We now have exactly one week on the North Island before returning the camper van in Auckland. That means we have a tight schedule. We use the last hours of sunshine to go as far north as possible. We spend the night directly at the river at Toe Toe Bridge, all alone. We hear the sound of the river and sleep wonderfully.
24.03.2023 ● Taupo
At night it cools down to zero degrees. It gets really cold in the camper van.
Our destination for today is Taupo. On the way there, we pass by the gigantic volcanic mountains again.
So far, we have only seen them with clouds. It looks impressive in the sunlight.
This is the third time we have been in the tourist town and today we want to go to the hot springs.
Before that, we have enough time to go to a big playground. With a climbing tower, slide, and water play, there is a lot to try out.
The weather is nice and we go to the hot springs. We can relax in the warm water. There are so few people here that we sometimes have the whole pool to ourselves. There is even a water playground where warm water sprays out of many pipes, fountains, and slides. It's a fun time for all of us.
25.03.2023 ● Rotorua
During our first visit to Rotorua, we only spent a very short time here. It was cold and it rained a lot. But today, we have the opposite, blue skies and sunshine. So we decided to visit the Thermal Wonderland. It is a large park with many walking trails that lead around the hot and colorful springs. You might think that you get used to the smell of sulfur, but you don't. It stinks like rotten eggs.
The many different springs fascinate with neon colors. The different minerals in the ground are responsible for the discolorations.
Matching the theme of colors, we want to go to Rainbow Mounten. A short track before lunch takes us to a glowing lake.We spend the afternoon in the center of Rotorua. There is a dreamy playground on the waterfront that leaves nothing to be desired. Hours fly by.
26.03.2023 ● Rotorua
We are staying in the smelly city today as well. First, we visit the Pohutu Geisier. It can erupt several times an hour and shoots up a fountain up to 10 meters high.
Then we want to get active and walk through the Redwood Tree Forrest. We are surprised that this forest is no less beautiful than the Redwood forests in the USA.
We walk through the forest and climb a small hill. From here, we have a wide view over the treetops.
Then we continue in the forest and walk along a lake.
We have beautiful nature here.
To end the day, we also want to make some progress. We plan to drive to the west coast and stop in Hamilton on the way.
27.03.2023 ● Raglan
We drive the last kilometers to the coast right after sunrise. Near Raglan are the Bridal-Veil Waterfalls. Considering that we drove past green meadows and farmland for an hour, it is surprising that the Waireinga Scenic Reserve is a beautiful rainforest.
A short walk takes us to the cascading waterfall. From up here, we can see the depth of the falls.
To see the whole waterfall, we go down 261 steps to the pool. This gives us a completely new perspective on the waterfall and we love it.
We are enchanted by the tranquility and seclusion around us, and the power of the cascading water.
Jens takes out his drone and takes pictures from a bird's eye view.This place is so magical that we will never forget it.
We drive to Raglan for lunch and take a break by the sea, with a view of the Pankake Rocks and a playground right outside the door. Jessie practices her climbing skills while Benedikt zooms down the skatepark with his scooter.These varied days, where everyone can realize their own ideas, are the best.
28.03.- 01.04. ● Auckland
Auckland welcomes us back! This marks the end of our three-month journey.
Since we haven't been to the center of Auckland yet, we take the next few days to get to know the city.
☆ Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens in Auckland cover 64 hectares and have 29 different themed gardens. Everything is beautifully maintained and invites you to explore and linger.
We walk through rose gardens, through trees in the African garden, and along the lake. It's colorful everywhere, and birds hop around.
A special highlight for us is the Potter Children's Garden. A garden specially designed for children with a jungle, desert, hiding places, stories, and many playful learning boards. In every corner, you discover something new. For example, a toucan and monkeys in the jungle.
The children would love to stay here.
☆ City Center
By train, we easily and quickly reach the center of Auckland. We get off at the Britomart Train Station and are right in the hustle and bustle of the big city.
We walk along Queenstreet and admire the many tall skyscrapers, old houses, and countless shops.
☆ Sky Tower
The Sky Tower in Auckland immediately catches the eye with its 328 meters. We take the elevator up 60 floors.
Even in the elevator, you have to be free from dizziness because it has a glass bottom.
When we arrive at the top, we overlook the city in the sunshine. And not only that, we witness adrenaline junkies plunging into the depths. We can't see the platform for bungee jumping, it is one floor above us. We can watch the action on monitors and then they fall in front of us. Seeing that, we flinch a little.
In the floor of the observation deck, there are windows. It feels strange to walk over them and look down into emptiness.
☆ Auckland Art Gallery
Like many museums, the Auckland Art Gallery is free. It has a large selection of national, international, and Maori art.
We start with Maori art, which mainly consists of muted colors. The chosen fabrics and materials are natural.
The portraits of Maoris are strong and impressive.
In the next rooms, still lifes adorn the walls. And who must not be missing there!?
Pablo Picasso with his painting 'Verre et Pichet'.
Pablo Picasso
After that, the children become artists themselves and can paint and craft on the theme of light and shadow.
☆ Beachlands
After each leg of the journey, we pack our bags again and clean the camper van inside and out.
Everyone helps out.
Then it's time to drive to Beachland and return the camper van to Jana. Benedikt remembered her son and wanted to play with him again. But he was not at home. So he and Jessie were allowed to jump on the trampoline in the garden until we adults had everything settled and our taxi arrived.
After the work is done, we check into the hotel. This is like a vacation for us with spacious beds, a hot shower, and of course a TV.
We go to bed early because tomorrow we fly back to Sydney.
We had an incredibly beautiful time here in New Zealand, with many activities and highlights.
