, where we also got a pitcher of Pimms, which is a gin based spritzer-like drink, very refreshing!

Christchurch YHA : Nice, private bathrooms. Tight kitchen, lounge too quiet. Not a party place. Queenstown Tahuna Pods : Personal pod beds, But the room smells of BO. Holly was cool though. Rotorua YHA : Private ensuite bath. Ground heating, keep windows cracked. Eggy farts night breeze.  Auckland Attic Backpackers:   Clean and spacious rooms.  Shared bathroom, but great showers.  Five floors and no lift.

Today was our last day in New Zealand! We started off the day with a jet boat ride, hooning around the harbor at 100 miles an hour to the sound of AC/DC and Guns and Roses. It was lots of fun, we learned some things (maybe some of them were “tall tales), and we ended up soaked with crazy hair. After getting back and having a shower, we had a wine lunch with Camembert, smoked cheddar, salami, dip, and crusty bread while chilling out for the afternoon. Around 4:30, we walked down to the sky tower to take in the views at sunset. We took shots from upper and lower decks as the sun set. The tower was definitely more intense than the tower in Dallas, maybe because it slanted toward the ground more to give you direct views.     We then had dinner at Elliot Stables, which is like Little High in Christchurch (fancy food court), so Hannah could get a schnitzel and I gave NZ tacos a chance once more. Tomorrow we head to Sydney!  

Today we got up, got ready, and caught a very full and tight bus (they left the back row for us, the dears!) to Hobbiton. Our driver was a bit of a character and made some questionable remarks, both fact-wise and inoffensive-wise, so I was podcasting for most of the 2+ hour ride. We arrived and realized this would be our most touristy event we’ve had so far. It was a crowded place, even in the off season, and you’re funneled through two separate gift shops, but the actual set was pretty amazing, and our guide offered interesting commentary through the walk.                     At the end of the walking tour, we were offered a complementary drink (non-alcoholic ginger beer, ale, stout, or cider) to have at The Green Dragon.                                            We then boarded the bus for our return t...

Sunday was so rainy. It rained all night and day, but we had return ferry tickets to Devonport, so we took the ferry over for some shopping and lunch. We spent the afternoon getting souvenirs in the rain and after climbing the stairs, were “in” for the evening. Monday we took a tour to the area west of Auckland: Waitakere, Karekare, and Piha. We saw crazy gorgeous views and black sand beaches. We literally had to chase our tour guide though; it seemed like he was anxious to stick to a schedule, but Hannah and I were literally jogging after him on certain hikes, haha. It was a beautiful day, and we got back to the hostel and had dinner in.

Today we got up and headed out in search of French markets called La Cigale Market at Britomart.  We got $5 bacon sandwiches and split a Nutella and banana crepe, and also purchased a French pastry for later. We then criss-crossed the city on the hop on hop off bus. We took the bus to a park called Wintergardens and did one of the walks. We then took the bus to the zoo because I’ve been in New Zealand for two week and had yet to see a kiwi (they are actually much more nocturnal and elusive than Roos in Australia, more like an echidna). We looped the zoo in about two hours, visiting all the exhibits, then rode the bus back to the city.   We had lunch at Wendy’s (yes, that one) because I was shocked to see it in NZ and wanted to see if it was the same (spicy chicken isn’t spicy enough). We then got some groceries and took the 4 flights back to our room. We made pasta for dinner and had a wine movie night in.

Today we hopped a coach at 7:30 to make the long journey north to the Bay of Islands. On arrival, we  visited the   Waitangi Treaty Grounds and learned about the arrival of the English and the process of signing the treaty with local Maori. We also viewed a massive waka (war canoe). We then got our lunch and ate it on the ferry ride over to Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement. We were given a guided tour and history of the town. It has the oldest church in New Zealand, but the town is only about 820 perm anent residents and is mostly a holiday destination, and sometimes for the super wealthy.      After our tour, we walked around the town and got ice cream before our ferry ride back. We then caught the coach for the long ride back to Auckland.

Today we left Rotorua in all its amazing steamyness to make our way to Auckland. After a sleepy coach ride, we arrived at the Waitomo glowworm caves. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the cave, but it was a pleasant and relaxing experience. We walked through the caves with a guide, then rode a boat throw the glowworm section, in total darkness and silence. I was impressed with the guide’s ability to navigate the waters in pitch black.    We were given a box lunch and got back on the bus to finish the route to Auckland. We were dropped at the bus station right down from our hostel. We took an accidental detour in a complete circle around the block, but eventually found our hostel. Then we realized the horrible truth- our hostel was on the 5th floor- and the elevator was out of commission until September! We took each flight at a time with all our baggage, but eventually made it. As we busted through the reception door, huffing and puffing, Hannah announced “THI...

After getting the scoop last night from a local Kiwi seated at our table for the Maori dinner, we changed our plans for today. We got up, got ready, and strolled around the free geothermal Park that was literally across the street from our hostel. Kuirua Park has sidewalks winding around various geothermal features. It’s also had a thermal foot bath, which Hannah and I decided to partake for some relaxation.               After exploring, we returned to the hostel to hang out and have lunch (trying to finish off our Rotorua food supply as we leave for Auckland in the morning). We planned to do the night markets (a suggestion from our Kiwi Emma), but realized today was actually Wednesday and not Thursday, and the night markets occur on Thursdays. We got dinner at instead The Pig and Whistle, a local pub that used to be a police station. Then we took a taxi to the Redwoods to do the Night Walk. The bridges were a bit shakier than is m...