"Kia Ora" the welcoming word once you arrive at Auckland International Airport, it is a Maori word for "Hi/Hello". Last January, I was able to visit and explore the wonders of New Zealand's North Island - Auckland, Rotorua, and Waitomo particularly. At this time of the year (December - March), it is the summer season in New Zealand where the average maximum temperature ranges betwee 20-30 deg. C.
New Zealand is an 11 hour flight from Hongkong via Cathay Pacific, not including the 2 hours flight Manila to Hongkong where I started my trip. Prior to this, I pre-arranged a 2 weeks stay to a "kababayan" whom I have met in pinoynz group of which I am a member that include meals, accomodation and pick-up from the airport upon arrival.
Due to unavailability of rent-a-car for the first two days upon arrival, armed with excitement, gps, travel guide which I got free, and NZ$ bills which I bought from Travelex at the airport, I roamed around Auckland by bus. Unlike Manila, where you can find taxi, tricycle, jeepney, and bus almost anywhere, here you need to go to the bus stop or in some instance you need to call the hotline for your cab. Bus route, time table, and fares can be found on the internet via www.maxx.co.nz. Also,be prepared to walk most of the time.
Day 2, Auckland Botanic Gardens, just 5 minutes away from where I am staying - covers 65 hectares of stunning plant collections, native forest, lakes and wandering paths. Special attractions include the Potter Children's Garden, the Threatened Plant Garden and a splendid magnolia collection. The Gardens are open every day till 6pm (8pm during daylight savings).
The Visitor Centre offers visitor information, and a stylish café, overlooking the beautiful views.
Day 3, After picking-up my Toyota Corolla at the rent-a-car station, I proceeded to Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter - Underwater World. The Antarctic Encounter is home to New Zealand only sub-Antarctic penguins, offering a rare opportunity to see the magnificent birds up close in their icy domain. A unique snowcat ride brings you within arms length of the 80-strong colony of King and Gentoo penguins to watch their playful antics on the snow and their elegant flight underwater. In the Underwater world - Giant stingrays, turtles, sharks, different species of fish and other deep sea creature can be be found on the moving walkway.
Day 4, Auckland Museum. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. It has pre-eminent Maori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections, it is a war memorial for the province of Auckland. Auckland Museum stands in Auckland Domain which has an spectacular view of the city and the Harbour. For a 35NZD, I was able to watch the Maori Cultural Performance. The show is a vibrant and entertaining glimpse of Maori Culture, culminating in a high-energy Haka - New Zealand's famous dance. After which, performers will then take you on a special guided tour of the Museum gallery.
Day 5, Just stayed at my accomodation, woke up very late. I had a good sleep that night because of the cool breeze through my bedroom window. I was able also to meet everyone in the house who were all very accommodating.
Day 6, armed with my GPS Off to MATAMATA at 7 AM, first stop the Hobbiton Movie Set where some of the scenes in Lord of the Rings was taken. From Auckland , about 2 hours drive to The Shires rest Cafe, the starting point of the tour. The tour costs around 60 NZD, if you are LOTR fanatic, this is worth visiting because The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for the LOTR can be viewed and how beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of the tour which is around 1 hour and 45 min. it will end at The Shire Rest Cafe with the sheep farm experience.
Next stop, the TE PUIA at Rotorua. Te Puia has so much to offer with various attractions from the museum, the carving and weaving school, the Maori house, The KIWI, and culminates at The Pohotu Geyser. Worth visiting with a daytime tour costs 43 NZD.
My Last Stop for the Day was the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. One of the most amazing caves I have ever been with worms glowing in the dark they are just stars at the caves ceiling. It is a boat ride tour and costs around 30 NZD and will lasts around an hour. Too bad it was prohibited to take photos as it may disturb them from camera flashes.
Day 7 -Lunch with my new found friends at the house.
Day 8 - Waiheke Island
Day 9 - Downtown Auckland and shopping
Day 10 - This day culminates my trip no New Zealand with the 9 AM flight via Cathay Pacific.
To sum-up, it was a fun filled worth remembering vacation and hoping that I could return as New Zealand has a lot to offer. Next time, South Island and Wellington!
