We started our vacation in Aukland, New Zealand's biggest city. But we quickly headed north to Paihia and the Bay of Islands. Next up was 90 mile beach and some more exploring of the Northland, including the kauri trees in the Waipoua Kauri Forest and the Whangarei Falls. After the Northlands, we headed off to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Next, we stayed with Cynthia's friends Allison and Scott Wright who live in Rotorua. While we were there, Allison showed us around town. We saw one the city's geysers (unfortunately, I've forgotten the name), Rainbow Springs and Farm, Mount Ngongotaha, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, and Huka Falls, in nearby Wairakei Park.
After Rotorua, we only had one day to finish up our North Island tour and catch the ferry to the South Island. Along the way, we visited the remains of a Maori Pa, a fortified town. We also went black water rafting in the Waitomo Caves. No pictures, but the rafting was very cool, especially the glow worms and the waterfall jumping...
Since we were running short on time, we could only zip through Tongariro National Park and watch the sunset. The next morning in Paekakariki, we had a short drive to Wellington and the Picton Ferry where we began our visit to the South Island.