New Zealand

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October 9th to the 13th 2006

We crossed the international date line and immediately jumped from Oct 9 to Oct 10. TAlk about a difference in temperature; Tahiti was over 30 C and humid, New Zealand 10C in the morning rising to about 15C. What a country, the first thing that hits you is how green everything is and flowers everywhere. In addition to regular flowers bushes and trees were blooming as if to show New Zealand at its finest. On arrival in Auckland our bus-driver told us that New Zealand was about 25 years behind everyone-else and that street cafes had only arrived in the past couple of years. I took a walk on the evening of Oct “10th” in the evening and I have to say that he may have been correct, the main street of Auckland was virtually deserted. The next day we were off to Rotorua which is several hundred kilometers from Auckland. Rotorua is famous within New Zealand for its hot springs, bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. While here we were introduced to the Maori culture including a show and dinner.

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Photos

New Zealand -Rotorua
They can force a guyser to erupt on schedule by putting soap suds down the guyser hole

New Zealand
The guysers in this area were fairly constantly erupting.

New Zealand
I don't think anyone wants to enjoy this hot bath

New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its sheep. It took him less than a minute to shear this sheep.

New Zealand
From the Maori Show

Comments

[Neil]

New Zealand
I visited New Zealand in 1984 and it was 25 years behind other countries. According to my calculations they have moved forward from '84 but on a relative basis the country has remained behind the times. This is one of the secrets of New Zealand's beauty.