Reset search
New Zealand
Currently traveling
  • Amanda Davidson

New Zealand

An open-ended adventure by Amanda Read more
FollowInsightsCalendarShareShareBucket list
Oldest first
  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Lake Tekapo

    February 19, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 -1 °C

    We slept in a little today Chris was really sick with the Flu. After some cereal we where on our way. Amanda had seen the night before a tick on the map so thought we would head there on our way to Lake Tekapo. The tick was an old 1800's cottage - Burnett Quarry Reserve which was situated near Mount Summers off Ashburton George Road. When we got there we drove down a little gravel road to a dried up creek. We walked over the creek and towards the house. There was still an old bridge over the creek and several farming equipment all rusted around the yard. The house was the size of a bedroom and made of solid white stone. Inside the house there where still belongings in an open cupboard, an old fireplace, photos and the top of a bed head. The open roof had a meezemene floor as well. The roof inside was made of straw and barb wire and the outside was tin however we thought that bad been replaced to help keep the cottage reserved. The cottage had such a eerie vibe we didnt stay to long. We then continued down Highway 72 onto 79 and then onto Highway 8. We didnt really stop anywhere here just for a few photos when we got closer to Lake Tekapo. When we got closer to the Lake we turned down Lilybank Road which followed the right side of the lake. We wouldnt have gotten 50 meters before we were stopping to take photos. We stopped about 3 times and got out to take photos. The lake was so beauitful the water was such a bright light bluey/green, we had both never seen a Lake like this before. We decided to follow this road around the Lake which seemed to go on for ever. We got about an hour in and Amanda realised the road was actually a dead end.. oops!! We continued on to the near end as the view was amazing. You could see the large mountains in the background and you could even see some snow on a few. We turned around and by this time the car was covered with dust as most of the past hour was driving on a dirt road. On the way back we saw a guy we had seen on the way down. When we first saw him we where wondering why he was in the middle of know where. He signaled us to pick him up, we both where like should we - yes, no, maybe, arrrh I dont know. Before we know it we had a german guy called Alex in our car. He was actually quite lovely. He was telling us that he was in the middle of know where becuase he was half way through a few day hike however decided to turn around becuase of the cyclone warnings. He had been travelling for a few months now working different jobs, he seemed like he was quite intelligent. We drove about an hour with Alex in the van before we dropped him at his motorbike.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Akaroa Bay

    February 18, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    On the way down to Akaroa we didnt really stop at all only for some photos and a short drive down Summit Road in Akaroa where we stopped at an area that over looked the Bay. When we got down to the Bay just before Duvauchelle we stopped at the little part of the Bay that goes out. The middle of this is actually an active volcano so we decided to climb it. The start part was a little steep, after we got some pictures we climbed down and walk along the beach towards the end where we climbed an even bigger hill. The view from up there was amazing!! On the way down we went a diffetent way down which had a sign saying keep out, dangerous etc. It wasnt at all bad just a little eroding here and there. We then stroll on to the car. Headed back up Highway 75 onto Highway 76 briefly then got back onto Highway 1. We headed on Highway 1 to Rakaia then headed up to Methven. We where now on the tourist root in front of Mt Hutt and Mount Taylor. The drive was amazing with all the mountains on the horizon. We found a free camp site inbetween Staveley and Mount Somers. The camp site was pretty good we had a drop toilet and plenty of room, the views werent to shabby either.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Christchurch

    February 18, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Woke up around 8:00ish and started headed to Christchurch. We missed the freeway turn off several times so we ended up driving all around the area. When we got into Christchurch we drove around a little and endes up at the Botanical Gardens. We got out and walked around for about an hour. The gardens were pretty good, they had lots of big trees so Chris didnt mind the walk. When we got back we walked around a boat house on the river and noticed they were hiring out bikes so we decided to hire some for 2 hours. We rode the bikes around the botanical gardens, through the park and also to the earth quake memorial which was really sad. After our exhausting bike ride lol we deaded to countdown to do some food shopping. Mind you we ended up buying the shop because we where so hungry lol. We both got their famous chicken sandwiches from the deli. I thought the one Chris got last time was a little yummier however they were still good. After packing all of our food in the fridge we decided to head down to Akaroa where an active volcano is positioned in the middle of the Bay.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Nearlly at Christchurch

    February 17, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Next stop along Highway 1 was Cheviot. Here we did a tourist loop on Cathedral Road down to Port Robinson. We stopped at the bay at the end of the loop and had a walk along the beach. We then headed back up the mountain about 2kms where we stopped at a look out. Amanda wanted to do this loop for this lookout. There was an open cliff side with really amazing carvings which looked like large pilars. If they werent purposely carved into the cliff they certainly looked like they had been. After completely the loop we continued back onto the road where we found a hot shower spot on Greta Valley road. The owner wasnt home so we walked around for a while. We then decided to shower, once we finished we went outside and found the care taker there he just said not to worry about paying him which was a bonus. We then back tracked a km or 2 and headed down Motunau Road where we stayed in a camp site right on the Motunau River. The camp site wasnt to bad here. We played some cards, made some cheese toasties and then watched half of Suicide Squad.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    East Coast

    February 17, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Woke up around 7:30 in Robin Hood Bay - one of our favs. We then headed back down the mountain and stopped for breakfast at one of the lookouts. Once down the mountain we continued on Highway 1 for a little and stopped at a beach called Cloudy Bay. The beaches where really pebbled with a lot of drift wood. We walked along the beach for a short while then continued on to Kekerengu where we stopped at a market we saw. This market was a little trash and treasure market. We bought some tomatoes as well as some dvds and cds from a local guy. The cds were pretty rubbish but for a $1 who really cares. After about half an hour of looking we continued on to Kaikoura which was one of the town hit the worst in 2011, the local had told us to go have a look. On the way down the damage was very evident with major road works happening because several cliff sides had fallen away. Roads that were higher up the mountain were no longer accesable. Just outside of Kaikoura we stopped at a local hunting shop. Chris wad having a field day!! He bought a knife to open the oysters with as well a as souvenir hat. Once we reached Kaikoura we parked the car and walked around the local shops. We then found a really good food place called Groper Garage. The food here was amazing!! So fresh and such a good feed. Chris had fish, chips and salad and Amanda had nanchos. We both left feeling pregnant haha. We then decided to take the Kaikoua Peninsula link which took us to Seal Bay and a Seal Colonel. The first stop was a look out and we didnt really see any seals. We continued on down the road where we got out and walk along the rocks on the bay. Here we saw what we thought was a nice little seal. With a few selfies and hangs we then had a near death experience. The bloody seal started roaring at us!! Think he was angry we where standing near him. We were so scared we ran off haha and then headed back to the car.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Weta Productions

    February 16, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    From Mount Victoria we headed to Weta Productions where we then booked a tour to go through the work shop. Before our tour we watched a half an hour video of how Weta Productions started and also all the movies they have been envolved in. We where both quite surprised at how many they had actually been involved with. After the short video we looked around the gift shop where Amsnda finally bought a precious ring (precioussss with creepy voice) and Chris bought a black arror pendant necklace from the Hobbit movie. We then made our way to the back of the store where our tour began. The tour was Amazing!! It showed us how the props wherw created from start to finish. We also got to hold and try on several props. It had so many large props of Lord of the Rings such as the white orch from the Hobit, the Roborts from Distric 9 and a real life wart hog from Halo. There was also Sarons outfit and the 9 kings armor, they also had methril that frodo wore when he got stabbed. We both loved this place, highly recommend it. After we finished we got photos with the troll statues out the front then hurried off to the peer as we needed to get onto our Ferri to the South Island. We waited in the line for about an hour and a half then drove onto our boat.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Picton

    February 16, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    We arrived on the shore about 6:30. We headed down Highway 1 towards Tuamarina where we cut into Cloudy Bay. We then drove along the bay aswell as up several mountains, the views were absolutely amazing. You could see all the wineries we had past as well as sea and mountains. We continued down a dirt road for 5kms and arrived at our free camp site which was called Robin Hood Bay. It was really nice, several campers were catching muscles in the Bay. A lovely american guy gave us a sample of his muscles which were cookes in garlic butter. We played some cards, planned some of our trip and then watched Swat. Chris would like to add I took up all the bed last night, in my defence the van was on a lean and I keep slipping down.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Wellington - Mount Victoria

    February 16, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    This morning woke up at 8am and packed up and made our way to Wellington where we had a list of things to do. We first headed to Wellington where we mistakenly thought it was the park where they shot get off the road sceen. We where mistaken lol once we realised we then headed to Mount Victoria where we headed down to the spot. This was where they where filmed get off the road screen. It wasnt what we thought exactly, we where lucky enough to arrive when a tour guide was there and we over heard him saying that the tree/vines above bank where synthetic. After a few cheeky photos we headed back to the car and ventured our way.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Wellington Continued

    February 15, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    We then continued on Wellington where we stopped in the main port at Lambton Harbour. We walked along the peer and then ventured into Te Papa which was a New Zealand free museum. We spend hours in here. There where several different stories and areas. They had a large Gallipoli exhabition which was amazing with large human replicas that where 2.5 sizes bigger then a real person. There was also an earth, sea and cultural section. We quit enjoyed seeing the largest colossal squid in the world to be place in a museum. Our feet where quit sore by now so we decided to find a local shower. We ended up at the Wellington Recreational center where we paid for a pool pass which included a spa and sauna. We sent a fair time in the spa, it was so nice to just sit down. We then headed to the local laundromat and waited there while ours wet and smelly clothes dried. It was now time for bed so we had a look at the free camp sites, there where a few in Wellington but they where just in a carpark. We decided to head upto Ngati Toa Domain which was near the brigde into Wellington.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Wellington

    February 15, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Slept in a little today woke up around 9am then cooked some pasta dish for the next few dinners. We left there around 11am and headed back roughly 20km where we had seen a sign last light to Owlcatraz which was a bird sanctuary where Chris was hoping to find a kiwi bird, this place was Chris unfortunatly so we continued onto Wellington. We briefly stopped off Otaki where there was an old railway station, nothing to interesting to see so we left not long after. We then continued down Highway 1 where we saw a sign just out side of Welling to a New Zealand Police museum. We decided to stop in here which we where both glad we did. In side the museum there where cool officers uniforms we got to try on, great insite to the equipment, practices and several murder cases. There where heaps of displays and interesting things to look at. Amanda bought little Oliver a police outfit.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Wellington here we come

    February 14, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We got to about Ohotu before we again took another detour haha. We saw a canyon sign and decided to follow the road which lead us to a massive canyon. We stopped at several places along the canyon and took some photos. A company which you could swing in the canyon we actually closed we thought that may have been because of the eroding we suspect from heavy rain hall. We then continued onto Mangaweka were we decided to follow the canyon and take the scenic root. This road was amazing, we took so many photos over looking all the hills and canyon. This way was taking far to long so we cut across to Cheltenham where we had a quick stop. This town was such a cute town. We continued down Highway 54 to Palmerston North. We had found a free camp on Highway 2 where Amanda called and they said to just rock up at any time. We headed to Woodville where we started taking Highway 2 down South. We got about a kilometer down and the road was closed, so annoying as it was getting dark and the campsite was only about half an hour down the freeway. We had to head back up and around the Palmerston North. We then made our way down Highway 1 to Muhunoa East where we stayed in Kimberley Reserve. It was about 10pm by now and we where hungry by really couldnt feel bothered cooking. Chris had a sandwich and potato chips and Amanda had some hot cross buns lol. Chris also decided to have a hot cross bun with bbq chips which he quite enjoyed. Off to bed it was.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Lake Taupo

    February 14, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We then headed down to lake Taupo. We drove around the right side all along the lake. It was a little disappointing because the weather was overcast again and you couldn't really see a lot. We did stop for lunch and made some toasties again lol. The sun came out a little here which was good. We then continued on down State Hwy 1. We saw several tanks on the Highway and saw that it was a National Army Museum so we both decided to have a look. Unfortunatly they were closing soon so we had to rush through. The museum had really great attention to detail. We hurried through in half an hour when we returned to reception the receptionist kindly offered that of we would like to come back again it would be complimentary. We kindly accepted and continued on our way out. We then went to the gift shop and Amanda bought a book for her grandpa.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Huka Falls

    February 14, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    We then continued onto Huka Falls. Once at the Huka Falls we took the Thermal Explorer Highway along side the falls. We stopped at several look out points and then stopped at the geogre. We walked across a bridge and have a look at the falls further down. We could see several boats in the geogre. On the same road we stopped Huka Honey Live. Chris was in his element here. They had a lot more glass hives, more manuka honey, honey ice-cream as well as honey alcohol here. They also had a video we watched of a guy man making a hive and Chris got to try on a bee suit. Chris tried several different honeys as well as some yummy honeycomb. We both tried some fig and honey ive-cream and also another honey ice-cream we cant remember, they were both really good though.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu

    February 14, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Woke up in our Okawa Reserve again. We really needed to started heading down to Wellington so decided today we would try and get as far as we could. Of course we got distracted only half an hour down. We stopped at Waiotapu and did the short loop. We first went to look at Waiotapu Thermal Track which had more geothermal mud pools we then continued to drive on to Lady Knox Geyser. Unfortunatly it was closed at this time however it didnt stop Amanda from going through the bush. There was a massive geyser here however it wasnt going at the moment. We then headed further down the road where Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland was situated. This place was amazing!! So many Geothermal craters, pools and there was a massive green Geothermal pool. In both of our opinions it was much better then Te Puia. After we completed the loop we hurried back to the Geyser as a show was about to happen. We parked the car and ran to the Geyser it was insane qith teh amount of people heading there. The presenter holding the show told us a the story of how they discovered that the Geyser could actually be activated. He told us how a prisoner accidently dropped his soap into it and it erupted with a chemical reaction with the bicarbs in the soap. This was how the presenter made the Geyser erupt for everyone today.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Polynesian Spa - Rotorua

    February 13, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    After the Te Pui we headed to the Polynesian Spa. Here we purchased a private room and general admition. We had half an hour in a private room which encluded a geothermial spa and shower. It was about 41° in our private spa. They controlled the water in the pool by adding cold water or we would have be boiled to deal. It was so hot in the pool we had to keep getting out. After our half an hour we headed to the adult pool which over looked Rotorua lake. So many naked Asians it wasnt funny! The different pools were different temperatures. We spent a while here just relaxing. After a nice shower we decided well Amanda decided she wanted Pizza. We headed to the local pizza store and then ate in the carpark. We then headed back to our Otawa Reserve where we had sleep the previous night.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Another day in Rotorua

    February 13, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Woke up fairly early in Okawa Reserve and then started planning our day. As we didnt get to Redwood Forest yesterday we headed there first thing. When there we decided to purchase the tree walkimg experience. This was a half an hour loop - 500 meters about 15 meters from the grond. This loop was really enjoyable with so many amazing large trees. We then did a 3km walk around the forest. We could have stayed her all day. It was a little wet still however however it wasnt going to stop us from our adventures. We then went on the search to find the Jelly Belly store. When we found it we only then realised it was up the top of the cablecart. We decided to purchase a ticket for the cablecart which also encluded x3 luge tickets. We headed up the cablecart which had a pretty good view. We then ecplored a little and had a look at the Jelly Shop. It literally had every flavour jelly belly. We then headed to the luge. We grabbed our helmets and started lining up. The bobsleds where pretty cool. Amanda was a littlw scared at the start however when we started going it wasnt as bad as she had thought. The loop was windy heading down a steep hill, Chris got a video on his go pro which was awesome!! It was literally like mario cart haha. When we were at bottom of the loop when then grabbed the chair lift back up. After our 3 goes at this we then headed to Te Pui which was a Geothermial large area where you could a tour. Te Pui is a multi cultural center. Here we learnt more about the multi cultural back ground of the mauri. Our tour took roughly an hour, we had the best guide who was very insightful. We then took our own tour around the gysters, geothermial areas, mud pools and steam pits. This place was epic!! So amazing!!!Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua

    February 12, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    We then headed to Tamaki Maori Village in Tamki. We waited a little then boarded our bus called the Kotuku. We dedicated our Chef on the bus and got to the village and catche the greeting ceremony where they greeted each tribes (buses) leader. This was pretty good, we werent aloud to smile or laugh as it was disrespectful. We then headed into the grounds where each ground went around to each section. In one we learnt traditional games, another the guys did the huka and then we played some rop games and learnt some cultural information in another. Our chefs then led us to an area where we were showed the hungi, this was where they cooked the food in the ground. Our chefs then lead us to this large hall where we watched several cultural dances and song. They also did the huka which I enjoyed. We then headed to a massive fall and had a ginormous feast. Chris had about 100 mussels which he enjoyed. After about an hour we headed back to the Tamaki head quarters. On the bus we song several songs. We then decided to do some washing and drying as our clothes from yesterday were wet. This took about an hour. We then headed back near the airport on the east side of Lake Rotorua in Okawa Reserve where stayed in a small court near a yeti. Went to sleep about 12pm.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Day spent in Rotorua

    February 12, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Woke up fairly early again today in the free campsite. As we had no service last night being in the jungle we couldnt look at anything we wanted to do today. We headed up to what I thought was a volcano in Whakatane. We where half way and I couldnt see this volcano on the map so we decided to pull over. What it was was a volcano tour over to the Island but I forgot to write that on my map lol. Never the less we trooped on and had some bakery breakfast. We then headed back down to Rotorua. On the way down we stopped at Comvita which was a bee factory or as Chris says a honey processing extraction factory and laboratory. When we pulled up it was this massive white building and looked a little weird. We decided to do a tour as Chris was very interested and said a few times he wanted to go see the honey. The tour was actually amazing!!! They showed us how honey was created, how they place hives in isolated rainforests where it is only accessable via helicopter, we saw a live hive with the queen, we also catched a virtual reality video and learnt the life cycle of a bee from drones - workers and the queen. Chris bought some honey and I bought some some cream for Mel which was some medical honey. We then continued on back to Rotorua, on the way down we stopped for a few photos as the weather wasnt to bad. We then headed to The Redwood Forest where we went to explore however YET AGAIN the windows did not close on the van. We had to call Jucy again and they arrange another machine to have a look, we headed straight there. When Chris was looking at the motor he actually realised what the problem was when we where there. It was the fusable link to the battery so an easy fix. About half an hour later we decided to head back to the main town area we walk along the edge of lake Rotorua looking at cool Geothermal Pockets. We found some huge ones in peoples front yards. We then found a WW2 memorial ground with large graves and plaques. We then headed back to the pools were we where yesterday and had a quick swim and shower. As we had a Maori tour booked so needes to be ready by 4pm.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Okere Falls and Rapids

    February 11, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    We were drowned rats by now haha. We decided to find a shower. We decided to go to the Rotarua local pool and have a swim and shower. We had a bit of a paddle then left there around 8:30. We now had to find some free camp ground, this was the fun bit- not haha. We found 2 free sites which were full so decided to treck to another about 20kms away. We only now realised our head lights where rubbish as Chris would say. This drive was a near death experience. Sharp turns and no lights is not recommended. What should have been a 10 minute drive took us about half an hour if not more. We finally arrived thankful we were alive hahha.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    The Journey to Rotorua

    February 11, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    We stopped at a cider winery around Waihi which was really nice. We srill couldnt see completely becasue of the clouds however what we could see was pretty good. We both got a $10 paddle of cider which was yummy well Amanda thought so, Chris didnt really like his so gave it to Amanda. We also ate these delicuous chips, gravey and cheese dish and got some yummy pop corn chicken. Chris loved the the satay sauce and wanted to buy some buy they only supplied it wholesale. After about an hour we continued down along the coast to Te Puna. We then headed across the Tauranga bridge and around to Waitao. Amanda saw another water fall on the map so we headed down as it had amazing review. There falls where in Ohauiti Forrest in the large forrest area above Rotarua. These falls wheretowards the top, they where called Kaiate Falls. We had to walk a far way down to these falls however it was well worth it. There where about 4 layers of falls from the bridge we where on. These were probably one of our favourite falls so far. We then headed down highway 33 to the start of Rotarua. We found some more falls these ones where on the edge of Lake Rotorua, they where called Okere Falls. By now it was poring down so we we drenched. We still decided to walk down to the falls. The first section we went down wasnt to shabby it had only a small fall. There where some very old from 1901 turbines in the middle of the water fall. After a quick look around we went to another carpark and ventured back out into the rain. We found a path which was steep and flowing with water. We managed to climb down the stairs around around this broken tree. The rapids where crazy!! They where so strong they were coming up onto the stairs and lookout point. This was by far our favourite rapid/water fall.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua

    February 11, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    We woke up around 8 this morning on the beach of Tapu. The weather was still miserable and raining which was annoying. We decided to head straight down to Rotorua well that was the plan. On the way down we filled up and as Chris was filling the car I was quickly looking through several brochures and found one for this amazing rock in Hahei on the east coast of Coromandel Peninsula. We turned around and headed up the east coast, took about an hour and we were there. The weather was raining at it made it very hard to see the bay and all the large rocks coming out of the ocean. The main attraction was an hour hike from the top of the mountain down towards the beach. As it was pouring and there where no buses or travel boats we decided to give this a miss. I really wanted to see this so we have decided to head back up there on the way home. After a quick look on Hahei beach we grabbed an ice-cream and was on our way to Rotorua.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Whangarei - Coromandel Peninsula

    February 10, 2018 in New Zealand

    We woke up to find our van full of mosquitoes which were eating us alive in the early hours of the morning. We spent the next 4 hours eradicating them out of the van, we then fell back asleep for a few more hours. When we woke up we discussed what we were having for breakfast and decided to have vegimite and cheese sandwich which ended up being eaten in our undies in the rain. We left the camp site around 10am and headed back to Whangarei itchy and tired. We got back on the highway 1 heading to Auckland. We took yet again another detour to Ruakaka to have a look at Ocean Bay were there is apparently whale sightings however we didnt see any even though Amanda tried to call for them! No response from the sea haha! We then got back on the highway 1 and headed to Wellsford were we had been before. We decided to explore down the south east coast this time. On the way we saw a sheep sign to sheep world so thought we would have a look. Sheep world was in Warkworth. We didnt do a tour as it was $35 however did buy several things from the store. I bought 2 quality sheep skin white rugs and have then shipped home and Amanda bought some socks for her grandma. From sheep world we headed through Auckland and over the bridge. We made our way down to Drury where I suggested to Amanda we should go over look some Irelands at the top of Ponui Island. As we where heading up through Manurews we saw a sign for a water fall Amanda wanted to.go so we turned around and headed that direction. The water fall was called Hunua. At the carpark of the water falls we decided to cook some cheese toastoes which where good, we then decided to cook our dinner which was pesto pasta again. After we finished cooking we headed to the falls to have a look. It was magnificent lots of water spray coming off and showering us again. We decided to have a look for a place to have a shower, Amanda called this place and they where opened. We then headed straight but got distracted along the way. We stopped at The Warehouse where I got a jumper and we got rain goats. We then departed from The Warehouse where Amanda decided she needed KFC lol. So we went to the drive through and got Mandy food. Once we finished at KFC we departed alongthe edge of Coromandel Peninsula through Orere Point tl Thames and onto Tapu. This drive was amazing we could see all the mountains on the other side of the Bay. After about an hours drive we stopped in a carivan park where we showered and did some washing. The carivan park was pretty cool, it had heaps of small carivans and anxxes connected the carivans. We got talking with the owner and several people actually live in the carivans here. Fairly early night tonight which was definitly needed after our bug episode.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Whangarei Heads

    February 9, 2018 in New Zealand

    From our favourite Parekura Bay we headed down to Helena Bay and then back onto the State Highway. We started heading to Whangarei where we knew there would be somewhere to stay near by. We decided to head down to Whangarei Heads where we had found several free accomodation sites. On the way there we found a sign saying Falls so of course Amanda wanted to go take a look. These falls were called the Whangarei Falls. This falls were AMAZING! There were several look out points and a muddy stair case we climbed down. The falls were so full and heavy that the spray was hitting us about 20 meters from the base. It was crazy, literally felt like we got out of the shower. Definitly recommend this water fall to people. After the falls we continued on to Parua Bay and onto Whangarei Heads. This place was crazy!! The large mountains were covered in fog and there were large rocks in front of the mountains. On the other side you had an amazing coast view and towards the water there was a seaport which had hundreds of shipping containers. We found this amazing camp site on the base of the foggy mountains. We had a quick walk on the beach and tried to find some oysters. Chris found one and eat it - gross!! We then cooked some pesto pasta as the sun set. Today was a good day of exploring.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    Bay of Islands

    February 9, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    After our shop at Woolworths we headed to the Waianwaniwa Rainbow Falls which were pretty small however still good. It was raining heaps so we had to quickly run to the falls and back. We then continued on the State Hwy. We took a right at Puketona Road towards Paihia. On the way we took a short detour to Haruru Falls. These falls were taller than the others and had 2 amazing look out points. It was raining again so we hurried to the falls. When we got back to the van there were about 400 hundred chickens in the car park lol. We continued on this road and ended up at Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We wanted to go into the grounds however they were $130 plus the reviews werent great so we decided to continue on. We headed along Paihia Road where there were some pretty amazing views down to the beache. Amanda wanted to get closer to the bay so we decided to go down a road which she believed to be sealed. It was not!! About half an hour later we were still on this gravel road in the Russell Forrest which was pretty amazing mind you. We came to a stop where the road was covered with water after about 10 minutes of deciding whether or not to go through we did. We were now heading around the Te Rawhiti Inlet. We first stopped at Dicks Bay and then headed to Parekura Bay. This bay was our favourite so far. We stopped at several different places along the road and explored several beaches. We loved how the farms and the beaches literally joined next to one another right on the beach.Read more

  • Amanda DavidsonNew ZealandTraveler

    East Coast - Bay of Islands

    February 9, 2018 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Woke up at Taupo on the beach about 7:30am. It was so peaceful with no body around. We quickly got changed and then had some coco pops on the beach. After breakfast we got back on state highway heading towards The Bay of Islands, along the way we saw a tourist drive which we decided to drive down. This went all around Wainui Road. Along this drive we went down one of the roads which lead to Whangaroa Bay. The views here were great however it was very cloudy and over cast. We took a few videos and photos and then we were on our way. On the way down to Bay of Islands we called Jucy and spoke to them about our fridge not working. They told us to go to Keri Keri and an auto electrican there would fix the fridge. We had to wait and hour so we drove around and found a large stone building that sold old stones. We went to go in however it was pouring down rain so thought we would go purchase umbrellas first. We shopped around in the $2 shop and Amanda bought ponchos whilst Bully filled up the car - $2.09 a litre which was a fair price. We then decided to go to the automachanics as it had already been an hour. We dropped the car off and the receptionist then drove us back into town. We grabbed a bite to eat, Amanda got a steak and cheese pie and chips and Chris got a pork pie and x2 sausage rolls. Chris's pie wasnt that great, very interesting tatse. Chris then decided he wanted to go to the opshop of course haha. He got 2 alright tops I must say. Chris is telling me to say with brand new labels lol. The lady from the automachanics called us about half an hour later. We then collected our keys and were on our way. We had a quick shop at Woolworths to replace the food that was off and then headed on our way to the Bay of Islands.Read more

  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice