Conclusions New Zealand

What we loved about New Zealand:

EVERYTHING! WE LOVED NEW ZEALAND :-D

Ok, now seriously:

1. Breathtaking nature

2. Amazing wildlife and unspoiled environment!

3. The sky is simply AMAZING, during the night it is full of stars (really full, not like in Europe) and during the day the clouds are simply magic!

4. Concentration of things you can see just driving a car through the country: mountains, lakes, glaciers, penguins and sea lions, glow warm caves and geysers – all mixed with bungy jumping, kayaking, trekking and hiking.

5. Tourist information that you can get everywhere – in the bus stops, any shops, gas stations, even supermarkets –all kind of maps (good ones) and trips and tips!

6. People are nice and friendly!!! Easy going and curious about other cultures

7. Prices are cheap! (well not like in Asia, but half price then Australia, similar to Spain , may be cheaper for some stuff – beer in the supermarket 50 euro cents!!! Almost same price as 1 liter of petrol actually:-D

8. NZ should be a perfect place to have your own house, raise kids and keep relaxed family life, enjoying the nature.

The imperfections of NZ:

1. Local food and culture is very similar to English (Maori culture is exception, but in present the rituals are mostly performed only for touristic purpose. In real life Maori people live same lives as kiwis, totally integrated in the society and Maori language is almost not used)

2. For Europeans living in NZ could seem a bit boring may be…Traveling is marvelous, but living? not sure… The biggest city is Auckland (1 mil population), capital Wellington has 400,000 population – seems alive, but not crazy and hectic like European capitals at all. May be it is a good thing?

3. Ocean water is a bit chilly for our taste :-D

Hunua Falls and last day in Auckland

Day 47

Auckland

Today we have decided to go to Hunua Falls. We took some food and drinks for the picnic and went together with Mel to see the waterfall.



At the waterfall we made new friends - about 21 ducks who were cheeky enogh to ask for food and even jump for food :-D




And more pictures with the waterfall :-D





This was our last day in New Zealand. Tomorrow we have a flight, at 6 am :-(((

Waiheke island

Day 46

Auckland

Today we go to Waiheke island, the best place to relax and enjoy local wine.


We took the ferry and arrived to the island. To move around the best way is to rent a car for a day, what we did. Kirin was driving.


We went around a bit and then decided to have something to eat - easy choice on the expensive island if you are hungry- Fish n’ Chips!


We visited a winery, tasted some wine...which was bad, but the price of tasting was so low that we didn't care actually (only 3 euros to taste 5 different wines, all bad by the way :-D





:DD


In the next winery we had a coffee, since the wine tasting was expensive (8 NZ dollars a glass and we were not convinced at all that the wine will be good one :-D


Then we drove up the hill to see the scenic view of the island.


And view of Auckland.


While waiting for the ferry, we almost got attacked by cheeky seaguls, asking for food.


Finally we have arrived to Mel's place and Juli cooked spanish omelet and prepared sangria - of course! :-D



And I was playing with a neighbors cat, Oli :D


Together with Mel we decided she will call sick tomorrow and spend the day with us, since we are leaving soon :-D

Back to Auckland and Xmas in the park.

Day 45

Whatuwhiwhi – Auckland

On the way back to Auckland we stoped at Waiopua forest, to see the oldest Kauri tri, Tane Mahuta, which had the age of Jesus Christ...yeah, that old.



Finally we arrived to Auckland, met wtih Mel and other Couchsurfers and headed to the even organized by Auckland City Hall - Christmas in the park (difficult to believe since the temperature outside was around 30 degrees...hmmm nice Xmas :-D




The park was full of people, families with children watching the concert and enjoying the sunset.


Tomorrow we planned to go to Waiheke island to spend the day and then we were moving to Mel's house to spend last couple of days with her, before we were leaving to Singapore.

Northland and Cape Reinga

Day 44

Cape Reinga

In the morning Kirin called his friend and finally we got the water working in the house :-D

We headed directly to Cape Reinga, hoping to get there before the crowds of tourist.




The most nothern point of New Zealand - we crossed the whole country!!




After Cape Reinga we went south and discovered sand dunes.


1000 photos taken with sand dunes and it's time to move on :-D




But not before jumping :D



Together with Kirin :-D


Spirits Bay, sunny and warm day but freezing water.



And only 6 people on the whole beach during 3 hours we spent there.


On the way to Whatuwhiwhi, we stoped at ’90 mile beach’, which is really 90 miles beach, yeah, that long.


And finally sunset in Whatuwhiwhi.

Bay of islands

Day 43

Rotorua – Auckland – Whatuwhiwhi

We arrived to Auckland around 11:30, left rented car and met Kirin, who came to pick us up in his car.

Our destination was little town called Whatuwhiwhi (pronounced as Watafifi), where a friend of his left him a house for couple of days, where we planned to stay and discover northern NZ.

We stopped at Kawakawa to take a picture of famouse Hundertwasser toilets and well, properly use them :-D



Then we headed to Russell, Bay of islands, where we spent couple of hours enjoying the tranquility and peaceful atmosphere of the bay.




We stopped at supermarket and bought some food for the dinner and following days, that we planned to spend in Whatuwhiwhi :P

We arrived to the house and discovered that something is wrong with the water pomp and we don't have any water in the house...not for food not for toilet arrrgggggg Well, next day Kirin was going to call his friend and see how can we solve the problem :-D