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North Island - Puhoi is one of two historical communities in NZ, settled in 1863 by Bohemian immigrants from a village in the now Czech Republic. They are known for their cheeses. We did have a lusciously lemon tart and tea there also.
Puhoi
North Island. Matakana is known for its Morris & James Pottery that is cheerful and bright. While there we stayed at the Sugarloaf Lodge; beautiful views and rooms. Dinner at the Matakana Market Kitchen was wonderful. I had my first taste of h...
Matakana
Paihia is on the west coast. It was rather cool and rainy on our arrival. Nice shops and nice accommodations at Opua House with a spectacular view and first and only sighting of kiwi birds.
Paihia
North Island - Cape Reinga is the northernest point of the north island. We had a fantastic Maori guide, Willy. It was a 12-1/2 hr tour to Puketi Kauri Forest, Sand Dunes [sliding down the sand dunes on a boogie board; keep your mouth closed], 90-m...
Cape Reinga
North Island. This tour was with the explore group. The Bay Islands consist of 144 islands; Hole in the Rock and Russell Island. We had a wonderful stop at Otehi Bay for lunch. I guess this island used to be overrun by rats; luckily they were gone...
Bay Islands
North Island. To get from Paihia to Opononi, you have to take the Hokianga Ferry. At first look it is very disconcerting since the water was brown and choppy. Surprisingly, it was not bad. Opononi is known for the dolphin that appeared in the summ...
Opononi
North Island. Tane Mahuta is where the oldest kauri tree [around 2000 years] is located. Also stopped at Dargaville for the best kumara mussel chowder and the kauri museum.
Tane Mahuta
North Island. Waitomo is about 2 hours from New Plymouth. There are different caves to go through and this one had us take a short boat ride to see all the little bright lights from the ceiling. My first time to see glowworms.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waiheke Island is about a 40-minute board ride from Auckland. Waiheke has about 9000 full-time residents but during the holidays, it can get up to 45,000. They have wineries, olive orchards, and beautiful beaches. It is the second-largest island i...
Waiheke Island
Queenstown is on the south island. It is located on Lake Wakatipu. Beautiful city with shops, restaurants, parks and all so centrally located.
Queenstown
Our Milford Sound tour started in Queenstown with a flight to Milford Sound; seeing the southern alps with hidden lakes, rivers, coastlines, waterfalls. Then it was to the cruise terminal for a short cruise...boy, was it cold. It had snowed the wee...
Milford Sound