Destination: New Zealand

DAY 16. Unexpected Acquaintance

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [305]

First thing I did today was head for the Hamilton Gardens since I heard good things about them. And those good things turned out to be true because this place was incredible. It had such a variety of gardens with art from different eras woven in, that ... Read more >

DAY 15. Kebab ?

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [206]

I left the holiday park and headed for the mall in the city center. The street leading into the mall had a few signs and they told you how many parking spaces were left on a digital counter. This mall complex was massive and I noticed each parking space ... Read more >

DAY 14. It's All Downhill From Here

Wed, 9 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [217]

I woke up around 8 and made my breakfast in the hut's kitchen. Most everyone had left by then and I wasn't sure if I wanted to hike 50 minutes to the Pinnacles since the clouds and fog were really low and there wouldn't be that great of a view up there.... Read more >

DAY 13. Note to Self: Start Hikes Earlier in the Day

Tue, 8 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [370]

I left Miranda and headed for Thames. The first thing I did was purchase a tarp to shield my poor tent from the relentless rain. I went to the visitors center then I made some phone calls back to the US that had been on my to-do list. I stopped into ... Read more >

DAY 12. First Thermal Pool

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [359]

Last night's rain was heavy. It was so loud beating at the tent I'm not sure how I slept through most of the night. In the morning, I got up as soon as there was a break in the rain so I could dry off the tent the best I could and roll it up. I made ... Read more >

DAY 11. The Great Ones

Sun, 6 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [414]

I didn't leave the campground as early as I wanted today. It took me some time to get going, to have breakfast, and chit chat with some people. Plus I just enjoyed this camp so much I wanted to stay another night, but as usual, I had to get on the move.... Read more >

DAY 10. Harley's and 'Mericans

Sat, 5 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [487]

This morning I packed a bag and headed for Cape Reinga. The trail sign said 5km and 3 hours one way from Tapotupotu Bay to the cape. The first part was a steep climb up the cliffs from the beach. Then it leveled out a little bit more as it went along ... Read more >

DAY 9. Getting Used to this Whole Driving Thing

Fri, 4 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [503]

*Warning: Long Post I awoke unwillingly. Not because I was so comfy and nestled in my bed but because I was cold. I came to NZ hoping for warm temps, let me tell you that late at night and early in the morning, it is chilly. And all I have to snuggle ... Read more >

DAY 8. NZ Cows Have the Best Life / Waterfall Hunt

Thu, 3 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [251]

I slept horribly last night on my tiny, makeshift bed in the back of the car. I slowly got up, showered, and made breakfast in the community kitchen. I talked to the campground owner and he told me the good places to go in the area. I left and drove ... Read more >

Photos: Northland Road Trip in the New Whip

Wed, 2 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Photo Gallery

DAY 7. It's Not All Glitz and Glamour

Wed, 2 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [606]

I woke up throughout the night from the rain beating at the tent. I knew it was going to be a wet and soggy morning. And it was. I got up at 5:20, quickly packed my sleeping bag, pad, stuffed my backpack and changed. It was still quite dark out and still ... Read more >

DAY 6. The Forgotten iPad and Really Nice Aussies

Tue, 1 Nov 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [598]

I always wear a lot of clothes to bed while camping only to wake up sweating in the morning from the sun beating on the tent, like a sauna. I extended my check-out until 11:30 and slowly got my day started. I ate a small breakfast and packed up my camp.... Read more >

DAY 5. The Rock

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [627]

I woke up to sunshine, had some toast and talked with Alison and David. We discussed me possibly going to get a rental car, as it will be much more flexible and enjoyable than doing what I'm doing now. I started off for a walk to the mine pit and shaft.... Read more >

DAY 4. My First NZ Rain

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Views [730]

I got up around 9 and saw Alison and David before they went off to church. I had some breakfast then took a shower. Their shower is interesting, there is no separate tub or stand up shower; it's just a room with a sink, a shower head and a drain. (The ... Read more >

Photos: Waihi

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 | By joyaroundtheworld | Photo Gallery