Tramping around New Zealand

New Zealand 2017 

January 20, 2017 - Our New Zealand experience begins! We depart LAX at 11pm after bagging the last two "standby seats" on AA Flt 82 and arrive in (AKL) Auckland, New Zealand at 9am on Jan 22nd. January 21st did not happen! 

Jan 22nd - Terry and the three German "mates" after we rescued them when they inadvertently drove their vehicle off the wet, slick gravel road in Te Urewera National Park!

 Not how you want to spend the day in a National Park! 

Jan 23rd - The rain finally let up in the afternoon and after spending a couple of hours trying to discover the nuances of Tongariro National Park, we ventured over to Whanganui NP.

The Whanganui River as viewed from the tiny town of Pipiriki. Pipiriki is the launching point for the boats that will take you upriver to The Bridge to Nowhere! We passed on this "opportunity!"

Jan 24th - New Plymouth. The sun came out today as we made our way on the wrong side of the road from Taupo to New Plymouth. This photo represents a strange piece of artwork located on the beachfront walkway. Not only does it distort your body, it reverses the viewer's position insomuch as I am actually standing on Terry's left!

Jan 25/26 - Wellington. Pleasant stay in Wellington. We took the World renouned Cable Car up to begin our tour of the gorgeous Wellington Botanical Gardens where the Hydrangea were in full color!

Wandering around the Waterfront in Wellington rewards you with an assortment of artwork, cafes, museums and interesting people!

Jan 27th - Queenstown. Our VRBO home had a most spectacular view!

Queenstown sunset.

Jan 28th - On our way to Milford Sound.

Mitre Mountain - Milford Sound

Milford Sound water feature.

Jan 29 - Kirkwood's, Gill's and Binkele's tasting Queenstown's local grape juice.

Wine Tasting at its finest!

Classic Tasting Rooms!

Mary befriends White Rabbit after tasting a variety of vinos. 

New Zealand cairns!

Bungy jumping is BIG in Queenstown!

Jan 30th  - Franz- Josef Glacier on our way to Greymouth.

High fiving the Franz Josef Ranger!

Franz Josef waterfalls

Snowy Mountain - the fierce "Guard Sheep" protecting our VRBO home!

Terry loving up Snowy.

Greymouth sunset.

Jan 31st - The gang headed up to Pancake Rocks.

Pancake Rocks.

West coast New Zealand - South Island just north of Greymouth.

Feb 1st- Travel Day. Greymouth to Christchurch. Bypassed Arthurs Pass National Park due to foul weather. Upon arrival in Christchurch we Trolly'd around town to get a feel about this earthquake devastated city.

Feb 2nd - 'Inspirational" country drive out to Akaroa.

Kiwi Knomes sunning themselves in Akaroa. 

Akaroa Lighthouse.

Feb 3rd - Travel day. Christchurch to Auckland to Glow Worm Caves via our way to Rotorua.

Feb 4th - Noodling around our VRBO abode in Rotorua.

Rotorua sunrise. 

A lake full of Black Swans.

Maori Warrior.

Feb 5th  - Visited the Shire and explored Hobbiton. 

"Fake Tree!"

Happy Hobbits in Hobbiton!

In New Zealand speak, "tramping" is the word the Kiwi's use for hiking. A "track" is reference to the trails they tramp! Tramping is a very popular outdoor activity in this beautiful, peaceful and friendly country. If we had more time and were better prepared for the wet weather we experienced, Terry and I would have spent much more time tramping about the parks!