By the time we left Auckland, we were already 10 days into our road trip and we had only scratched the surface of what this wonderful country had to offer. It was time to put some miles behind us, so we made the longer drive to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region.
Tauranga itself is a big and bustling town and port. However, just over the harbour bridge is the chilled out suburb of Mount Maunganui. Set on a peninsular, a walk to the top of the extinct volcano gave us amazing views.
Whilst here, we had a break from the campervan and the luxury of a real bed. Thanks, Marilyn.
Next on our itinerary was Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Wherever you go, you see evidence of geothermal activity; even a wander through a small public park gave us bubbling pools and steaming streams. From here, we walked down towards Lake Rotorua, passing through Ohinemutu. Here we saw steam rising from the roadside grates and houses with outside cooking pits to harness the hot gases.
Down by the lakeside, we visited a marea, a maori meeting place with several communal buildings including a fascinating church. The tiny church of St Faith’s is an excellent example of blended cultures. Stained glass windows sit alongside Maori carvings and woven screens. One of the windows even has a ‘Maori’ Jesus, complete with a korowai, a traditional feathered cloak, walking on Lake Rotorua.
Not wanting to stay in the town itself, we treated ourselves to a night at Waikite Valley Hot Pools. This was one of the most expensive places we stayed on our trip, but it was well worth. Obviously, the site had all of the usual facilities that we had come to expect from a good campsite, but the added bonus was that our overnight fee included entrance to the hot pools. Fed by a geothermal stream, the series of pools were up to 41 degrees Centigrade and were a great place to relax and unwind. We could also tick off Mad Camper Challenge 4: Swim in thermal hot pools.
Another great place to visit near Rotorua was the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This, as the name suggests, is a whole valley crammed with geothermal features. The 90 minute walk down through the valley, took us to sulphur stained rocks, hot water springs, steaming lakes and volcanic craters; all nestled in a dramatic tropical landscape. It was certainly the best way to see geothermal activity ‘in the wild’.
One of the most surprising things about New Zealand is the huge variety of landscapes in a relatively small country. Continuing south from steaming Rotorua, we found ourselves camping at Mohaka River Farm. This 280 acre family owned and operated holiday park and working farm gave us a peaceful retreat beside the river with views of towering mountains. It was spectacular to be able to wake up to such stunning surroundings.
In contrast to the beautiful Mohaka River Farm, the following night saw us in a freedom site in a beach side car park in the town of Napier.
A long walk took us into the somewhat surreal town centre. In 1931, a massive earthquake rocked Hawkes Bay. It lasted for over 3 minutes, killing nearly 260 people and destroying many of the buildings in the area. The town centre was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was popular in the 1930s. Many of these buildings remain today and are now a huge tourist attraction. Parts of the town feel like a film set.
From Napier, we drove down to the southern end of the north island and spent a couple of nights in another town car park. This time in New Zealand’s second largest city and capital, Wellington. With a population of only 542,000, it is much smaller than Auckland, but it packs in the vibes. The waterfront promenade, sandy beaches and colourful timber houses, have a relaxed feel to them. Whereas next door, the working harbour and busy shopping streets are bustling.
The city is full of things to see and we chose to while away a few hours in Wellington Museum. Housed in a 1892 heritage building, the Bond Store, the museum allows you to discover the people and significant events in the city’s history. It is crammed full of weird and wonderful exhibits from a lion, to a flying saucer and even a time machine!
Wellington was our departure point to take the Ferry across the Cook Strait to the south island.
Sounds like a good trip around the north island. I’ve been to Auckland and Rotorua and that’s it.
Hi,
We were lucky enough to have just under three weeks in the North Island, so felt that we had done it justice!! Then three weeks in the South Island….
Amazing country.
Brings back fond memories of our seven week trip to New Zealand in 2010. Enjoy South Island. Recommend the Abel Tasmin trail and Fox Glacier.
Hi,
Great to hear from you! Hope all are well.
So pleased it brought back memories….next two posts are the South Island including Abel Tasman and a glacier trip.