In and Around RotoruaWhakarewarewa Maori VillageAnother bright sunny day.We head out to the city centre a check out the Government Gardens. They are stunning in the sunlight. We decide to come back later in the day when the sun is shining on the museum.We next head to the Whakarewarewa Maori Village to watch a cultural performance. This is actually a living Maori village (meaning people live there). The show …
A Geothermal DayOn our way to RotoruaThe day is clear and sunny, I wish I could say the same for the roads. We stop a lot for construction. We are driving the Thermal Explorer Highway.The cities in New Zealand are much smaller than ours and there is so much natural beauty. This is probably because the total New Zealand population is 5.1 million.Taupo and Huka FallsJust before we get …
Hobbits and Wine Off to Rivendell Another cool sunny day. We leave Wellington and head towards Napier.Our first stop is Kaitoke Regional Park, or the site for filming Rivendell for Lord of the Rings fans. All the sets have been removed but there are signboards showing where scenes were shot and where certain trees are in those scenes. The archway from the movie has been reproduced on a slightly smaller scale. …
A Day in and Around WellingtonOld St Paul’s We wake up to bright sunshine so we head out to explore the city.Our first stop is Old St Paul’s Anglican Church. Built in 1866 in Gothic Revival style. It is a beautiful church with wooden arches and a warm, woody smell inside. National Parliament BuildingsOur next stop is the Parliament Buildings. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. All the Parliament tours …