Auckland to Rotorua

We now have 4 nights of camping under our belt. We had a few lessons to learn but we got everything streamlined now. So far the ground at the campsites has been very uneven, resulting in me getting kicked by my wife because I am always rolling on to her side of the bed. We now have rocks and sticks to drive up on for levelling.

Our journey so far has taken us from Auckland to Cormandel to Whangamata to Rotorua. The country is very green and lush as the locals say the spring and summer has been extremely wet and cool. We have been on several nice walks (hikes to come later) up streambeds, around small lakes and through a giant redwood forest. Strangely, thousands of giant redwoods were transplanted to the Rotorua region in 1901 from California as part of an experiment. These towering trees make for some great walking paths. Also near Rotorua we visited a Maori Village (Aboriginal) located directly on top of a thermal hot spot. There was boiling water seeping up through the roads and sidewalks all around the homes. They use the water to cook with and heat their homes.

Another place which seemed a bit out of place for us was Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. At first glance they looked like places you would see in Hawaii or Mexico, very tropical.  

 

We are really enjoying cooking and eating outdoors compared to packed hostel kitchens. To start off the trip we have enjoyed chickpea curry, local fish from the market, beef and cabbage stew, and lots of pancakes and fruit. For those of you wondering, yes we ARE eating lots of kiwis while in New Zealand (The Fruit that is -Not the people….)          COLIN