Monthly Archives: February 2018

Taupo

Posted on February 20, 2018 by kenwehner

9 February 2018   Today we travelled south to Taupo, the center of North Island. Our first stop was at Aratiatia Rapids on the Waikato River. It’s a popular spot for tourists, especially when the dam opens and floods the … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tauranga: Mount Maunganui

Posted on February 19, 2018 by kenwehner

8 February 2018 Mount Maunganui is north of Tauranga. The town was busy with tourists. We hiked the Summit Trail from the base to the top. The hike was strenuous at times but we enjoyed the exercise and the 360 … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Tauranga: Kaiate Falls

Posted on February 19, 2018 by kenwehner

8 February 2018 Kaiate Falls outside Welcome Bay is a pleasant hour hike from the car park with several levels of water falls.  

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Auckland to Rotorua – The Long Way

Posted on February 18, 2018 by kenwehner

7 February 2018 After a successful introduction to New Zealand it was time to get on the road. The drive from Auckland to Rotorua should only be 3 hours assuming you take the most direct route, but then again when … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cathedral Cove

Posted on February 17, 2018 by kenwehner

6 February 2018 The highlight of today was Cathedral Cove. Had we better understood the area, we might have planned to spend the entire day. The hike was mildly strenuous but the payback was awesome. We walked the beach but … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rapaura Water Gardens and Falls

Posted on February 16, 2018 by kenwehner

6 February 2018 On our last day in Auckland we rented a car and took our first road trip. We drove around the Firth of Thames along the west shoreline to Coromandel Forest. Our first stop was east of Tapu … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Auckland: City Center – Part 2

Posted on February 15, 2018 by kenwehner

2 – 6 February 2018 Throughout our stay in Auckland, we walked the city center and surrounding areas. Most days we found ourselves at the shops and restaurants along the wharfs. It might be unfair but I could not help … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Auckland: North Head and Devonport

Posted on February 14, 2018 by kenwehner

5 February 2018 Today’s number one goal was to find a place to watch Super Bowl 52. The sports bar on the Viaduct was packed but luckily for us most places along the wharf were showing the game. The rainy … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Auckland: War Memorial Museum

Posted on February 13, 2018 by kenwehner

4 February 2018 Auckland’s War Memorial Museum is a monumental structure with excellent collections of New Zealand history and natural science. In just a few hours, it gave us a good entry level understanding of the original Maori inhabitants, European … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Auckland: Sky Tower

Posted on February 12, 2018 by kenwehner

4 February 2018 Auckland Sky Tower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere and provides great 360 degree views of the city. It dominates the skyline and can seen from almost anywhere in the city center. It is lit … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, North Island, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment