Adrenaline rush for my first stop in New Zealand. I realized in Australia that I met so many French people so I wanted to make the most for my journey in New Zealand, trying to meet locals. So just arriving in Auckland, I was supposed to sleep at perfect unknown people's home. I took a taxi showing to the man the address and when I drove down the vehicle, I noticed that the number written on the address was untraceable! Just spicing up the situation, it was around 11h in the evening so it was totally dark and I could not use my phone because it was an Australian SIM card in it... For few minutes, I really thought I was crazy trying to sleep for free to unkown people place... So New Zealand did not give me a good feeling to start my trip! Hopefully I managed to find the entrance door 15 minutes later and my arrival was well and truly expected!
My first host couple in Auckland I spent few days in Auckland but did not feel so exciting by the city. There is only few things to discover. Hopefully, I was not in New Zealand to discover cities!
Auckland On the way to North of Auckland, we stopped in Whangarei Falls.
Whangarei Falls Arriving in Paihia, Bay of Islands, a wonderful and quiet place. Not so much to do but perfect for people who are looking for a rest.
Paihia - Bay of islands From Auckland to Hot Water Beach, I suggest you a stop in Coromandel & Cathedral Cove.
Coromandel & Cathedral Cove I continued my trip to Hot Water Beach, well-known for its dazzling beaches. Specific feature here is to grab a shovel at low tide and dig your own hot water pool in the sand!
Hot Water Beach Karangahake Walk just situated on the road between Hot Water Beach and Waitomo.
Karangahake WalkI then hit the road for Waitomo where you can experience glowworm caves during an outing by boat.
WaitomoRotorua was the next step, cradle of Maori culture. Also famous for its geysers and steam from the ground.
Rotorua Huka Falls are something to see on the road to Taupo.
Huka Falls For brave travellers, skydive is one of the renowned activities in Taupo. As I am chicken-hearted I did not dare to try it!
Tiki Lodge Taupo We you have time, you can have a look at Tawhai Falls Walk, between Taupo and River Valley.
Tawhai Falls Walk River Valley was one of my favourite spot. A countryside look in the middle of nowhere!
River Valley Lodge Finishing discovering North Island with a new Couchsurfing experience in Wellington. This time, no stress, address was easy to find! I spent a great time with Alonni. I shared the room with another guy from Poland and we all went to a pub to experience karaoke... funny evening!
Friends in WellingtonWellington Botanic Garden Glimpse of the city Te Papa Museum