We woke up to a bright, sunny day and left Hahei to go to Rotorua. I could have just left my camera clicking the whole way. The scenery is breathtaking. It's hard to take it all in. It's like what I imagine being in heaven would be like. Good thing I'm experiencing it while I'm still alive!!! I'm sure there are other places in the world where I would feel this way but I may never see them the way Auto is driving these steep windy roads! Yike...

Kia ora (hello in Maori)! Brekkie was included today and we ate with the 2 guys from the U.S. They are interesting fellows. We left for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula at 8:00 am. It just into the Pacific east of Auckland and forms the eastern edge of the Hauraki Gulf. Along the way Auto entertained us with Maori legends and briefed us on all the things that can go wrong - earthquakes and tsunamis!!! He assures us g Adventures are constantly watching the wea...

A day to explore Auckland until 6:30 pm when we had our tour meeting. We got a later checkout so decided to walk downtown along the waterfront to take in some sights. It was muggy as hell and we were both sopped when we got back to the hotel. We then took a cab to our g Adventures hotel. OMG!!! It's a f*c*ing hostel!!! So, we went from a 4* hotel to a 1*. Again, my attitude is "it is what it is". I gotta say though I'm very disappointed in some of g A...

Hi all. Just wanted to let you know that the web page doesn't seem to be working properly. My photos aren't uploading for some reason. I spent hours yesterday (until 1:00 am this morning) uploading yesterday and they're not showing up. So I'll try to figure it out. Check back in a day or 2 to see the photos for the last few days. Maybe it's all screwed up 'cuz my tablet isn't used to being down under!

Of course, we awoke to a bright, sunny day after 2 days of muggy, overcast weather. We can't complain, though, as the weather has been great for the most part. Our flight for Auckland left on time at 12:30 pm. I had another cry on the way to the airport in the shuttle and at the airport whilst corresponding with some of the group. Vic thinks I'm nuts!! Don't anyone say it!! I can't say enough about Qantas airlines. We had exit row seats with to...