Today we traveled to the Northland and are staying in Paihia which is access to the Bay Of Islands. There are 177 islands in this area. Randy wanted to be able to spend at least 2 days here. We drove through Auckland "The City Of Sails". The harbor was filled with sailboats so hope to spend a day there as well on the way back.
Wanted to document a few NZ fun facts by our observation:
Even though there are lots of sheep in this country woolen products are more expensive here than in the US.
They do have wonderful lanolin lotions.
NZ paua shell jewelry is very popular.
NZ Jade stones are also beautiful with some very fine carving and polishing.
Wonderful cheese! The best we have had is Whitestone Windsor Blue. It's made in Omaru but available all over NZ, and is only about $6 for a small wedge.
Every town has a couple of bakeries with very fancy goods. We discovered that both NZ and AU are passionate about having morning and afternoon tea and biscuits (cookies). Even if you are on a tour, tea and biscuits are part of the schedule.
AU and NZ love their small meat pies for fast take away food. There are just like small flakey pot pies and quite good.
Every town has a main street dairy (ice cream shop).
The names of the towns are Maori so very hard to say ie Whangaparaoa, Whangarei, Pukekohe.
15% of the current population of NZ is Maori. Seems to be more heritage info here on the North Island.
McDonalds and KFC are the most common US chains that we have seen here. Lots of McDonalds in AU.
Fuel octane used here is 91,95,and 98.
It has been fun to observe working sheep dogs. It's amazing how they can control the herds.