Connections Tour North Island

Upon the bus we had to introduce ourselves to the group and provide some interesting facts. We made our way to the Bay of Islands in the north of New Zealand and settled in Waitangi motel. We got the ferry across to Rusell (historically known as the hole of the pacific) and had fish and chips in the oldest pub in NZ (The Duke pub). After our delicious meal we headed to Paihia for drinks. Next morning breakfast was at 7.30 so we got up, eat and went back to bed! Arising at 11 we went to explore the Waitangi Treaty grounds and learned about the history of the Mauri and English. We then atttempted to walk to Haruru falls though it was getting late, we had another 4km to walk and we were the only people around for miles - so we gave up and headed back! Thankfully we made a good decision as Joe informed us that the falls were shut due to a mud slide! In the evening we enjoyed a bbq and drinking games including 'AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS', 'I Never' and 'Buzz'. Next morning we had to be up at 7 and left soon after breakfast.

Our first stop was Whangarei Falls and walked around the waterfall. Next we stopped to visit the Mckinney Kauri Gum Tree that is 80years old. Stopping back at Auckland we said goodbye to some of our group and met our grout that would be with us for the next 13 days. We played 'speed dating' so that we could introduce ourselve to one another. Heading south we visited Hobbiton Matamata where The Lord of the Rings was filmed for a few pictures. We then made our way to Rotorua. We were spent the evening with a Mauri tribe so we had to learn a sone "Ome Rapitte" which translates into "run rabbit run" ton sing in our welcoming ceremony. We touched noses with the leader as a giving of fresh air or a breath of life. We were given a tour and went to see the Okere waterfall and enhoy a drink at a local pub. Dinner was a roast so after 2 months of wanting one i was very pleased! Nick and Chris (two members of the Mauris tribe) told us stories of their Mauri group and why they have the beliefs they do. We then all spent the night in the sacred Marae which is believed to represent the body of an ancester. Sleeping was not an option due to people snoring and sleep talking! However pancakes for breakfast partially made up for it. After breakfast we made our way Rotorua town centre, arriving at the Whaka Thermal Village. We were taken aound the Mauri village, shown the hot geisers and entertained with the Haka dance. In the afternoon we went white water rafting down a 7m waterfall. It was grade 5 rating so it was a thrill and great fun! In the evening we went for a meal in the slowest serviced pub and Neil came first and second in a bowling competition.

The next day we journed to Wellington. We visted Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Some members of our group bungee jumped here plunging towards the clear waters of the Waikato River. On the road again, we traveled past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe - the classical conical volcano - most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from “Lord of the Rings”. We stopped for lunch at Gumboot cafe and soon arrived at Nomads Wellington. It was Suzies birthday and everyone was supposed to go out to celebrate however Neil and I crashed out at 8pm and awoke the next morning!! After our long and refreshing sleep we were taken on a tour of Wellington, viewing Mt Victoria Summit, Embassy buildings, Parliament buildings and Wellington Museum (that is built on 150 rubber mats to withstand earthquakes). Later we boarded the ferry to take us through the Cook straight and down to the South Island. The ferry is notorious for being a bumpy journey due to the wind tunnel but ut was very calm for us and we got to watch National Treasure 2.

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