Final Days in NZ

Ended up in sky city casino for a quiz at 8 pm for a bit of fun with a group of us. Had some of the randomest questions ever, fun was had at least. After the quiz went to the famous Fergburger joint. Omg the size and taste. 

Early rise this morning for departing from queenstown, the bus collected us at 8 from hostel. After few  other pick ups we head out of queenstown, the Kawarau gorge bout 8.30. First stop is a toilet stop in town of Cromwell itself at 9.20 for 20 mins, the home of giant fruit. Leaving Cromwell we pass over lake Dunstan, man made after the creation of the Clyde Dam, go further on up over the Lindis Pass into MacKenzie Country, making our way towards Christchurch 419km away. McKenzie country contains NZ highest point 1000m above sea level and home to the world famous Merino Sheep. 

We stop for few mins for a photo op at 11.39 in Lake Pukaki, glacier craved lake, in the McKenzie basin, you see Mt Cook and Mt Tasman slightly in the distance. Arrive at Lake Tekapo about 12.15 for photo op and see the historic church of the good Shepard and the lake. About 1 pm kiwi bus got pulled over for a routine police check. Arrive into Geraldine, south canterbury, almost down to sea level for 30 mins lunch pit stop at 13.45. Through the bus up we watched a true story new zealand movie called the fastest little Indian. We meet a connecting kiwi bus at 4 at outskirts of Christchurch and said our goodbyes to mikey and Giulia, dam you goodbyes. 

Then made our way to the hostel jailhouse which we booked online for 79 dollars for a twin room. Once checked in, went for stroll around Christchurch, from the jailhouse, in Addington into city centre seeing botanic gardens, Canterbury museum, outline of the red zone including the destruction in cathedral square.

Strolled back towards Addington, got a cheap Dominos, watched Doctor Who and early night as the super shuttle bringing to the airport was collecting us at 3 am. Got checked in and hostel booked thanks to free wifi. Flight depart at 6.35 arriving into Sydney at 8.05am 

Bottom Bus Adventure

Check out from Nomads was 10 am. Leaving time for the bottom bus tour was at 10.30. Nearly missed the bus due to a skype call from home, and trying to book flights to Sydney. Made our way from Queenstown to Dunedin, which is the home of Speight’s brewery and Cadbury World. Soon after leaving realised, we were missing few items, but after getting into contact with one of the girls from Manchester on the tour, Giulia, - our guardian angel :-) -crisis was averted, as she got the items for us, from reception, as someone had handed them in this morning after we had left. After a 5 mins toilet stop in Cromwell, we head towards the east coast via the massive Clyde Dam. At the Clyde Dam we stop at the lookout point to have a look and photo op. Further down the road we stop for a picnic lunch in the sun in a small town called Clyde with the snow-capped mountains in the background. The last stop before Dunedin was in a tiny town called Lawrence, for an ice cream stop, cheap and omg so tasty, also first town with free public WI-FI throughout the town. When we entered Dunedin, the bottom bus brought us on a tour of the city seeing the highlights of where the Speight’s brewery, the new all-weather Forsyth rugby stadium, University of Otago, the old railway stadium, Catholic and Protestant Cathedrals and Baldwin street – the worlds steepest street according to Guinness book of world records, now that was challenge and struggle to get to the top don’t mind back down! The Bottom Bus dropped then off at our accommodation, the On Top Backpackers, which cost 26 dollars a night for the dorm room and 20 refundable deposits for the key. Once we got settled, we went to the public library literally across the road, to use the free WI-FI, to organise a few things.

After which we went on a walk about the city, starting at Cadburys World, felt like been a kid, the smell of chocolate alone was making me hungry. A short walk from there, we came to the old railway station, if I didn’t feel like a kid already I did here, up close, you can see why the building is the most photographed building in Dunedin. Myself, Niamh and the a german girl on the tour Susanne, were having a laugh walking around Dunedin in the twilight, one of the highlights after the railway station was at Spleight’s brewery, who had built into the wall a beer barcel, brilliant photos were taken. Along the way back to the hostel, we saw the St. John Catholic and St. Paul Protestant Cathedrals. After dinner, well done Niamh, a very tasty meal, went to try and book our hostels for Sunday and Monday on Hostelworld for Queenstown, sneakily on our iphone / ipad in the end outside McDonalds, was interesting in the cold but got there in the end.

                          

Bottom bus collects us from the backpackers at 8 am saturday 22nd for our trip down to the far south. The Catlins which is probably furthest south, we probably will ever go unless we somehow make an expedition to Antarctica. The Catlins also home to some amazing and rare wildlife including yellow eyed penguins and sea lions that have re-colonised on beaches on that coast and been in particular unique has been rarest member of seal species left on the planet. The adventure into the Catlins started with panoramic view from Nugget Point, hold on as the Southerly wind can sometimes make it seem a lot closer than the 4800 km to the South Pole. The first stop of the day after leaving Dunedin is at Kaka Point at 9.45 am for a 30 mins coffee break, the scenery of beach and surrounding area is breath taking especially on such a sunny warm day. Short drive up the hilly trek we arrive at Nugget Point scenic reserve at about 10.30.We stroll the 150 m to the cliff top viewpoint to see the view of nearby Dunedin and Kaka Point. On the way to the lighthouse we sight 1 year old fur pup seals which have been kicked out of home. Then walk the remaining 600m to the lighthouse and its viewpoint, where you see the Catlins coastline, cliff edge and see and hear the soaring seagulls. From here we stroll the 900m back to the bus. The toilet facilities in the Kaimatital car park are limited using a toilet system called vault toilet, in my eyes posh way of saying long drop toilet. We leave Nugget Point area at about 11.15 towards scenic route which about 8km from Kaka Point. We arrive into Cannibal Bay at 11.45 to see sea-lions, up close and personal, though there a 10m rule to stay away from the sea lions for your own safety, so they won’t charge at you as they can get up to 25km and definitely don’t get between them and the sea. A casual 20 min walk brings to False Islet close to male New Zealand’s Sea lions on Surat Bay, one of the rarest species. Unbeknownst to me I almost bumped into of the smaller darker sea lions, lucky he was asleep and I was warned.

                                

Then we got to see the bigger lighter black male wadding into the sea and smaller one pruning himself. About 12.30 we gradually made our way back to the bus. On the trek back we saw the bigger male on a different beach, at Cannibal Bay. Left Cannibal Bay at 1pm, to make our way to our lunch stop, where we arrived into a town called Owaka, which means place of the canoe in Maori at 1.15. The café In the town called Catlins café, quite tasty food. Left Owaka at about 2pm travelling further down south. We stop at about 2.20 at Purakanui Falls for a roughly 20 min bush walk. After that we continued our journey south. We stop for quick photo at 3.15 at Florence hill lookout over Tautuku beach, Tautuku peninsula, Rainbow Island & spouting cave and Long point. We drive a min up the road to Lake Wilkie to check out the local flora and fauna for about 30 mins leaving just before 4 pm. We stop for few mins at Niagra Falls NZ at 4.30, a settler named it, who seems had a sense of humour. We continue the 8 km from here to Curio Bay. We park between Curio Bay on the left and Porpoise Bay on the right at about 4.45, lovely sight of the 2 Bays. We stop for a pitstop and a milkshake at Porpoise Bay at stop called Curio Bay Holiday Park, where read a story about the case of the missing penguin, an interesting story. From here we drive 400m to Petrified Forest and walk to the lookout. Once we get down to the shoreline, we see two yellow eyed penguins up close.

                           

We left Petrified Forest for the final stretch to Invercargill at about 5.45. On the way we happened to make a very quick stop about 47 km from Invercargill, because of the weather was perfect to see Stewart island on the left and Buff Hill on the hill in the horizon and see one hell of a sunset. Our bus driver Don, said it been the best weather for weeks. We arrived into Invercargill at 7, which is New Zealand most southerly city with a population of 50,000, stayed at Tuatara Backpackers which cost 29 $ for a 4 dorm room.

                           

We headed out of Invercargill nice and early, Sunday 23rd, so that we could meet up with the Milford Explorer at Five Rivers. By finally getting all some not fully awake heads onto the bus, we departed by 7.45 from the backpackers. First stop of the day was a quick photo stop about 9.30 at Lake Manapouri. After which we stop further down the road for a toilet break. From here we continue to Te Anau, to meet our connecting Kiwi Bus. On route we sight sites of where Lord of the Rings was filmed including Anduin River and Fangorn Forest. Our bottom bus driver, Don shows us around Te Anau, as he lives here. We arrive here at 10 am. Te Anau only has a normally population of about 2,000 but in summer overnight population can reach near 10,000. Lake Te Anau is NZ 2nd largest lake after Lake Taupo, with 500km of Coastline. We have our morning coffee break stop here till 10.30. We leave Te Anau and get onto highway 94 and head towards Milford Sound. The construction of this Milford highway began during the great depression 1929 and took 25 years before completion, opening in 1954. This highway regarded as one of the most scenic drives and over 110 km to Milford Sound. Jamie our Kiwi driver has been one of the most hilarious, dirty minded and sarcastic drivers and had us in stitches laughing from the off. We drive through the Fiordland National Park which is the biggest National Park of the 15 in NZ, with a size of 1.4 hectares and 14 fiords in the park. It’s been a national park since 1952 and is a world heritage site. We stop in the park for a photo op, at 11.20, to see the snow-capped mountain range which goes up 2k and the forest stops about 300m from the top. Then just up the highway, we stop again at Mirror Lakes for a ten min walk through the lakes to the other end, indescribable mountain range.

We drive past 45 degrees latitude in the beechwood forest in the park, which is half way before the equator and the South Pole. Which means Fiordland Park has a temperate climate, therefore has rain every 2/3 days. Further into the park we stop for the only toilet break before the cruise at a place called Knob’s Flat. From Knob’s Flat it’s 45km to Milford Sound. As we drive through the park we pass Lake Gunn, Lake Fergus, and The Divide of the Southern Alps which brings us to the West Coast and roughly 80km from Tasman Bay, Lake Hollyford which had originally in the past been the 15th fiord, river Hollyford, and Falls Creek. We stop at Monkey Creek at 12.30 for a photo op and to fill our water bottle from the creek it’s about 24km to Milford Cruise. We drive past a patch of highway that was closed for 3 days last week due to 3 different avalanches. After this we drive by Gertrude Valley. About 12.45, we start driving through Homer Tunnel, which was created using 100 tonnes of dynamite, has 200m of slope and is 1.8km down. The other side is commonly known as valley of 100 waterfalls. We arrive down at the wharf about 1pm and get ready for the Milford cruise which departed at 1.30. as we got off the bus, Jamie the driver gave us 3 passes, - Boarding Pass, Meal Pass, and Discovery Centre Pass. On the cruise there a buffet lunch, hot and cold, included. We cruised casually around Milford Sound on a boat called Spirit of Milford and into the Tasman Sea. The cruise must say been some boat trip as when we entered the Tasman Sea, it got bumpy and windy which it seems is unusual. Seems it’s not normally this dry or sunny as its usually has high rainfall. Now we see why they say it’s a must do In NZ. We arrive at the underwater observatory discovery centre at 3 for a look around for roughly 45 mins before heading back to the wharf.

The Kiwi bus departed here at 4.15 pm heading back the same highway towards Te Anau where we stopped for a quick toilet break and continued onto Queenstown. When we arrived into Queenstown, we checked into Nomads Hostel which we had booked on Hostelworld at a cost of 29 $ for 6 bed dorm, however we got upgraded to an ensuite, into the exact same room we had last Thursday by the same receptionist. Met up with lads from the Kiwi bus for a get together, random and crazy night was had.

Week Three

Check out the next morning Monday 19^th was at half 9, and we started our journey south towards Franz Josef. We drove through a town called Ross, which is famous gold mining town. Shortly after a short drive of just under an hour, we stop in small town called Pukekura for morning coffee break. We head south to the Franz Josef Glacier village, nestled in the Westland National Park, passing numerous kettle lakes along the way. These lakes are created as glaciers retreat and leave chunks of ice behind that melt and form deep lakes. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a striking feature of the glacial region, encompassing the 2 famous glaciers – Franz Josef and Fox. When we arrive into the village, we confirm the activities for our stay. The accommodation was called Rainforest Retreat and cost 29$ for a dorm for night with a 20 $ refundable deposit for the key. That evening in the Monsoon Bar located in the Hostel grounds, the prizes for the fancy dress was held, 1^st Prize went to the guy dressed as a pile of rubbish and second to the paedo. It was quite an early night due to the early start the next day.

Tuesday 18^th wake up time was 7.30, to get ready for check in at the Franz Josef Glacier Guides at 8.30 to do the Ice Explorer at cost of 250$. You get a Heli Transfer to the glacier. Where our guide Will navigated us through a maze of ice and explained the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years.  Will was telling us it was the best weather they’ve had to do this in nearly 2 weeks. Will was using his Pickaxe Gary to navigate our path. He had a great sense of humour and wit during the tour where he craved my name for some reason into the ice. I managed somehow to pick up a superficial war wound at the end where my sliding down ice went arse ways.  This has been one of the most unique experiences of my life so far and highlight of the trip so far. Also included in the price is entrance to the Glacier Hot Pools. The pools contain 3 different pools of varying temperatures, 36, 38 and 40 degrees and spent hours just relaxing in them. Sure got our money’s worth while we gossiped. Someone on the tour managed to nab a towel from there, pointing no fingers Giulia. Once we got back to the hostel, we realised, we needed stuff for a picnic lunch, with a mad dash to the supermarket, managed to get supplies as it was closing.

The departure time the next morning, Wednesday 19^th was at 8 am, the departure was so early in order to catch the reflection of Mount Cook on Lake Matheson near the town of Fox Glacier. After we pass the township of Haast, we bid farewell to the coast and head into the mountains. We cross the bridge at the Gates of Haast, head up the pass and into the Mount Aspiring National Park. We stop in the park for a picnic lunch, the weather couldn’t be sunnier. After lunch strolled down to the Haast River and filled a bottle with clear spring water, so cold too. As pass through Haast Pass, stop briefly to check out the Thunder Creek Falls, and any excuse for photo Op. As we come down the eastern side of the main divide of the Haast Pass, we track down toward Makarora. An hour or so drive from Makarora takes us through to Wanaka where we enter the Otago region with its stunning lakes and mountain ranges. On route we experienced slight traffic jam near Lake Wanaka due to a recent Mud Landslide. Wanaka is known commonly as the headquarters of Mt Aspiring National Park. On the way to this picturesque spot you skirt past the fifth largest lake in NZ, before crossing over to Lake Hawea. We stop for quick look over the lakes where we initial view of Dingle Burn Range. The accommodation was Base Wanaka Was a tad expensive for what it is 29 dollars but had 3 dollars off so got it for 26. Only dorms available were 8 bed dorms, small but clean. The walk along the lake front was peaceful at dust. At the hostel bar, the mint, there was a Karaoke night, with the Kiwi bus against Stray bus, another tour company, which our bus won and was a random fun night.

Departure and check out time was at 9am where we depart Wanaka to Queenstown on Thursday 20th. The first stop was puzzling world where you can try to conquer the maze; I do mean try, it’s frustrating but hilarious fun and mind blowing stuff in the illusion house. Check out the toilets too which are hilariously entertaining. Afterwards we head around the edge of the manmade Lake Dunstan towards the Kawarau Gorge. We make a pit stop in small town called Cromwell at a fruit and veg shop called jones fruit stall, reasonably priced. Soon after we enter the Kawarau Gorge, the home of AJ Hackett Bungy, we stop for a video history about the Bungy. Before we got here, no one on the bus was doing it but after the video, 14 including myself, Mikie, Matt, Lisa, amongst others on the kiwi bus, braved our fears and did the 43M Kawarau Bridge Bungy. The bungy was on offer at 99 dollars if you did it that day. It bungy was done from the historial suspension bridge over the Kawarau River; it was such an adrenaline rush, like nothing I’ve ever done before. Soon after we were all on the bus, we made the 20 mins journey into Queenstown, the accommodation for the night was at the Nomads hostel which cost 35 dollars for a 6 bed dorm ensuite, although was a tad expensive, the hostel was like nothing we meet so far on this trip.

Week Two

Left Base Taupo at 9.15 am Monday 10th heading towards Tongariro National Park, where some of the background scenery for the Lord of the Rings was filmed in particular the background for Mordor and scenes of Gollum in the Falls.

The accommodation in River Valley was 29 $ for 6 bed dorm but the kitchen was quite basic. Also as we were in a Valley no phone signal and the internet was expensive and we were told quite choppy. The method of crossing the river which is optional to go for a trek was quite an experience. The trek once you cross is something but remember you gotta cross back the river the same way again on the pulley device. Part of the river was used as the Anguin River in The Fellowship of the Ring. As we were in the middle of no where, was a good opportunity to chat and interact with people on the tour.

The next morning the 11th we left at check out time 10am due to the weather. As the rain was so bad we had to get the rafting bus back up the hill instead of walking the short distance. Once everyone was back on the KiwiE bus we got on our way. We head from River Valley through Taihape, the Gumboot Capital. 2 hour into the journey towards Wellington we stopped for a pitstop and food at a place called Bulls, where every service building had Bull in the title like; Const-a-Bull.

The drive from here to Wellington is dominated by the Ruahine and Taraua Ranges. Not too far from the City , we pass along the Kapiti Coast, most of which was wrenched out of the sea by large earthquake in 1855. Kapiti Island which can be seen from the coast is a native bird sanctuary. Once we arrived into Wellington, we checked into the Nomads hostel on Wakefield street which we had pre-booked on hostel world for 29$ a night for a 4 bed dorm. The staff here are very friendly and helpful, and willing to aid you with booking your onward ferry to the South Island, which you need to book the night before if you want to get the discount, which cost us 52$ or with anyone other travel/tour bookings. Wellington is located itself directly on a major earthquake fault line, where a quake occurs under the city roughly once a week. The majority of the Museums, Botanic Gardens and House of Parliament are free to enter.

We spent Wednesday the 12th touring around Wellington, starting at 10am at the National Museum, Te Papa. This museum is well worth a visit, with its interactive elements and national treasures. From the Museum, we walked along the waterfront, where we turned onto Lambton Quay to gain entrance to Cable Car, on Cable Car Lane. The ride on the cable car is 3.50$ for a single ride up to the top, where the Botanic Gardens, and Carter Observatory are located. The Cable Car ride is worth it, as from the top of the hill, you are able to see picturesque views of Welly, the nickname of Wellington, the other been, the windy city and with good reason. I'd recommend with the cable car, to get a single journey up to the Botanic Gardens and take the downhill walk city.

 It was a pleasant and peaceful journey down through the gardens to the bottom passing the Observatory, the Lady Norwood rose garden, and Roberston Way into the Bolton Street Memorial Park. When you reach the bottom and have time, head towards 'the Beehive' building, the executive wing of the parliament building, where a free tour of the executive wing, house of parliament and parliamentary library. The guided tour commences on the hour. Once the tour is over, you have the opportunity to enter the house of parliament gallery to witness the order of business, when we were there, it was general debate. Once we left here, went over to see Old Pauls Cathedral, which is totally constructed of wood, its a must-see experience when your in Wellington. After our visit to the Cathedral, we went down the same street to the New Zealand Archives where the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi and 1893 Women's Suffrage Petition are on show in the Constitution Room.
 

As you can imagine, we were a tad tired after the jam packed day of culture. So we returned to the hostel, where Mark in reception helped us book our Interislander ferry to the South Island and The Lord of the Rings Ultimate Movie Tour which is run by Movie Tours. After Dinner went for a short stroll to the Embassy Theatre, it was here where the premiere of Return of the King was held. This got us in the mood for the following morning for the tour.

The next morning at 10 am, we were collected at the hostel by our tour guide for the day, Alice, who is your typical sarcastic funny kiwi. For the first part of the day, we had a private tour where we went to see the film locations in Hutt Valley such as gardens of Isengard, Rivendell where we had lunch, Helms Deep and Minas Tirith. In the afternoon we saw the Dunharrow Plateau, shortcut to the Mushrooms, Get off the Road, and Village of Bree. Throughout the tour there was an opportunity to dress up as hobbits/elf and have fun. Towards the end of the tour we saw Park Road Post, Stone Street and Camperdown Studios. To round off the tour, we paid a visit to the Weta Cave - The home of Weta Studios. A fun and enjoyable experience was had throughout the tour.

Friday the 14^th, the kiwi bus collected us from the hostel at 7.10 am and made our way towards the ferry terminal, where we check in our luggage. Then we board the ferry and get comfort for the 3 and half hour ferry from Wellington to Picton, crossing the Cook Strait. When we land, collect our luggage from arrivals then board the new kiwi bus in Picton. We made a pitstop in an area called Marlborough valley, where the option to do wine tasting of 4 local wines for 2 dollars in wine cellar called Bouldevines. Then made the onward journey towards Kaiteriteri, on the way we pass thru small town called Havelock, whose claim to fame is the ‘Green lip mussel capital of the world’. After brief food stop in Nelson we travel through to Kaiteriteri at the doorstep of the Abel Tasman national park. We stayed at Kaiteriteri lodge only few mins from the beach at 30 dollars for dorm room, with also a 20 dollar refundable deposit for the key, our had an ensuite. There’s a bar next door called the Beached Whale.

Check out time on Saturday 15^th was at 10am, so after quick breakfast in their decent kitchen facilities, we left at 10.30. We left Kaiteriteri and travel through to Murchison for a stop at tea rooms with their famous ice cream. From Murchison we wind our way down the amazing Buller gorge. Buller gorge is one of the south island’s lognest and most scenic drives. We travel alongside the almight Buller River, which rises from Lake Rotoitit and flows into the Tasman Sea at Westport. The accommodation for the night was Bazil’s hostel, which was 25 dollars for a dorm room with our YHA card, normally 28. Watched the rugby matches in a local bar called The Cosmopolitan. Was quite a random funny sort of night, the local rugby team were also in the bar, as they had played a northern island team, and won, so were out celebrating.

We left about 9.30 the following morning, and started making our route to Lake Mahinapua along highway 6 which stretches 435 km along the rugged Tasman shoreline from Westport in the north to the Haast Junction in the south. The road winds through a diverse series of landscapes, which include the snow-capped Southern Alps, sparsely populated towns, lush green rainforests and deserted Goldfields. After a short drive, we stop for a short walk, about 45 mins, at Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay, where there one of New Zealand’s largest sea colonies.  Tauranga is New Zealand’s closest point to Australia.  On route we stop at Truman track, because the weather was really nice and sunny, walked along the trek to the bay, barefoot, which itself was quite an experience. When got to the bay strolled along the beach and got soaked by the incoming tide, which was quite funny. Once back on the bus, made the short journey to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Stopped here for lunch, and then walked through the Pancake Rocks to the coast edge with our ice creams.  The scenery and work of Mother Nature was unbelieveably beautiful. Leaving Punakaiki, our next stop Greymouth, stopping here to stock up on food and cash as there very little opportunities between here and Wanaka. The Lake Mahinapua Hotel cost 21 dollars for the bed and 11/10 for the food. The owner Les who is the oldest publican in New Zealand is quite a character. The facilities are not bad at all for a building which is over 150 yrs old. There no phone service around the area. the nearby beach which is only a few mins walk away has dark sand and is lovely. The lake for which the area is called, is a short stroll from the Hotel and the conservation area quite scenic. Dinner was served at 7, was quite a feed and very tasty. After dinner everyone started getting ready for the fancy dress party which was in the hotel bar, the poo bar. The theme of the party was that the costumes had something to do with the letter P. There were some very imaginative costumes such as peodo, pimp, pile of rubbish, preschooler, posh spice, prostitute, present, playboy bunny, peacock, amongst others. It was quite a random interesting night. The local police officer made his routine stop at the hotel, he was quite funny, as I got him to pretend to arrest the guy dressed as a peodo and put him in the back of the police car. It was one of the funniest nights so far as also one of the guys on the tour it was his birthday.     

Week One

August 31^st we got the Intercity train from Ennis to Dublin via Limerick Junction, leaving at 10.15. We arrived into Heuston at 13.20. The Journey up was pleasant and mostly uneventful; we were surrounded by Americans, who were on the train up from Killarney for The Gathering American College Football game – Notre Dame vs. The Navy. Once we got off the train we got the Luas from the station into city centre getting off at the abbey street stop. From O’Connell Street got the 13 Bus out to Santry Cross stop, where our hotel was located – Metro Dublin Airport Hotel. The staff here was helpful and accommodating, we had booked on line in June, and lucky we had as most hotels around the area we full due to The Gatherings game. There was free Wi-Fi –hotspot - in the hotel you just needed to get password from reception. We booked a wakeup call and shuttle to the airport from reception. The shuttle to the airport was 2 euro each. We were lucky that the shuttle dropped us off at terminal 2, as buses aren’t allowed anymore near the terminals. Right inside the departure door is the Etihad check-in desks; there was a slight queue even though we arrived before the 2 hours minimum because the flight to Abu Dhabi was full. After we checked in, we made our way thru security and into duty free, as our final destination was Auckland, we could not partake in buying duty free. The boarding time for the flight was 08.30, after everyone had boarded and was seated, the plane started to taxi and take off. The flight to Abu Dhabi was 7 and half hours, during which time we got dinner, warm wrap and a snack with free drink such as wine, beer, soft drink. If need be you can request prior to flying a special catering such as a lacto-vegetarian or low-Cal meals. The on board entertainment had current TV shows, music and movies in cinema such as Brave, the avengers, and the dark shadows. When we landed in Abu Dhabi International Airport, we had to make our way from terminal 1 to terminal 3. Walking thru duty free in terminal 1 was out of this world. Between terminal 1 and 3 had to go through security again. Then made our way to our gate – 28, where bags and paper work is searched again. Free Wi-Fi in the airport. The flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney took about 14 hours 10 mins, during this flight we had dinner twice, a snack and sandwich, and again free drink and on-board entertainment. Once we disembarked from the plane, again made our way thru security, rang the airline from the nearby courtesy phone near security. After which made way to departure gate, where we obtained our boarding passes for our flight to Auckland. Virgin Australia was the airline who are a partner airline with Etihad. As we are Etihad guest members, during the flight we were given free food, drink and portable entertainment devices. The flight time was 3 hours 5 mins. Before landing we had to fill out an immigration form which we had to show at the passport control, onto baggage claim and then onto Customs where you show the form and passports again, it’s here also where our bags are x-rayed. Arrival time into Auckland was September 3^rd 00.55.

Trouble contacting the hotel, lucky the super-shuttle was at arrivals, due to a mishap on the way to the hotel, the driver only charged us 10 $ for both of us instead of 20. The hotel was called Travellers International. The room itself was beyond basic, less than a 3^rd state hotel. The only advantage was an electric blanket and a free bus to airport. However the disadvantages out wayed the advantages due to the rudeness of the staff and state of the facilities, cost was not worth it. Booking with Kiwi Experience got a free bus from the airport into city – Airbus express. In Auckland stayed at YHA Auckland City got 10% discount been YHA member – 93 $ twin private dorm after 14 $ deposited paid online and free visitor NZ prepaid 2 degrees sim card from reception which you need to top up by 20 $. Booked Sky Tower and Desk tickets from YHA reception cos it was on special for $18 instead of the normal $28. When ye arrive, the lift first brings you to Sky Tower main observation level which is 610 ft/186m above the city, the views ere are amazing but the views from the Sky Desk (722ft/220m) are just breath-taking, where ye get 360 degree views of the city. The souvenir photo is 30$ which contains 4 pics – 2 big and 2 small and are available to look at online for 3 months. 

 The Auckland explorer bus is 40 $ for a day pass which explores the top 14 attractions of Auckland and have the free option of going further into the suburbs with the satellite bus which is got from the Auckland museum. The Auckland war memorial museum is worth a visit, recommended donation is 10$ with the explorer bus day pass there a discount i.e. in our case no donation as we bought the Maori culture tour and experience for 35$. An enjoyable experience where ye experience the Maori dances, songs and the Hakka, after the show ye get the opportunity to talk and get photo taken with the Maori people. After the show and tour, we explored the museum which was an experience and culture filled. The museum had free WI-FI through-out the museum. After the museum, hopped onto the satellite bus into the suburbs where we hopped off at the Mount Eden stop. It was some trek up to the top, however once at the summit; you are able to see views of all of Auckland. As the weather is so changeable make sure bring a jacket with a hood. Despite the rain, the experience was not affected. In a vain attempt to try find the Clare Inn bar, we got sidetracked and kinda lost. Once in the bar, we managed to get finally get warm and dry-ish. It was ere where I nearly fainted at the cost of a pint 8.50 $.

Kiwi experience tour bus picked us up at YHA – Auckland city at 08.30 Wednesday 5^th from ere we went to Hot Water beach. The accommodation at the Hot Water Beach Holiday park was 30$/night. The name of our lodge was TUI lodge room 1. The kitchen facilities was limited, best option is pizza/oven based foods. The main supermarket area pre-hot water beach is at Thames. The bus took us to Cathedral Cove, where the coastal walk was spectacular but was some trek up and down, perfect picture opportunity. After we got back to the lodge, we took the stroll to the Hot Water beach – one of world’s top ten beaches, after hiring a shovel with a refundable deposit in our case 20$. At low tide,  roughly 15.10-17.10, got there about half 4, once at the beach dig  a hot water pool in the sand, which can be pretty hot – 60 degress mix with some cold sea water. With the KiwiE filled crowd there was good banter and fun at the beach.

                                        

Thursday 6^th left at 07.30 towards Waitomo, on route stopped off for a walk at the Karangahake scenic reserve which is a bush-clad gorge, historic gold mine. The stroll thru the reserve brought us across 2 swing bridges, into an old railway tunnel – wise to bring a torch. The views along the path are scenic and tranquil. After this the bus drove thru Paeroa, where the L&P (lemon and Paeroe) soft drink was originally produced. A giant L&P bottle statue still remains in the town. On the way after this to Waitomo, the bus drives by MT Te Aroha which is the mountain of Love. In Waitomo (meaning water cave), stayed at Kiwi Paka @ 30$ for the night, with a 10 dollar refundable deposit for cutlery set, it’s a dry hostel, however there a local bar right next door called Curly’s Bar. (if ye have welcome to Auckland Magazine use the 2for1 voucher on local beer/wine/coke).

Friday 7th the departure time for the bus was at 08.45 from the hostel. Shortly after we arrived at the Ruakari reserve where we did a half hour bush walk, the walk is worth the effort, as it’s ere ye observe the introduction to the abundance of limestone rock formation and the surrounding scenery and water along the path is beautiful. In Rotorua, stayed at the YHA for 2 nights, which is located near the Kuirau thermal park which is free to enter, its picturesque area but has sulphur smell which gives Rotorua its nickname ‘sulphur city. Due to the fact that 90 per cent of the accommodation is located on Fenton street its nicknamed Roto-vegas. In the afternoon, did the Skyline Gondola and 2 Luge rides with the kiwi discount 29$. Gondola ride gave a scenic view of Rotorua, at the top were the luge ride was located which is a thrill ride. Must say the ski lift was an experience in itself.

Book Geyser link shuttle online – www.headfirsttravel.co.nz – using the YHA discount card get the tour for 60$ instead of the normal 69$. The tour can pick u up at the hostel if arranged so or at the i-site office on Fenton Street. In our case the shuttle picked us up at 8.50 from the YHA hostel Saturday 8^th. On this tour ye visit the largest mud pool in New Zealand after which ye are dropped off for a brief introduction and talk about the Lady Knox Geyser. At 10.15 the controlled eruption occurs, which can erupt to 20 feet into air. The bus then drops ye off for your visit to Wai-O-Tapu thermal wondering where ye spend over an hour and a half. The thermal wonderland is well worth a visit where the walk around the whole park takes between 45-75 mins. Once the bus dropped us off at i-site, as we had time to spare before the Hobbiton bus pick up, we went for a walk into the government gardens nearby which was free and a stroll along the lakefront. The pickup for the hobbiton tour was at 13.30, book the tour online at - www.hobbitontours.co.nz - where an adult ticket is 99 $ for a return bus from rotorua and tour. The tour of the hobbit set was surreal and a magical moment. Well worth a visit.   

Left the hostel Sunday 9^th at 8.10 for the intercity pickup at i-site office, which the kiwi office had arranged for us, the bus for Taupo was at 8.50 but need to be there 15 mins prior. The journey took roughly 50 mins. Once arriving in Taupo, made our way to the Base Hostel, as it was too early to check in, we left our luggage in the store room. We arranged for a shuttle to take us to the Huka Falls which reception arranged for us. The shuttle itself was 5$. The Huka falls views are unbelieveable. We took the 2.8 km Huka falls walkway towards the Thermal Spa. The water here was gorgeous. After which we continued the walk back into Taupo which was roughly 45 mins. The cost of staying at Base Taupo is 29 $ for the night, with a 20 dollars deposit for the card, refundable.