nz finale

I continued my journey on the north island while Tina stayed in Wellington for a few extra days. I headed up the east coast, which was,again, beautiful. We stopped at a wildlife reserve and then at the Tui beer brewery, where you can have three pints of beers for 2 dollars. We ended up in Napier, which is a very neat little city. An earthquake basically destroyed the city in the 1930s and it was then all re-built with an art deco design. I explored the city and the beach for the day and just relaxed in the evening.

The next morning we headed into the centre of the northern island, through Taupo. Taupo is a very picturesque town that is known for its amazing skydives. Taupo lake is the largest lake in New Zealand and is a much darker blue than the lakes on the south island. We stopped at a geothermal place and did a little tour. The colors of the water and bubbling mud pools were amazing.

We continued in to Rotorua, where I stayed for the night. Rotorua is the most visited place in New Zealand and there are bubbling mud pools throughout the town.

The town smells of rotten eggs, which is caused by all the sulphur. I was nauseous the full time I was there from the strong smell! I explored the two beautiful parks and gardens they have in the town and walked around the city centre. The town has a very high percentage of Maoris living there.

The next afternoon I caught the bus and headed to Mount Manganui, which is situated right on the ocean and is known for its beautiful beach. We arrived late afternoon but I was able to get some beach time in because the weather was so beautiful. The town was stunning. It is quite a small spot and all the buildings are very modern looking. The beach is expansive with soft sand. At the edge of the town is the mount which gives you a spectacular 360 degree view when you get to the top. Because of how nice Mount Manganui was, I decided to stay an extra day and night. I hung out on the beach and then climbed the mount.

The next day I was back on the bus. Destination: Auckland to meet up with Tina and head to the airport to catch our flight to Australia...so long New Zealand :)

the first photo is me in napier.

2nd is of steamy earth/water in rotorua

3rd is beach is mt manganui

Erin