Time to leave Auckland and head South to see what awaits. We packed up Pip (we named our Kiwi car), bade a found farewell to the hot tub and then we were off! Our first stop was the city of Hamilton. There we explored the Hamilton Gardens. Not only was this attraction free, it was very beautiful! A myriad of different types of gardens in spring time can't be beat. My favorites were the Italian Renaissance, the Traditional English and the Indian Retreat. Jeff enjoyed the Italian Renaissance along with the extensive kitchen garden. After getting our eyes filled with outdoor beauty, off to find substinance! We found the Good George Brewery. And what a find! Jeff got an amber ale while I ordered the sparkling ale. Uh....yum! A plate of pork and beef sliders later, ... read more

After a wonderful night's sleep, Jeff and I wake up with one thing on our minds...coffee! We didn't buy any coffee grounds at the store cause the apartment we're staying in doesn't have a proper coffee maker. No problem I say, we'll just do a drive thru...well...after the Google search it was discovered that maybe the Kiwis don't take coffee as seriously, frequently or as copiously as us Pacific Northwest peeps. But not to be deterred, we set out to find our magical morning elixir...1st place, not open even though the website said differently (damn the Internet)...2nd place again not open but wait! Jeff points out the McDonalds a block away. Now I had stated prior to the trip we would NOT be stepping into that particular establishment, or one like it, while we were here. ... read more