Rotorua, Maraehako Bay, Gisborne

ROTORUA (Mar. 22-25, 2012)

The next Stray bus heading out to the East Coast wasn’t leaving until Monday so we decided to spend a few days in Rotorua rather than Taupo as there were more activities that we wanted to do there. We actually lucked out with the weather too which was a nice change. On the Friday we went zorbing, which is a huge inflatable ball that you roll down a hill in. It has all the proper supports so you don’t get hurt. With the weather being good, we decided to do the wet ones (they throw water in the ball with you).  We did one together and one separate and got some pretty funny videos from it. Some good photos too.

After our zorb together

The path of the zig zag

The adventures continued the next day when we went white water rafting! There were a few good rapids and three waterfalls we went over- 1m, 2m and 7m! The company incorporated a spiritual aspect to it by praying to the river in Maori asking for protection during our trip. They also made it pretty fun by going over rapids outside the raft, trying to stand and cliff jumping at the end.

Heading down the 7m waterfall!

Our "fish out of water" group photo

For our off-day, we walked around the town and checked out the thermal pools. We think it’s so crazy how there is bubbling mud and boiling water in the middle of a park! I love the fact that the town is able to use the geothermal activity to heat their homes and buildings.

One of the bigger thermal pools in the park

Day 8 – Rotorua to Maraehako Bay

It was already turning out to be a gorgeous day when we were picked up at 8am which was quite fitting for heading out to the East Coast.  The views from the road were stunning as we followed the coastline most of the way to Maraehako Bay. We also stopped for a lot of photo ops along the way. Thankfully too because I don’t I have ever experienced a windier road than SH-35. The only major stop we made was in Opotiki at the “Gateway to the East Cape” for photos and groceries.

Gateway to the East Cape

View of the coastline while driving

Before long we were at our destination. Definitely up there for top accommodation, the setting was phenomenal! You could almost describe it as a treehouse because there were huge trees surrounding the place. But it was also like a beach house with shells and drift wood decorated around. The location was prime, the water was RIGHT there! And like any good beach place, they had hammocks and free kayaks to use.

Front view of our accommodation

View from the kitchen patio

Hammocks out front with a relaxing waterfall nearby. The owners' pet eel likes to hang out below.

After a quick sandwich for lunch, while most of the group went on a crayfishing trip, Adrian and I went on a bushwalk to a hidden waterfall. It took about an hour and a half there and back and wow, was it beautiful! In and out of trees, constantly crossing the stream then BAM, there’s the waterfall. It wasn’t too big but the environment really made it.

Cutting across the stream

Made it!

The two of us by the waterfall

In the evening we had a massive bbq of beef patties, sausages, chicken wings, roasted potatoes and a gigantic salad (greens, carrots, cucumbers, avocado, corn, red onion), soo good! We capped the night with chatting around a fire with our guide and group.

Day 9 – Maraehako Bay to Gisborne

It was a bit tough saying goodbye to Maraehako Bay with the weather being so great and having the water at your front door but we were also really looking forward to seeing Gisborne. We made a few more stops along the way compared to yesterday, our first being at Te Araroa to see one of the oldest pohutukawa trees, aged at 350 years old and 21.2m tall. We also stopped for coffee at the East Cape Manuka Company.

Gives you a pretty good idea of how big the tree is

Our last stop along the way was in Tolaga which has the longest pier in the southern hemisphere, measured at 660m. Although it’s in the process of being restored, people still use it to fish off of and of course we were going to walk the whole thing!

At the end of the pier

Once we rolled into Gisborne, we headed up to Kaiti Hill where we checked out the Cook National Historic Reserve for some history and got an amazing view of the town and the beaches that line it. We then made a short trip slightly out of town to our accommodation for the evening – Rayvon’s Surf Shack. Pretty close to a spot in paradise, the shack is just across the road from the beach and surf boards and boogie boards are free to use! Other cool features include a big fire pit, a hot tub tucked into a hut, and hammocks. The neatest thing about this place is that the guy who owns it is also the one who made it all about 5 years ago, after a retirement from welding.

View of Gisborne from Kaiti Hill

Rayvon's Surf Shack

We spent the late afternoon/early evening enjoying the beach and going for a run along it. For supper we had “hangi in a box”. For dessert we had an impromptu wine tasting around the fire. There used to be a company that ran it but just recently they were liquidated from not paying their taxes…Sooo our guide was cool enough to go out and buy a few bottles of wine and educate us on them all. Amongst them was a chardonnay, the type of wine Gisborne is most known for. It was a fun time and we got to learn a bit about the different wines too!

Mmm, Gizzy Chardonnay

East Coast Trip group photo (Our driver/guide, Jason, is fourth from the right)

We have decided to stay in Gisborne until Saturday when the next bus leaves. During our days here we are hoping to take advantage of any nice weather that comes our way and spend it on the beach, go surfing, ride our bikes into town and explore, and experience a sunrise in the “first city on earth to see the sun”.

Hahei, Raglan, Maketu, Taupo

Day 4 – Auckland to Hahei

We caught our bus at 7:45am (are you noticing a pattern of very early starts?). On the way to Hahei it was fun to go through Tairua and bring back memories of Slipper Island because that was the closest town to the island. We also made a stop to check out the Chicken and Hen Islands.

Chicken and Hen Islands behind us

 Once we checked into our hostel in Hahei, we traveled a couple kms to spend some time at the Hot Water Beach. It’s named this because there are hot water springs underneath the beach that you can dig into and make yourself a shallow hot water pool. Unfortunately we were still in the summer season and it was a Saturday so the beach was packed. After a while of unsuccessful digs, a nice group leaving gave us our dug pool to use. It was so nice to relax in and take time to reflect on how cool nature can be!

Finally in a pool

Posing on a rock near the Hot Water Beach

We hung out at the hostel for an hour or so before we decided to venture out again but this time to Cathedral Cove. This area is known for the ginormous stone arch which has recently been featured in Prince Caspian, Narnia. It was a beautiful walk along the coast line and once we got there it was so humbling to be underneath the arch.

Under the big arch

For supper we had another delicious (free) bbq and went to bed pretty early. Adrian still wasn’t feeling well and we were all tired.

Day 5 – Hahei to Raglan

There weren’t too many stops in between Hahei and Raglan so we arrived there just before noon. Raglan is a famous surf town known for the longest left hand point break (featured in “The Endless Summer”) and its chilled-out vibe. This was the place I was most excited to see and we had planned to spend some time in.

We were given an hour to explore the town a bit before we headed up to our accommodation, Karioi Lodge. We agreed it was probably the coolest accommodation we have stayed in so far with the lodge hidden away in native bush. We had the afternoon to go surfing so Kris, Nathan and I headed down to the beach. Adrian decided to stay and rest to hopefully fight off his cold. It turns out surfing is kind of like riding a bike and everything I had learned from lessons in California 3-5 years ago came back quickly. I was able to give Kris and Nathan some pointers and within the 1.5 hours we were out, we all stood up and rode waves at least 3 times!

About to go surfing!

In the evening Kris and Nathan went on a harbour cruise and Adrian and I were hoping to watch the sun set at Inspiration Point a short walk away. Yet again, the weather wasn’t so nice to us so we didn’t make it out. Instead when the guys came back we hung out at the lodge for a bit, checked out the glow worms along the driveway then moved up to the “Sports Barn”. The path to there is decorated with huge Christmas bulbs and inside is a ping pong table, a foosball table and some psychedelic artwork. 

A sight from the lodge patio

Inside the barn

RAGLAN (Mar. 11-19, 2012)

Having planned to stay in Raglan for a bit, we all moved into a hostel in town for convenience. Karioi was situated in a very unique place and the set-up was really cool but Raglan Backpackers had it all! Right in town, library with free wifi just down the road, free kayaks, discounted rates on surfboard/boogie board and wetsuit rentals with transportation included, hammocks, a hot tub and everyone there, guests and staff, were so friendly people.

For the first time since the boys got into NZ we finally had some great weather. I think we had 2-3 days of rain during the 8 days we spent there. We took advantage of it as much as we could too. Kayaking in the harbour, kayaking to check out Pancake Rocks, surfing, jumping off the footbridge, hanging out at the beach, checking out Raglan Pro (surf competition) and the after-party…We originally planned to stay for 4 days then it got pushed to 6 then finally 8. It’s hard to leave a place with the atmosphere and weather Raglan did.

Bow (main) Street, Rags

Kayaking around the Pancake Rocks

Surf's Up!

Jumping off the bridge

Double high five, *psh* circle

Raglan Pro

Group photo before heading out to Raglan Pro After-Party

Rags sunset

Day 6 – Raglan to Maketu

Sadly it was time to move on but it was a good day for it because it was raining. Adrian and I were on our way to Maketu and the boys were taking a different bus to Rotorua where we would meet them the next day. Maketu was our “culture experience” for the trip. This is where would be learning about the Maori culture, eat a traditional hangi meal watch the haka (traditional war dance; performed by the All Blacks before each match), guys would learn the haka and girls would learn the poi, and all sleep together in the marae.

Overall, the “experience” was a bit disappointing but maybe we had too high of expectations. The hangi was more like roast dinner although still delicious consisting of turkey/chicken, lamb in beef gravy, fish, roast potatoes and kumara (sweet potatoes), stuffing, green salad and coleslaw. The haka was performed by 16 year old boys that were goofing around whereas we were expecting/hoping for matured men with traditional face tattoos. 

On the other hand, the welcoming was fun to watch. We had a chief for our tribe (the oldest guy in the group) and he was intimidated by the boys with crazy facial expressions, etc. until he picked up a leaf and was officially welcomed. He then embraced in a hongi with the other chief. This is where two people press their noses and foreheads together and share in life’s breath. We then went down the line that was formed and greeted everyone with a hongi bringing everyone a bit closer, physically and emotionally  :p It was also fun to learn the poi and to watch Adrian and the guys perform the haka.

Performing the poi

Our teachers

Group photo

Day 7 – Maketu to Rotorua to Taupo

It was still raining the next morning as we were on our way to Rotorua. There were a few activities that we could have participated in but with the weather not being so good we decided to hold off until we were back in Rotorua to enjoy them more. Kris and Nathan went rafting though and had a blast. We picked them up on the bus after and continued on our way to Taupo.

In between Rotorua and Taupo is known as the geothermal highway and we made a few stops to check out bubbling mud, thermal pools and a spot where a cold and hot stream met that we could swim in.

Bubbling mud

Hot meets Cold stream

We arrived in Taupo and an Italian on our bus decided to make us all some traditional pasta. It’s funny how particular they can be about their dishes but it WAS yummerz. Later that evening we went to Huka Falls, another “hot spot” (literally) to enjoy in the dark.

Group photo at Huka Falls

We decided to stay an extra day in Taupo so the boys could go skydiving. Unfortunately it wasn’t able to happen because the weather wasn’t good enough. But it was only canceled after we all got picked up and the guys filled out all their paperwork, etc. They got all amped up for nothing!

On the way to skydiving in a limo

The next day (22^nd), the guys’ three weeks were coming to an end so they caught a bus back up to Auckland and later in the day we headed back up to Rotorua to start our East Coast adventure. The three weeks went way too fast so it was pretty sad to see them go. I can happily say we made the most of the time we spent with them!

Last supper with the boys

Auckland, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga

On Monday, March 5 the highly anticipated day had finally come – we were to meet up with Kris (Adrian’s friend) and Nathan (Adrian’s brother) in Auckland and soon begin our traveling! We flew from Christchurch to Auckland and before long we were catching up with the guys over a few drinks on the hostel patio. While we were there, we also enjoyed some free wifi time (which is very rare to find) and met other guests there including Georgina from Leeds, Craig from Essex, and Alex from Australia. The next day was just getting the guys set up with SIM cards and working out travel plans. Luckily the guys were able to get a version of our travel pass so we could travel the majority of the North Island together. By Wednesday we were off traveling! Our first stop - Paihia, Bay of Islands.

Day 1 – Auckland to Paihia

After a late night of more catch-up and drinks, it was an early morning, catching the bus at 7:45am. We made a few stops around Auckland picking up people from other hostels and in the process we met everyone that sat around us, in the back where all the cool kids sit ;)

Our first stop was at the Parry Kauri Park where we had a photo op with an 800-year old McKinney kauri tree. Soon after, we had a much-needed coffee stop in Warkworth.

The four of us under the McKinney kauri tree

 Our second stop of the day was at the Goat Island Marine Reserve, near Leigh. Here we got a 45-min glass-bottom boat ride around the reserve and saw fish such as snapper and moka. The weather could have been better but it was still a nice experience.

The two of us on the glass-bottom boat trip

Panorama of Goat Island Marine Reserve

The third stop was at the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei (birthplace of Keith Urban). This is where we got to see a real live Kiwi (bird as opposed to the person or fruit), a funny looking bird with huge feet that pooped on Nathan, a hawk and a talking Tui.

Kiwi bird

Taken just before this little guy pooped in Nate's hands

When we arrived in Paihia we stayed at Pipi Patch and got a “classic Kiwi bbq” for $7. It was a pretty good meal for that price that included steak, sausage, roast potato, green salad, coleslaw and bread. We also got a free drink voucher for the night so we spent the night having a few drinks with friends we met on the bus – a couple from England, another girl from England and two guys from Laguna Beach.

Day 2 – Paihia to Cape Reinga and back

It was another early morning, catching the bus at 7:15am which unfortunately didn’t actually show up until 7:30am. And on top of that, our first improve stop was in Kerikeri to switch buses because our windows were fogging up too much because of the rain and moisture in the bus. But eventually we were on our way. Our first real stop was at the Gumdiggers Park. This area has fallen Kauri trees, one as old as ~150,000 years. There was a bit of a walking tour to learn the history of the area, the work and where the term “gum boot” came from.

The fallen stump beside the bridge is ~150,000 years old

A fence full of old gum boots outside the Gumdiggers Park

Our next stop was Cape Reinga which is one of the most northern part of New Zealand you can go. From here you can look out and see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean clashing. It’s also an important part of the Maori culture- they believe this is the jumping point for Maori souls back to their spiritual homeland Hawaiki. The weather had cleared up a bit so we had a bit of a view and got decent pictures with the lighthouse, distance signpost and the seas. 

The four of us at the lighthouse

Distance signpost

Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean clashing behind Adrian

From there we went to the 90-Mile Beach, which should technically be called the 70-mile beach because of Captain Cook’s miscalculation. Here was the highlight of the trip where we got to do some dune surfing. We borrowed some boogie boards and climbed a huge sand dune. It was kind of like tobogganing but in the summer. Kris and Nathan decided to go tandem the last run down and actually made it most of the way, pretty entertaining for the whole group. (Unfortunately I still need to get these photos from some friends who took some for us)

After dune surfing, we drove along the beach which was a drive to remember, Adrian’s favourite part of the day. At this point we had pretty much finished our trip. We stopped at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom on the way back, also where the bus driver cleaned his bus. We also stopped in Mangonui for some fish and chips which were probably the best ones we have had so far in NZ (Fish and chips and meat pies are dishes NZ is most known for)

Us with Louise and Paul eating fish and chips

Look what Adrian landed at the Mangonui Fish Shop!

By the time we got back, we had new roommates so we hung out with them- a brother and sister from Toronto and a guy from Switzerland.

Day 3 – Paihia to Auckland

There’s not too much to write about this day. We got a somewhat sleep-in having to check-out at 10am. The weather wasn’t very good again today so it wasn’t motivating to do too much. And it’s really unfortunate because the Bay of Islands is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in NZ. 

I decided to explore a bit so I went and walked along the beach that separates Paihia and Waitangi, walked around a local marae (Maori meeting house) and ventured to the Treaty Grounds. Unfortunately there was a fee to look around the Grounds so I saw the front but wasn’t willing to pay to see the rest. 

Structure at the marae

4pm came around and we hopped on the bus. The only stops we took on the way back were essential stops to use the toilets (not washrooms, toilets here) and continue on our express route back to Auckland.

Once we arrived in Auckland, we checked back into the same hostel we stayed at last time, got some supper and hung out with the same people we met a few days ago.

Craig's arms, Louise, Paul, me, Adrian, Kris, Georgina, Nate