Now the New Zealand adventure is coming to an end. And the second road trip was definitely not a repetition of the first one. Some places I went twice, but always discovering new things to do and taking more time to enjoy than in the previous marathon.
Day 1
The first day, we decided to enjoy Auckland before heading south, so we went to the Auckland Museum, which was kind of a rip-off compared to Te Papa, as it is 20$ for a much smaller museum, made of bits and pieces of everything. And at the end of the day, we tried the Angus Steak House, which serves absolutely fabulous pieces of meat, that was a treat!
Day 2
On our way to the Coromandel peninsula, we went through Paeroa, birthplace of L&P, the "good lemonish stuff, worldwide famous in New Zealand", but I was disappointed in the L&P café to see that the L&P Fish&Chips doesn't involve any cooking with actual L&P...
We then passed through Karangahake Gorge, offering some vestiges of the Gold Rush, before heading to Waihi Gold Mine, which was impressive.
After that, we took a detour to Waihi Beach, which is a nice long beach with good surf, but the weather was not that good for us to take more than our feet in the water...
Day 3
Our stop for the night was at Te Aroha, a nice little town which has apparently seduced the Lonely Planet with its name (the Love in Maori), and which is the proud owner of a Truck dragging contest! While my friends went to Hobbiton from Matamata, I explored Wairere falls, which are I think the highest falls on the Northern Island.
We then arrived in Rotorua and while my friends visited Te Puia, I walked around Kuirau Park, to see some cool geothermic features for free!
At the end of the day, we went for a drink, and I tasted the Waikato draught, which was just like any other draught in this part of the world, a bit tasteless.
Day 4
We actually managed to arrive in Wai-o-tapu just in time to see Lady Knox erupting - that is to say, before 10 am, but unlike the Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Lady Knox erupts every day at the same time because it is triggered by the people managing the park, which was a bit disappointing, but the shower at the end of the show (see what I did there?) was cool.
Then, while my friends went on to visit the rest of the park, I myself went to Waimangu volcanic valley, which is around the same price as Wai-o-Tapu, and offers some nice volcanic features.
We then hit the road to arrive at Tongariro in the middle of the afternoon. I must say, driving on the same road but toward Tongariro was really worth doing, because the first view you have is superb. And we also enjoyed a bit of Lake Taupo
Day 5
After an energetic dinner and breakkie, we started the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at around 8 am, a little bit after the main groups, and enjoyed the beautiful morning while walking in Mordor. It's incredible the difference a week of good weather can make up there, and while the snow had made it pretty the first time, it was really enjoyable to walk in the sun.
And in the middle of the track, I did what I wanted to do the first time: I left my friends to finish the longest part of the track, the descending part, while I went down the same way I came up, and I must say, it makes it shorter and a bit more enjoyable, especially since you almost have the track to yourself.
You cross the path of the Northern Circuit trampers, and of some late sleepers who didn't want to pay for the shuttle, but most of the time, you're on your own, with only the few sounds of the Nature surrounding you.
At the end of the day, I picked my friends up and, too exhausted to even cook dinner, we ate plenty at the Schnapps pub, and even enjoyed a Kiwi Pavlova. While my friends drank a fruity Bramble's cider, I tasted the Ruapehu lager, and what can I say, except that my palate isn't quite accustomed to such drinks... I still have a soft spot for belgium beers...
Day 6
Having time to spare and legs to rest, we took off rather late the next day, enjoying SH4 to New Plymouth, which gets incredible when approaching the coast. We stopped to see the Three Sisters, a nice rock formation
Then, finally, Taranaki revealed itself.
We spent the rest of the day walking around New Plymouth, which is a lovely little coastal town, living from the little oil&gas industry in the region, and from its beautiful surroundings.
Day 7
In the morning, we started the beginning of the 3-day track around Taranaki to enjoy a view of the summit.
We then headed to Wellington via SH45, the "Surfing Highway" that drives around the peninsula, especially since I wanted a picture with the Cape Egmont Lighthouse.
Day 8
Arriving in windy Wellington the previous afternoon, we leisurely enjoyed a whole day in the capital city. We walked on the Oriental Parade, discovered the statues spread along the wharf,
then headed to the hipster ambiance of Cuba St. If Auckland is Sydney's rival, then Wellington is definitely Melbourne's, especially on the caffeine part. But I enjoyed Wellington better, because there's also a "little town" vibe to it, and it doesn't take itself seriously. Beside, the wharf is a really nice walk, and Te Papa being free really adds to the whole picture.
Day 9
The next day, we took the ferry to Picton, and here I must point out that I really prefer Bluebridge to Interislander to cross Cook Strait, as there is free wifi and reclinable seats on the former.
We then hit the road to Motueka, going through different wine tasting along the way. We tasted a nice Pinot Gris in a little "boutique" vineyard, some sugary dessert wine and even drove through Tasman, a little city not far from the highway, to enjoy the view from the cliffs.
Day 10
That day was for me a real experience, a I did my first skydive!
(One more thing crossed on my Impossible List)
I won't get too lyrical, because it's really indescribable, you need to experience it and see the world from up there with your own eyes, so I'll just concentrate on two things:
The first one: location, location, location. I wanted to do this one because I knew that Abel Tasman was worth seeing from the sky. But I had no idea how much that was true. Especially since we could also see Taranaki above the clouds, that was really amazing.
The other thing is that I was really surprised to see so many couples doing it, as for me it is something that you purely experience on your own. I mean, apart from your Tandem Master, there's just you jumping out of an airplane, flying, enjoying the scenery, and being aware that the ground is getting closer.
No need to say it but I'm going to anyway: I loved it! I loved it so much that I didn't do anything the rest of the day, because I didn't want to spoil the feelings I had in the morning. But The Laughing Kiwi, the YHA we stayed in Motueka, is a really cosy place to chill out.
Day 11
Before hitting the road to Hokitika, we tasted some more wines not far from Richmond, especially a light Blanc de Noir and a fantastic dessert wine that just made me long for some french cheese (my only Frenchy weakness).
Arriving at Hokitika in the middle of the afternoon, we enjoyed the beach before feasting at Fat Pipi Pizza, where I took the white bait pizza, that I highly recommend.
Day 12
We went on SH6 in the morning, to enjoy Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and as I didn't have time to enjoy it the first time, it was really nice to really see Franz Josef.
We then headed to Wanaka via Haast Pass.
Wanaka is a great little town, enjoyable as much during the summer than during winter. I can imagine that in winter, it gets less busy than Queenstown, but the sensation of skiing with a lake at your feet must be the same, that is to say quite nice. At the periphery of the town is a golf course, and I mention this one out of the gazillion courses there is in New Zealand, because the view is simply fantastic.
I must also mention the YHA there, because some 6-bed mix shared dorms have ensuite bathroom AND a private kitchen for less than 30$ a night. A never-seen-before for me.
Day 13
The next day, we took the road to Te Anau, crossing the path of several vineyards, and one particular cheesery where I just couldn't hold myself anymore and bought some nice New Zealand cheeses. We arrived at Te Anau for lunch, not even stopping in Queenstown, and enjoyed simply walking along the second largest lake in New Zealand.
Day 14
That day we woke up early, and it was really worth the effort. The light was sublime, there was no wind so good reflections on the lake and the clouds formed like collars around the mountains.
Otherwise, the sky was spotless blue, and while my friends went for a cruise on Milford Sound - where they enjoyed watching some seldom seen whales, I walked the rather easier than expected Key Summit track, where I could enjoy 360° of awesome views.
In the middle of the afternoon, we headed off to Queenstown, where there too we walked along the lake, for a drink at the Pub on Wharf, with good cider and nice live music.
Day 15
Our goal for the day was Mount Cook, but we decided to take a small detour through the Alpine Scenic Route, offering some nice stops along the way to Cardrona.
Then, we went through Lindis Pass, which was for me totally unexepected in terms of landscapes. New Zealand was for me either hilly green, or snowy white or volcanic dark, but not that weird desert landscape.
Then, approaching Mt Cook, we stopped at the Salmon Farm (which contrary to what Lonely Planet says, was not the freshest), then enjoyed the surreal color of Lake Pukaki,
before arriving at our YHA in Mount Cook village. As we were short on time, we did the easy Kea Point track, which led us at the feet of the Mueller Glacier.
It was amazing because twice we heard it roar as some ice and rocks were falling in the valley. The sound it makes, echoed through the mountains, is really powerful.
Day 16
The last day, finally, started with one stop at the Pukaki Visitor Center Lookout, then Lake Tekapo's,
before driving through Burke's Pass and the Inland scenic route SH72. The theory is that they chose this road as scenic to prevent more people on SH1, because there's only one thing to see, some gorges I can't remember the name of, and it's probably not worth the detour.
Then we continued on SH77/73 to Christchurch. When I first came to this town, I didn't realize how damaged it was from the 2010/2011 series of earthquakes. But then we went to Cathedral Square, which is one big open wound in the city center.
On our search for dinner, we found out that some restaurants still listed on Google don't exist anymore, and after 3 attempts at restaurants that were all fully booked, we discovered the genuine gem called Astro Lounge. It was simply perfect and I was glad our other attempts failed: geeky atmosphere, live music, good food.
At this point, I would have loved to put a picture of their fun menu, but that wouldn't be fair, as I think you ought to discover it by yourself and count all the references.
So, what more could we need?
I must write an addendum just to mention the road around Kaikoura that is really spectacular. I did it on an Intercity bus from Chrischurch, so it was frustrating that I couldn't take any pictures (and it was raining anyway), but I really recommend the road both entering and exiting the little whale city.
Well, that's it for New Zealand... for now... Haere Ra!
Day 2
On our way to the Coromandel peninsula, we went through Paeroa, birthplace of L&P, the "good lemonish stuff, worldwide famous in New Zealand", but I was disappointed in the L&P café to see that the L&P Fish&Chips doesn't involve any cooking with actual L&P...
We then passed through Karangahake Gorge, offering some vestiges of the Gold Rush, before heading to Waihi Gold Mine, which was impressive.
After that, we took a detour to Waihi Beach, which is a nice long beach with good surf, but the weather was not that good for us to take more than our feet in the water...
Day 3
Our stop for the night was at Te Aroha, a nice little town which has apparently seduced the Lonely Planet with its name (the Love in Maori), and which is the proud owner of a Truck dragging contest! While my friends went to Hobbiton from Matamata, I explored Wairere falls, which are I think the highest falls on the Northern Island.
We then arrived in Rotorua and while my friends visited Te Puia, I walked around Kuirau Park, to see some cool geothermic features for free!
At the end of the day, we went for a drink, and I tasted the Waikato draught, which was just like any other draught in this part of the world, a bit tasteless.
Day 4
We actually managed to arrive in Wai-o-tapu just in time to see Lady Knox erupting - that is to say, before 10 am, but unlike the Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Lady Knox erupts every day at the same time because it is triggered by the people managing the park, which was a bit disappointing, but the shower at the end of the show (see what I did there?) was cool.
 |
| Literally |
 |
| like this one |
 |
| or that one |
We then hit the road to arrive at Tongariro in the middle of the afternoon. I must say, driving on the same road but toward Tongariro was really worth doing, because the first view you have is superb. And we also enjoyed a bit of Lake Taupo
 |
| where black swans are not schizophrenics |
Day 5
After an energetic dinner and breakkie, we started the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at around 8 am, a little bit after the main groups, and enjoyed the beautiful morning while walking in Mordor. It's incredible the difference a week of good weather can make up there, and while the snow had made it pretty the first time, it was really enjoyable to walk in the sun.
And in the middle of the track, I did what I wanted to do the first time: I left my friends to finish the longest part of the track, the descending part, while I went down the same way I came up, and I must say, it makes it shorter and a bit more enjoyable, especially since you almost have the track to yourself.
 |
| also, a nice picnic area |
You cross the path of the Northern Circuit trampers, and of some late sleepers who didn't want to pay for the shuttle, but most of the time, you're on your own, with only the few sounds of the Nature surrounding you.
At the end of the day, I picked my friends up and, too exhausted to even cook dinner, we ate plenty at the Schnapps pub, and even enjoyed a Kiwi Pavlova. While my friends drank a fruity Bramble's cider, I tasted the Ruapehu lager, and what can I say, except that my palate isn't quite accustomed to such drinks... I still have a soft spot for belgium beers...
Day 6
Having time to spare and legs to rest, we took off rather late the next day, enjoying SH4 to New Plymouth, which gets incredible when approaching the coast. We stopped to see the Three Sisters, a nice rock formation
Then, finally, Taranaki revealed itself.
 |
| it's true that aesthetics come in geometric forms |
We spent the rest of the day walking around New Plymouth, which is a lovely little coastal town, living from the little oil&gas industry in the region, and from its beautiful surroundings.
Day 7
In the morning, we started the beginning of the 3-day track around Taranaki to enjoy a view of the summit.
 |
| but it was shy and hid from us... |
We then headed to Wellington via SH45, the "Surfing Highway" that drives around the peninsula, especially since I wanted a picture with the Cape Egmont Lighthouse.
Day 8
Arriving in windy Wellington the previous afternoon, we leisurely enjoyed a whole day in the capital city. We walked on the Oriental Parade, discovered the statues spread along the wharf,
 |
| including this tripod |
then headed to the hipster ambiance of Cuba St. If Auckland is Sydney's rival, then Wellington is definitely Melbourne's, especially on the caffeine part. But I enjoyed Wellington better, because there's also a "little town" vibe to it, and it doesn't take itself seriously. Beside, the wharf is a really nice walk, and Te Papa being free really adds to the whole picture.
Day 9
The next day, we took the ferry to Picton, and here I must point out that I really prefer Bluebridge to Interislander to cross Cook Strait, as there is free wifi and reclinable seats on the former.
We then hit the road to Motueka, going through different wine tasting along the way. We tasted a nice Pinot Gris in a little "boutique" vineyard, some sugary dessert wine and even drove through Tasman, a little city not far from the highway, to enjoy the view from the cliffs.
Day 10
That day was for me a real experience, a I did my first skydive!
 |
| you're supposed to read "over 9000 (ft)" |
I won't get too lyrical, because it's really indescribable, you need to experience it and see the world from up there with your own eyes, so I'll just concentrate on two things:
The first one: location, location, location. I wanted to do this one because I knew that Abel Tasman was worth seeing from the sky. But I had no idea how much that was true. Especially since we could also see Taranaki above the clouds, that was really amazing.
The other thing is that I was really surprised to see so many couples doing it, as for me it is something that you purely experience on your own. I mean, apart from your Tandem Master, there's just you jumping out of an airplane, flying, enjoying the scenery, and being aware that the ground is getting closer.
No need to say it but I'm going to anyway: I loved it! I loved it so much that I didn't do anything the rest of the day, because I didn't want to spoil the feelings I had in the morning. But The Laughing Kiwi, the YHA we stayed in Motueka, is a really cosy place to chill out.
Day 11
Before hitting the road to Hokitika, we tasted some more wines not far from Richmond, especially a light Blanc de Noir and a fantastic dessert wine that just made me long for some french cheese (my only Frenchy weakness).
Arriving at Hokitika in the middle of the afternoon, we enjoyed the beach before feasting at Fat Pipi Pizza, where I took the white bait pizza, that I highly recommend.
Day 12
We went on SH6 in the morning, to enjoy Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and as I didn't have time to enjoy it the first time, it was really nice to really see Franz Josef.
We then headed to Wanaka via Haast Pass.
Wanaka is a great little town, enjoyable as much during the summer than during winter. I can imagine that in winter, it gets less busy than Queenstown, but the sensation of skiing with a lake at your feet must be the same, that is to say quite nice. At the periphery of the town is a golf course, and I mention this one out of the gazillion courses there is in New Zealand, because the view is simply fantastic.
I must also mention the YHA there, because some 6-bed mix shared dorms have ensuite bathroom AND a private kitchen for less than 30$ a night. A never-seen-before for me.
Day 13
The next day, we took the road to Te Anau, crossing the path of several vineyards, and one particular cheesery where I just couldn't hold myself anymore and bought some nice New Zealand cheeses. We arrived at Te Anau for lunch, not even stopping in Queenstown, and enjoyed simply walking along the second largest lake in New Zealand.
Day 14
That day we woke up early, and it was really worth the effort. The light was sublime, there was no wind so good reflections on the lake and the clouds formed like collars around the mountains.
Otherwise, the sky was spotless blue, and while my friends went for a cruise on Milford Sound - where they enjoyed watching some seldom seen whales, I walked the rather easier than expected Key Summit track, where I could enjoy 360° of awesome views.
 |
| view of the beginning of the track |
 |
| One of the best picnic areas on the whole trip |
 |
| Wakatipu at sunset |
Day 15
Our goal for the day was Mount Cook, but we decided to take a small detour through the Alpine Scenic Route, offering some nice stops along the way to Cardrona.
Then, approaching Mt Cook, we stopped at the Salmon Farm (which contrary to what Lonely Planet says, was not the freshest), then enjoyed the surreal color of Lake Pukaki,
before arriving at our YHA in Mount Cook village. As we were short on time, we did the easy Kea Point track, which led us at the feet of the Mueller Glacier.
It was amazing because twice we heard it roar as some ice and rocks were falling in the valley. The sound it makes, echoed through the mountains, is really powerful.
Day 16
The last day, finally, started with one stop at the Pukaki Visitor Center Lookout, then Lake Tekapo's,
before driving through Burke's Pass and the Inland scenic route SH72. The theory is that they chose this road as scenic to prevent more people on SH1, because there's only one thing to see, some gorges I can't remember the name of, and it's probably not worth the detour.
Then we continued on SH77/73 to Christchurch. When I first came to this town, I didn't realize how damaged it was from the 2010/2011 series of earthquakes. But then we went to Cathedral Square, which is one big open wound in the city center.
On our search for dinner, we found out that some restaurants still listed on Google don't exist anymore, and after 3 attempts at restaurants that were all fully booked, we discovered the genuine gem called Astro Lounge. It was simply perfect and I was glad our other attempts failed: geeky atmosphere, live music, good food.
 |
| the entrance puts you directly in the right mood |
So, what more could we need?
I must write an addendum just to mention the road around Kaikoura that is really spectacular. I did it on an Intercity bus from Chrischurch, so it was frustrating that I couldn't take any pictures (and it was raining anyway), but I really recommend the road both entering and exiting the little whale city.
Well, that's it for New Zealand... for now... Haere Ra!
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