The Gardens of Hamilton - once around the world

Actually, I wanted to go to the beach again, but I read that the gardens in Hamilton are supposed to be very beautiful. So I changed my plan and didn't go to the beach, but to Hamilton instead.

The Gardens of Hamilton are themed gardens representing different countries or themes.

There is an Italian, English, Indian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Japanese garden, as well as a Maori garden. But there are also a modern, musical, and surrealistic garden, as well as an herb and kitchen garden. So many different themes. Every garden is different, but all are very, very beautiful. I feel like I'm not just at the end of the world, but I have traveled around the whole world.

It's amazing to think that it's winter in Germany right now and everything is blooming here, especially in this garden. The most wonderful colors are here, especially in the Indian garden where it's really colorful.

I walked through all the gardens in 2.5 hours and then I had to make a decision: Actually, I wanted to stay near Hamilton, drive through Auckland tomorrow, and then go up to Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand) in the next few days. Overall, I notice that I don't feel like driving so much anymore, but today I still feel good, even really fit. So what to do?

• Drive 45 minutes to the parking lot
  
• or 3 hours up to Auckland

Since I felt so good, my decision was clear to drive the further distance today. Who knows how fit and motivated I'll feel tomorrow.

At around 5:30 p.m., after countless small side streets with countless turns, I finally arrived at the beach, north of Auckland. During the drive, I thought about the further course of my journey. The plan was to drive up to Cape Reinga. But I don't feel like driving sooo much anymore. After a short research, I found a guided bus tour to the Cape and it starts from Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is supposed to be beautiful and I actually wanted to stay there for 4 days. After a short replanning, I scraped together all the days I would have needed for the trip up north and booked a camping site in the Bay of Islands for 8 nights and the bus trip to the Cape. It's kind of a vacation from my vacation. It will do me good and I won't miss anything. I'll still see everything and won't have the stress of driving. Perfect for me!

In 2 days, it's already starting - my vacation. Tomorrow I have another long drive ahead of me, but in 2 days it will be quite short and I'll have time to see a few more things.