Blogs from North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 1228

There exists a big rivalry between Australia - New Zealand, Auckland and Wellington. In my opinion Australia wins by a country mile and Wellington kicks Aucklands big arse in all respects. What is the nicest thing that i can think of when describing Auckland? Its a dull characterless city, under the impression that it rivals Sydney, No Chance!!. For me its just a 'pass through' destination nothing more. The sweet is'nt as sweet without the sour so as there is so much beauty and stunning scenery in this part of the world i suppose it needs contrasting with dullness in order for people to appreciate the gorgeous places that grace these islands, so in that respect i suppose Auckland has its uses (as well as to provide a home to all the bad-arse boyracers in Nz). ... read more

Day two of the Kiwi Experience bus  Whitianga ------ Rotorua The day started early so we could be at hot water beach at low tide, yes this is a beach with hot water.  The water rolling in from the sea is quite cool but our tour guide explained that if we get the right spot, it is possible to dig and make your own hot pool.  This is due to the geo-thermal activity taking place just under our feet. So my team hired some spades and started digging - there were already a few people bathing in the hot water, and we were pretty eager to make the most of the low tide - we got stuck in near to the other hot pools.  We were digging and digging in various spots but there was nothing ... read more

I really enjoyed sea-kayaking when I tried it in Canada last year - so I was looking forward to having another go here in N.Z.  Although last time I was in a tandem kayak with the instructor doing most of the work.  This time in Paihia the guide said I should try a single kayak - the main difference would be I would be in control of steering aswell as the paddling. I got paddling and the steering was quite tricky(possibly it as adjusted properly for my short legs)  - I just seemed to be going zig-zag the whole time making alot more work for myself.  It wa hard work and the sea despite being in a sheltered bay was quite choppy.  We headed out towards an island, the guide said I was doing well so he decided ... read more

Hiya folks, I arrived in Auckland around lunchtime and not feeling too tired despite only having an hours sleep between Dubai and Auckland. The journey was in three parts Dubai --- Singapore --- Brisbane --- Auckland. The first two flights were about 7hrs or so. Quite a cool part of the flight was getting to stay on the plane in Singapore while the plane was refueled and passangers got on and off. The cleaners came onboard and gave the plane a not so thorough going over. Quite a serious point was put across the flight intercom as we arrived in Singapore, we were reminded that drug smugglers could be punished using the death penalty, that gave me quite a shiver even although I would never dream of doing that, but you do hear stories of 'innocent' ... read more

New Zealand, home of the Maori and some other 4 million people. nice lakes, vulcanos, mountains, hikes or tramps as the kiwi's call them! getting around with my sister to get to know the country well! start in auckland and getting up north to bay of islands, tried to swim with dolfins, ended up with some boomnetting !?! its just such a beautifull country! we went up some vulcanic beaches to dig our own hotpool! its almost winter! Then coromandel and south to do one of the most spectacular hikes like the tongariro crossing and lake taupo, mount taranaki off course! and finally wellington! the capital! nice way to see new zealand's history at "Te papa"! nice nice nice........ read more