Arriving in Wellington, it was a beautiful evening and a great opportunity to walk around and explore. It isn't a massive city but I really loved the harbour front, car-free for you to walk, run or just sit and watch the passers by. Exploring further into the city there were some fantastic places to relax, eat and drink, it was like a bigger version of Manchester's Northern Quarter and so I couldn't resist it. The combination of the beautiful harbour, positive vibe and rugged charm makes Wellington a city where life is waiting to be enjoyed :)
Leaving Wellington we set off on our drive up to Auckland, making a few stops on the way. Rotorua was a half way point for us, where I adjusted to the Sulphur fumes to enjoy a few nights there. With a lakeside setting, it is a beautiful spot oozing with history and the weird and wonderful hot mud pools!
On the Western side of North Island, a stop off at Waitomo Caves was an unforgettable experience! Even though the North Island does not have the awe-inspiring scenery of the South Island I found this area to be a wonderful Shire-like setting! Rolling green hills and glowing trees all cover up a fabulous network of caves! Black water rafting is a way of getting beneath the green surface and thats what we did! Unforgettable!!
Now to Auckland! On the first night we stayed just outside in Ponsonby and without knowing it stumbled upon a lively suburb that had an amazing view of the city.
Being our last stop money was running low so our stay in
Auckland was centred on 'free'! I got lucky and found a 'free' day tour of the city and somehow ended up catch-free and even included a harbour bridge walk! That great day combined with New Zealand brewed beer, beautiful weather, friendly people and Korean Pancakes ($2.50) the stay was a very happy one - a fun-filled end to our stay in New Zealand :)
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