New Zealand - The North Island

Landing in Auckland was peaceful and warm. A well organized and efficient airport glazed me through customs in a matter of minutes. Shuttle service awaited just outside the door with a friendly driver who led me to my hostel in the suburb of Parnell, just 2 Kilometers outside the city center. Parnell boasts charm and character and survived the re-development of many Auckland suburbs. I stayed three nights at the Lantana Lodge, a backpacker friendly hostel in Parnell. There I met Gys (Gus) a Dutch 'man' ( Haha Gus:) who's family moved to Ontario, Canada a years back. Gys and I shared a room along side a quirky Korean employed by Qantas Air fixing airplane engines. Gys and I quickly became mates and shared a couple great days riding the ferry to Devonport and hiking the hills of Auckland. I also was fortunate to connect with Heba, a friend of a friend who graciously showed me around Auckland and joined me for Coptic Christmas at the church in Auckland. (January 7th is Coptic Christmas and the midnight mass happens on the 6th). I liked Auckland and will return for two nights before leaving New Zealand bound for Oz.

The next morning I had arranged a shuttle from a rental car company to pick up the car I had hired. Gys and I would part ways as he'd rented a camper van. OH but WAIT... Gys can't get his van for four more days. This information surfaced just as I was leaving. I asked Gys if he'd like to join me as I drove to Hamilton and spent a few days at Kiwi Steves, a friend of Nick Hartrich's. Within seconds it was a go.. We met Steve towards the evening hours. Steve has a great house and friendly flatmates. The next morning Steve, Gys and and Ludo (Steve's puppy black lab) piled into "CC" my rental bound for sights and nature. Steve is a great guide. We first stopped in Tirau to view the corrugated steel wonders of the town. We then continued onto Rotorua and walked around the geothermal pools. Next we swam in the hot/cold pool and shared a couple hours with each other and the tour bus that unloaded. After our soak, we drove to the Buried Village to view the historic site of the 1886 Eruption of the Tarawwra volcano. To top of the day, we hiked to the top of Mt. Maunganui for some beautiful views of the area.

We awoke and began our day with a spectacular visit to the Karangahake Gorge where we walked through tunnels hugging cliffs, through caves and finally jumping in the river. We then rode to Waihi, Steve's home town & New Zealands heart of Gold, passing the Coromandel Peninsula a mountainous interior range. While in Waihi, we saw the famous mining spot, had lunch and then hit the beach for some body surfing and yoga moves. Nice job Steve and Gys learning the headstand! Next it was off to Steve's Nana's followed by his Mum's house. Such gracious hosts, we ate snacks and watched the dogs bark at each other. A beautiful sun-set drive and Hangi (pronounced Hungi; consisting of meat and vegetables steamed in an earth oven) dinner concluded the day.

I departed solo the following morning beginning my journey to Wellington. Eight hours of little towns, amazing landscapes, a nice swim in Lake Taupo passing thousands upon thousands of sheep. Everywhere sheep. Beyond belief. Finally, I arrived to Wellington and was greeted by Moni another family friend. We had dinner and beers before heading off to sleep. My sights were set on the South Island. A HUGE thanks to Kiwi Steve, Gys, Heba and Moni for a memorable North Island experience. I'm keen to repay the favour, so please visit soon!