dewarsontour

Day 10 & 11 - Tauranga Travelled from Auckland to the little coastal town of Tauranga, stopping briefly at Matamata (a town where the Hobbiton sections of the LOTR films were made which we found pretty exciting even though we were only there for a couple of hours! We finally had some sunshine, so broke out the shorts and sandals, but did not predict the cool sea breeze... We took the local bus to Mount Mauragui - a sharply rising extinct volcano that juts out into the sea. Decided on the path round the base rather than the steep climb up to the top, and were rewarded by seeing seals on the rocks which was pretty cool! Apparantly there were whales around as well but unfortunately we didn't spot any. Day12 Travelled inland to Rotorua, and ... read more

Day 5 Decided to stay all day at Bayview Wairakei Hotel. First strolled around the grounds, and discovered the large pool fed from a natural hot spring. Enjoyed swimming at 35 degrees, like a huge bath... Later there was a rugby debate with guest speakers Sam Warburton and Shaun Edwards, who entertainingly answered our (not too) searching questions and were willing victims for photos and signing anything to hand. With our winning tips success should surely follow... Day 6 Another coach transfer with our driver Len, always full of stories, this time off to Auckland. Checked into the hotel on the Quay, and then off into town. My "research" yielded another bar that brews beer-and some lunch, and then we went up the Sky Tower. Helen is not to keen on heights but was lured ... read more

Day 1 Wellington We wandered into town via the waterfront and took the City Highlights tour. We were the only ones on tour,with our 'famous' tour guide Todd who is a close personal friend of Peter Jackson (well he got squashed by a dinosaur in King Kong and rode an Oliphaunt in the LOTR films) After the City and sea museum,we went to the "lookout" on Mount Victoria,with breathtaking views of the city. Then on to the WETA Cave, around the coast road ( spotting Peter Jacksons house), the cable car and the Government buildings . Then onto the match...very exciting with great atmosphere..but we was robbed...(English referee)... (R) Day 2: We did a Gourmet Walking tour, again it was just us which definitely made it more personal. We were given the opportunity to meet the ... read more