Category Archives: North Island

New Zealand: Fond Farewell

4 March 2018 New Zealand had long been on our travel wishlist. It did not disappoint. We felt safe and welcomed where ever we travelled. North Island is where most New Zealanders live. South Island is where most visitors want … Continue reading

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Wellington: Te Papa Tongarewa

16 February 2018 On our last full day in Wellington we were anticipating rain, which never came, so we planned to spend it inside the Museum of New Zealand or Te Papa Tongarewa. The museum is free, except special exhibitions. … Continue reading

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Wellington: The Great War Exhibition

15 February 2018 As part of our walk from the city center to Mount Victoria, started in Mount Cook at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and The Great War Exhibition. We have been fortunate enough to visit some fantastic … Continue reading

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Wellington: Cable Cars

13 – 17 February 2018 The Wellington Cable Car was high on my to do list when I started to research the city. Growing up in Pittsburgh, the Duquesne Incline is iconic. Wellington’s cable cars looked quite familiar. They are … Continue reading

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Wellington: City Center

13 – 17 February 2018 To complete our tour of New Zealand’s North Island we spent several days in the country’s capital, Wellington. Wellington is the second largest city, however at about 417,000 residents it is much smaller than flagship … Continue reading

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Tongariro National Park

12 February 2018 On our drive south between Rotorua and Palmerston North we spent the day in Tongariro National Park. After a picnic lunch in the small town of Ohakune, we spent the afternoon hiking in the park. First we … Continue reading

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Hobbiton

10 February 2018 For any Lord of the Rings fan Hobbiton is a must see, but you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy stepping inside the world of the hobbits. The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies … Continue reading

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Taupo

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

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Tauranga: Mount Maunganui

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

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Tauranga: Kaiate Falls

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

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