Travelin around the North Island NZ

  Auckland, New Zealand
Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Our North Island Tour started just after New Years 2007.  We started our road trip from Wellington to Taihape, where we caught up with Shaun's old Uni mate Josh and his wife Stacey.  We chilled with them at their newly owned backpackers in Taihape, and spent the day checking out Josh's parent's bull stud farms.  It was a fantastic day as the weather was sweet and the views were even sweeter.
 
The next day we drove up to Taupo, where backpacker vacancies were slim pickings, so we rented out the last available source, a caravan for $50 a night. 
The weather was warm and people swarmed lake Taupo.  We toured the small town and had a picnic at the beach, trying to keep away from all the tourist traps we were slowly beginning to notice that were everywhere.  It's hard to find things to do when you're on a tight budget.  We did however manage to check out some wicked spots for free the next day, on our way up to 'Rotovegas'.  This area is well known for their geothermal hot spots, mud pools and bubbling thermal pools - sweet!!! 
 
Just outside of Taupo we checked out this geothermal plant, which apparently is considered engineering genius.  Kerosene creek was super cool too!  We hiked in a wee bit to stumble across small bubbling brooks, and a quaint little swimming hole that was ridiculously warm.   Also found a cool walk into a small crater lake at Rainbow mountain, where the water was the most amazing emerald green, fully recommended if your anywhere near the spot.
 
We made it to Rotorua for lunch at the Redwood forests.  After lunch, we walked around the ginormous forest.  It had to do be done, as we wouldn't be true tree-huggers if we didn't check it out.  After our quick stop in Rotorua, we boosted up to Tauronga, where accommodation again was scarce.  We managed to find a room at the local YHA for cheepy cheep.  Walked up a big f**** off hill known as "The Mount" to watch the sun go down for the rest of the evo.
 
Day 4 consisted of us driving north, to the Coramandal.  We stopped off and fed some roosters at this random rest stop.  They were ruthless with a powerful peck, didn't want to get too close.  Had to mission to Paeroa to check out the iconic L&P bottle, as it's Nae's favorite drink here in NZ.  After the 40 minute out-of-the-way mish, we met up with juan of Shaun's work mates Carolyn, who's parent's had a pad up in the Mandal.  We picked her up and headed straight for hot water beach, as it was one of the best things to do on a cool rainy day. Hot water beach is fueled by it's geothermal hotspots right on the beach.  
With a bit of elbow grease, and a lot of help, we managed to dig a huge hole to max and relax in for the rest of the afternoon.
 
After checking out the Coramandal, we said our goodbyes to Carolyn and drove straight to Auckland to crash at Shaun's grandparents place - go the free accommodation!!!
 
The next day we wasted little time that morning, as we needed to make it up to Coopers Beach (top of the North Island) by 4:30 for a sailing race with Shaun's uncle Bruce, on his infamous 30 foot boat named Simply Red. 
The North Island has managed to charm us with its stunning scenery along the way to Coopers Beach.  We checked out a few touristy spots on the way like The Bay of Islands, and Waitangi where the Treaty was first signed.
 
After the race, finishing 6th out of 7 (not the normal result eh Bruce), we cruised back to the yacht club for a few beers and a bit of a feed with our sailing team, Rebecca, Leigh, Jennifer, Edie, Chris & Bruce what a team!  Probably would have gone a bit quicker with less ballasts, but all in good fun!
 
The next few days we stayed at Shaun's uncle Bruce and auntie Kaye's in Coopers Beach.  The weather was absolutely epic!  The weather was unbelievably mint, got hugely sun burnt (Shaun was as red as a well cooked Crayfish for real) and saw some gorgeous sights that the area had to offer.  Went up to Cape Reinga to see the Tasman Sea and The Pacific Ocean meet, and later that day walked up some BIG sand dunes, that made you feel like you were in a random scene of star wars.  Man, they were exhausting to walk up!
 
After spending a few relaxing days in Coopers Beach with the fam, we knew it was time to say goodbye to NZ. We made our way back to Auckland to spend a few more days with the rest of friends and family and were looking forward to checking out Aussie!!!