Auckland to Wellington

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Wellington
February 17th 2013

Published: February 21st 2013

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SteveRTW

Auckland rock sculpture

Arrived Auckland a little jetlagged and confusing to find people speaking English for a change... Spent a couple of days exploring city, visiting refurbished Art Gallery with rock n roll photo exhibition, climbing Mt Eden volcanic cone and staying with friends on the North Shore. Hired a car to head south, first stop Maungatautari ecological reserve enclosed by high Jurassic-park style fence keeping out invader species; took a steep hike through dense green forest loud with birdsong to summit. Next drove to Waitomo caves famous for glowworms - joined Spellbound tour with amusing laconic guide - best section boating down underground river in the dark, cave roof covered with tiny specks of light. Reached Taupo for walk to powerful Huka falls and bask in natural (very) hot springs along river. Continued south to Tongariro national park, with an early start for famous "crossing hike", partly closed due to active volcano which recently destroyed ranger hut.... Climbed Mt Tongariro for some fab views over Mt Ngaurahoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings), red crater and emerald lakes. Travelling on via sleepy Palmerston North reached Wellington, staying with friends and their cute but energetic kittens. Watched conclusive England 20/20 cricket victory over

Cool art - Auckland Gallery

a couple of beers at the lively Westpac stadium and visited Zealandia reserve for more local wildlife including several cool tuatara before smooth ferry crossing over the Cook Strait to Picton...

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