North Island

Click below link to watch video snippets of the our first couple of weeks - Whangarei Falls, Paihai Beach, massive sand dunes and log staircase within Kurai tree trunk at Ninety Mile Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga and yachting in the Bay of Plenty.

                                                                                          New Zealand  -  Coastal  Attractions 

Rotorua, Waimangu

We drove inland to check out  the famous thermal area around Rotorua in Waimangu.  North Island is very volcanic and no one should miss checking out these wonders of nature.  Make sure that you wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking on hot ground!

Lake Rotomahana, Rotorua

The only way to view certain hot spots which are inaccessible by land was to take a boat cruise.  My parents took the full cruise as they couldn't handle hiking the hot ground which heat could be felt through the soles of your shoes!!!  Tom & I hiked around but joined the cruise for the section that could be viewed only from the water.

 

Lady Knox Geyser, Rotorua

Tom and I, together with my parents in Rotorua in front of the erupting Lady Knox Geyser posing for a photo.

Champagne  Pool, Wai-O-Tapu

It was quite a sight ... a huge steaming pool which waters were of multi-colored hues - green, yellow, red, purple !!!

Devil's  Bath,  Wai-O-Tapu

This thermal pool had an apt name as it was a striking lime green.  We took extra care not  to fall into the toxic looking Devil's Bath!!

Kiwi  Orchard,  Te PuKe

I love to eat the Kiwi fruit and was excited to visit a Kiwi orchard with Tom and my parents.  We had an informative visit and even had the opportunity to ride a tractor.

Cherrywood, Tauranga

We had an unforgettable stay with Ian and Lynn in their McMansion in Tauranga.  My parents really had a fabulous time living it up ... relaxing on twin hammocks after a day's sightseeing !!!

Maunganui   Beach

Lynn took us to Maunganui Beach.  It was a gorgeous beach -  soft sands, cold turquoise waters and beautiful shells.  We all had a great time.

Huka Falls

Tom and I, together with my parents exploring Huka Falls at Waikato River which drains into the huge Lake Taupo.