North Island, New Zealand

My friend Emily is travelling to New Zealand in a few weeks and has asked for my advice on places to visit on the North Island. New Zealand was one of my favourite countries that I visited during my time travelling – you can’t imagine the beautiful scenery around every single corner, mixed with great people and a laid back atmosphere like I have never experienced before!

We landed in to Auckland and checked in to the Base hostel. It was not particularly great but pretty cheap and in a good location on the main shopping street in the city. A lot of people that I met didn’t like Auckland, they thought it boring, with nothing to do, however I loved it. It was just cosmopolitan enough but small and quaint with character. I think I may also have been won over as I flew there following a sweltering few weeks in the Australian Outback so was ready for some cold weather and the chance to wear a coat.

I took the ferry over to Devonport –  a quiet little island that is easy to explore in half a day.  It offers great views of the other volcanic islands around the bay and is a nice refreshing way to spend an afternoon. I am an art gallery fan. I appreciate that it isn’t everyones ideal way to spend a day but I find it relaxing and Auckland gallery did not disappoint. It is free to enter (always a big plus with me and my pikey backpacker ways!) and had a beautiful collection of pieces including a fascinating introduction to Maori culture.

I read many travel blogs that go in to great depth about the delicious local delicacies that they have tried around the world. As a vegetarian I have found this a bit of a challenge in many places, although I do always try, but by the time I had made it to New Zealand after a year of travelling I was tired and strapped for cash. So when I discovered that Dominos pizzas were only $4 (at the time that was £2) all my prayers had been answered. Ridiculously cheap comfort food that saved me from having to cook pasta in yet another hostel kitchen.

I headed north from Auckland to Pahia (Bay of Islands) a small town with pretty much nothing to do but go on a boat in to the bay. I was sold on the fact that you can get in the water and swim with a pod of wild dolphins ( a dream of mine). However I soon found that if the pod has a baby, you can’t get in the water as they mother would be too protective and aggressive. So it was just another expensive scenic boat ride.

 

A visit to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove is worth it just to dig on the beach to make your own hot pool, too hot if you dig too deep!

 

In Rotorua I visited the Tamaki Maori Village. This could be described as a completely fake, Disney-esque tourist trap, but I enjoyed it. I learnt about the traditional Maori ways on a fun night and the food and entertainment were great. Always go with an open mind and take it for what it is. I would also recommend going to see the the hot springs in Rotorua, although save some money and don’t pay to go in. Instead go for a walk through the woodland behind and up the track to look down on them. It is a much more interesting view and free!

I am not an adventurer, or at least I wasn’t until I went to New Zealand. I was pretty much scared of most things that involved heights, water or the dark. I shocked myself when I stopped in Waitomo and I agreed to go to Blackwater Rafting. It is a mix of caving and tubing in the dark, in water, with eels…but I loved it! It is the only place that I have come across such an activity and it is simply breath-taking when you turn out your headlamp and the caves are lit completely by glowworms. A definite must do. If you decide that it isn’t for you then don’t head to Waitomo, there is nothing else there!

My final stop on the North Island was Wellington. I am a city girl; I love cities; I love exploring them on foot and soaking up a vibe and Wellington was a good one. It is very new and clean, very much a new destination for the government base which meant that it was well planned and maintained. A walk along the waterfront offers beautiful views and a visit to the Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) can easily take a few hours. I also visited the Beehive, the home of the New Zealand Government. I had never been to any parliament before so found it fascinating and best of all (there is a definite theme in my travels) it is free!

Finally whilst in Wellington I went for a curry at Little India on Cuba Street Mall and it was honestly one of the best Indian meals that I have ever had (including whilst in India!). I would definitely recommend paying a visit and it is a nice change from all those cheap Dominos pizzas!