New Zealand | North Island | The End of the World

~ Kia Ora & Welcome to the Land of the Kiwis ~

Lush greenery. Sheep, like white clouds. Magnificent mountains and volcanoes. Peace and serenity. Biodiversity. Dreamy and impressive. Unbelievable. Breathtaking. Rocky, icy and fresh.

It saddens us to know that we will not be able to find the right words to describe the beauty of this country, nor to convey our experiences in a tangible way. But our pictures and footage will not need any big words to understand... Pretty much everything will pass one day, including our time in New Zealand. And even though we have to leave the hills, fields and forests in their uniqueness, we know that we will keep the time and the feeling with us for a very long time.

But let's jump back to the beginning together. Let's start with the North Island of New Zealand.

06.11.2017: Arriving at the airport/Auckland, we were immediately thoroughly searched. The hiking boots for soil, the shells for animals, the wood, all things in the backpack that look like food (e.g. a ball that looks like an orange), etc. Because: nothing can be imported into New Zealand - not to disturb the wonderful nature in its delicate balance even more - and we think that's a good thing.

The first impression at the airport was great. Our, at that time rather cool, mood (because of the bad departure in Melbourne) was immediately warmed by the palpable Maori friendliness. Wood carvings, jade figures, harmonious calm colors, friendly-looking locals satisfied and serene. We picked up our backpacks from the conveyor belt and took the bus to Auckland - a small city, actually not much more than worth a little visit. We explored the harbor, downtown, and the many Maori landmarks over the next two days, discussed the optimal route through the country, and finally set off to pick up the camper.

We received a really detailed great introduction to our brand new camper, which was equipped with an automatic, microwave, refrigerator, 2 batteries, solar system, sink, and portable toilet. Thanks to the plastic outhouse and the dirty water tank, our car was 'self-contained', which means that we could park and stay overnight almost anywhere. An enormous enrichment, as we could stargaze, have dinner, and breakfast in the most beautiful places. Dishes and bedding were provided again - and this time too (as in Australia), Herbert sewed the two sleeping bags together on the long sides and put them in our brought 240x220mm duvet cover. Hardly ever have campers slept so luxurious :).

After we had stocked up on food, spices, and water for the next few weeks at Pack'n Save, we headed to our first destination - Coromandel. On the way the first sensation: a massive stranded stingray. Thanks to our 'self-contained vehicle', we spent our first night on a secluded island range, surrounded by two beaches. Stargazing late into the night. By this time, our hearts were already beating in the rhythm of the Kiwis. Info: Kiwi is not only the representative animal of the country, but also refers to a native New Zealander. Not to be confused with the Maoris.

After breakfast at sunrise, we made our way to Hot Water Beach. It was a few hours drive on gravel and sand, through forests and mountains, past an incredibly well-cared-for pig farm (where we stopped for an hour and enjoyed the tame animals) before reaching the coast. For 5$, we rented a spade (yes, you read that right :) a shovel to rent) and late in the evening dug a hole on the perfectly named Hot Water Beach. The water there is up to 95° hot and comes from a hot rock layer located about 2km below the Earth's surface (of volcanic origin), which heats the overlying water reservoirs and lets them escape through springs. Which can only be used at low tide. A cozy and funny affair, while the orcas in the sea in front of us were circling.

In the following days - as we meandered through the lush green country and failed to see enough of the many cute sheep, calves, bunnies, and the overwhelming nature - we visited the Cathedral Coves (rock formations and caves on the coast), made a strenuous but wonderful multi-hour ascent to Mount Maunganui, and then enjoyed ourselves in sulfur hot pools.

Definitely a highlight was the visit to Hobbiton. We arrived the day before to know the exact location and to breathe in some Hobbit air. Herbert went to the on-site security and asked if it would be possible to camp in the parking lot next to Hobbiton, since it was already late in the evening. Overjoyed, we finally parked on the empty parking lot and had a truly Middle Earth-worthy dinner with appropriate musical accompaniment by candlelight. Brilliant. The next day: breakfast for 'little' hobbits and then off to the Shire. Pure fascination, with its green hills, small Hobbit houses, the Green Dragon Inn, and the fitting music in your ears... Enjoy the pictures :).

Next stop: Rotorua. In the city, the smell of sulfur at its best. Stefanie doesn't like the natural fart smell. Overnight near the thermal pools. Smell present. Next day: visit the impressive sulfur springs, wells, and pools. In the evening, another highlight: Maori Village. We took a bus to the remote authentic village, which was located in the middle of an old forest. During the ride, a 'chief' had to be designated in accordance with tradition, and the choice finally fell on Herbert. He took it calmly and was then always allowed to lead the way with his entire bus clan. Brilliant outing.

We drove to Waiotapo and visited the Thermal Wonderland. Curious green, bright yellow, purple-red, and colorful pools, springs, caves, and plains. Nearby accommodation with the opportunity to enjoy the accessible pools. Very relaxing! Slowly we continued across the vast country with dozens of stops to Waitomo for the Glowworm Caves where we found Stefanie's highlight. Armed with a wetsuit + shoes and inflatable tubes, we joined 4 other people and the entertaining guide to the remote ancient caves that stretch many kilometers under the surface of the earth through the country. We were always between 40 to 100 meters underground. Darkness. Ice-cold water. Waterfalls and slides into nothingness - required quite a bit of overcoming. The guide tied our feet and the tube of the person in front of us together and slowly pulled us through the pitch-black darkness. And above us... thousands of glowworms that illuminated the caves 0.5-15 meters high. Info: Glowworms do not light up at their head or tail. Only their poop glows. To our surprise, the guide unexpectedly thumped his tube on the water in the silent cave - a loud thud reverberated through the cave and the glowworms suddenly glowed even brighter. 'They just shit themselves,' the guide let us know with a laugh. A truly enchanting but also somewhat frightening experience. The water was really f***ing cold. Herbert found it almost too cold. Stefanie wanted to do the tour again right away :).

In Taupo, we enjoyed a night right by the lake, Herbert was happy to eat his fish right at the dock. Some golf balls were shot into the lake in an attempt to win $10,000 with a hole in one (greetings to Vera&Tom at this point ;)).

Next adventure: Tongariro National Park. Overnight stay in a horse paddock/pasture in Turangi with an amazing view of the volcano (Mount Doom for all LOTR fans). We got up at around 4:50, had a powerful breakfast, and set off for the climb. However, when we arrived at the starting point (with a shuttle), the ascent had to be canceled for everyone that day, as the wind was blowing at up to 120km/h across the mountains. Impulsively, we decided to take a less windy walk - to the Tama Lakes, where we arrived after a few hours. However, the wind also seemed to have made it there and after an attempt to reach the higher lake, we unfortunately had to crawl back to the path on the ground. But still, a beautiful walk with high waterfalls.

Since the wind was still too strong the next day, we used the day to go to Mordor :). Who recognizes Mordor or the waterfall? Herbert also took advantage of the seclusion and took a bath in the glacier river at icy temperatures, which only lasted a few moments. A quick cup of tea afterwards.

Second attempt: Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 4:50 alarm clock. Breakfast. 6:15 shuttle to the starting point. Good conditions, pleasant 30-60km/h ;). -5° and misty fog everywhere. So, nothing stood in the way of the tour anymore. We walked for about 8.5 hours, covering the impressive plain over a distance of 19.4km up to 1886 meters, passing between two volcanoes (Mount Doom + Mount Tongariro), to the southern crater and another steep uphill path - indescribable, to the Red Crater - the highest point. Down again to the cold Emerald Lakes with the surrounding sulfur holes, a little further to the Blue Lake, and finally down the back of Mount Tongariro into the valley. Take a look at the pictures - something like this is hard to put into words. Despite her painful knee, Stefanie didn't show any signs. Happily and proudly, we reached the end at around 3:30 pm and then, after a well-deserved shower, drove to the nearest camping spot. Our feet could rest.

After that, we first went on to Rivendell, then to the Pinnacles - these are tall sandstone formations in the middle of the forest/coastal landscape ('the Path of the Dead') and in a loop continued on to Wellington. Since the ferry did not leave for Picton until 3:00 am, we tried to get some sleep from 11:15 pm to 1:50 am (2h...) before lining up for boarding to finally board the really huuuuge ship. We took the elevator to the eighth floor (out of about 12) in the front part of the ship, where Stefanie caught up on some sleep and Herbert enthusiastically marched up and down the railing.

That's it for the northern part of New Zealand. Wonderful and heartwarming.

Enjoy the pictures: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BBbcZwi8iNeg6kHQb6fXgh5fmPXXxjWh?usp=sharing