Auckland, New Zealand

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Well, it did it again. 250 words down the drain. Have to start all over again.

Our flight to Auckland was about 2 1/2 hours. We were met by our new tour director, Marty, and taken to our hotel. We had another meet and greet to meet the new people on our bus. There were 34 of us in Australia, but only 20 went on to New Zealand. So we picked up another tour, plus about 8 people who were just doing New Zealand only. So now we have 47 people on a bus designed for 48. Takes longer to load and unload.

The first morning, we did a bus tour of Auckland and then we went on a 90 minute cruise around Waitemata Harbor. We had free time in the afternoon, so we did our one big load of laundry so we could make it home.

It was raining in New Zealand when we landed and so far it hasn't stopped. Everything we have done so far here has been in the rain. Good thing we brought our umbrellas and raincoats.

We got on the bus the next morning and headed toward Rotorua. We stopped at a cattle ranch owned by a wealthy horse racing jockey and his wife. Man what a setup. Absolutely beautiful surroundings and a really great lunch in a huge red barn that they use for wedding venues. We checked into our hotel in Rotorua and later went to the Hangi Highlight dinner at the Tamaki Family Marae. This is part of the Maori culture, the Hawaiians, Polynesians etc. The first people in New Zealand came from the Pacific Island family in 702 A.D.

Tonight, we hope to get a good nights rest before touring some more and flying to Christchurch. My respiratory illness is starting to get better and I actually got some quality sleep last night.

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Photos

Deer
They have an abundance of deer, so they raise them for meat.

A Kiwi with her egg. Not real, stuffed.
We did see real Kiwi though. When they lay their egg, it is about 2/3 of their body.

Comments

[Mike McIntyre]

Health
Glad to see your feeling better.