Yellowstone and Hobbiton

As indicated yesterday, my day was fully packed.

After a quick breakfast (yes, another avocado toast), I made my way towards Rotorura - don’t tell anyone, but it’s coming pretty close to Yellowstone. Mud pools, geysers, hot pools, bubbles and sulphuric smell all around. Interestingly enough - people are living basically right next to these pools. For Māori, those are sacred sites and in fact you will find Māori villages close by. I’m always reluctant to visit these ‘living villages’ - I appreciate sharing cultures, introducing customs - but I’m always feeling a bit like in a zoo… really uncomfortable - and therefore opted primarily for the nature trails.

From there I went to Hobbiton!!! Sooooo cool! You can walk along the original Hobbit holes, listen to a number of background stories, have a drink in the green dragon and feel as if Frodo is about to jump out of the bushes (he did not). I’m actually considering to watch lord of the rings on my flight tomorrow - if available (and if my flight leaves as planned).

From there, the final leg to Auckland. Way toooo manny people here on a Saturday evening, in particular huge competition for dinner options.
Not sure I’m up for big city life tomorrow - but given the weather forecast (pouring rain!), I’ll have to rethink my plans anyway… tomorrow…

Now… it’s one last time goodnight from New Zealand. Hopefully…
I know I mentioned it before - I would not mind staying longer. But admittedly - not in a storm in Auckland. That does not sound too appealing…
Let’s keep fingers crossed!!Read more