Posts from the “New Zealand” Category

Hot water beach

Posted on February 5, 2014

Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand:  This place was unbelievable.  Under the sand beach lies a hot water spring, which is accessible for 2 hours either side of low tide.  The water reaches temperatures of 67 degrees Celsius, and people hunt & peck for the perfect spot to lie in the toasty water. We rented a spade from the local surf shop, made our way to the beach, dug the perfect hole (not too hot, not too cold) and chilled in our personal hot spring for 3 hours.

Beautiful Mt Maunganui

Posted on February 3, 2014

Mt Maunganui, North Island, New Zealand:  We loved this spot!  After 20+ days of searching for sun and warmth, we finally found it in Mt Maunganui.  Our campsite was nestled in between an extinct volcanic cone and the ocean, and each morning’s alarm clock was a concert of baaaahing sheep, whipping wind and crashing waves.  Needless to say, we were really excited about this spot so we stayed 3 days.  Each day, we hiked the mountain and cooled off in the Pacific.  It was the perfect spot to slow down, take in some sun and enjoy our last few days in this beautiful country.

Craters of the moon

Posted on February 1, 2014

Taupo, North Island, New Zealand: By now we’ve learned New Zealand is known for its geologic diversity.  Craters of the moon is an area just outside Lake Taupo where there’s a ton of geothermal activity.  Walking through it was interesting because some of the mud pools, steam vents and eruption craters that we saw on this day didn’t exist a week ago and may move to another part of the park in another week’s time.  The shifting landscape was fascinating & haunting.

Martinborough wineries

Posted on January 31, 2014

Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand:  We arrived in Wellington to much warmer weather (please let this heat last), and immediately headed up to wine country.  Situated in the Wairarapa Region, the 20+ wineries making up the Martinborough growing region are all very unique.  We visited Poppies, a lovely boutique winery run by a husband & wife team.  The next day we headed to Murdoch James for a vineyard & cellar tour and tasting out on the sunny terrace.

Ferry crossing to the North Island

Posted on January 31, 2014

Picton, South Island, New Zealand:  After 16 nights on the wild & rugged South Island, we took the Cook Straight ferry over to the North Island. The 3-hour ride was beautiful, passing hundreds of small islands, inlets and bays, and even some dancing dolphins along the way.