One week in North NZ island

[kermatu]

Not a bad looking buffet for $49.

 

[Milboo]

Did you make it to Wai-O-Tapu?

There is also a really good glass blowing workshop, gardens and studio just north of Taupo (near the Huka Falls area).

Its almost mandatory to visit De Brett's in Taupo or the Polynesian Baths in Rotorua for a hot swim!

Enjoyed seeing the photos - I am from Hawkes Bay but Rotorua born and lived in Taupo and later it was also the spot of holidays or Sunday drives growing up so always like to see how it is now.

 

[Haplo]

No didn't get to Wai-o-Tapu. I was relying on my own internet research and also hotel concierge for guidance as to where to go.

Next time if I am stopping over in Auckland I might stay for a few days to see things I missed.

 

[Haplo]

Day 6 (24/07/2017)

Rotorua -> Hamilton -> AKL -> VA 147 -> SYD

I am writing this in Empror Lounge while waiting for my flight

We started the day leaving early at 8am to make most of the day. It proved to be a wise choice as we got to the airport about 2.5 hours before scheduled departure time.

Our first stop is Hamilton Garden as I read there were very good reviews and I was not disappointed. We spent just over an hour in the garden and I really enjoyed it

Central courtyard





Italian renaissance garden full view



Japanese garden pond



Chinese Garden entrance

 

[Haplo]

Chinese garden



Pond in English garden



Close up shot of bees in herb and flower garden

 

[Haplo]

We then visited Waikato museum and found that it was filled with WWI memorial items. I was looking forward to see the history of Hamilton but instead of Hamilton during WWI. Anyway it was an interest learning experience and found out that the Maori people actually participated in WWI as a punishment that they resisted the colonisation of NZ.

Maori war canoe



Maori clothing and accessories







Random art outside of the museum entrance

 

[Haplo]

We finally arrived at airport at 2:30pm with 2.5 hours till departure time. Checking was a breeze thanks to priority status due to SQ Gold, otherwise there is about 50+ people lining up in economy. I was told I could go to Air NZ lounge by the checking guy but was denied entrance at the gate (second time this happened). Virgin should really train their staff on lounge access policy

Nonetheless, I knew there is a Priority Pass lounge so proceed to that lounge. The lounge is very spacious and the food/drinks was reasonable but nothing too flashy.









I look forward to arriving home and will post last update when I finally get home.

 

[drron]

We also loved the Hamilton gardens.A very good restaurant,Palate,there as well.

 

[Bindibuys]

Just looked at the Gardens site, will endeavour to stop en-route to Waitomo caves.

 

[Haplo]

The virgin flight was about 15 minutes late in boarding however we arrived in Sydney 15 minutes ahead of schedule. The arrival hall was empty so we were out of the airport in 15 minutes and home in another 35 minutes.

I was happy to see home, but sad to draw a full stop to this wonderful trip.

Closing remarks

I really enjoyed this NZ trip and I think writing a TR really gave me motivation each day to take photos and reflect on it at the end of the day. Without it I could not remember all of the things I did and what I was thinking each day. I would like to thank all of the posters who followed this journey and gave helpful advice as to where to go.

I really look forward to my next trip, wherever and whenever it will be.

 

[kermatu]

Nice report - thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[love_the_life]

Thanks for the TR, Haplo. It was great to read along and remember some of the places we had been but others were new and that was good too as it helps to build up the information bank for next time.