NzAtAGlance

 My wife is a Texan and had never been to New Zealand before. I’m a kiwi and had never left the North Island. So I wanted to cover as much of the country as we could in four weeks. So a couple of years ago we went on a New Zealand vacation. I reckon that the best time to travel to New Zealand is in February. We love the sun and the beach. By the time February comes around, everybody in New Zealand has gone back to work, and you don’t have to fight the crowds everywhere you go. If you like the crowds and the beaches, you should go down there for Christmas and the New Year. It’s a blast, (if you’re young and can handle the self inflicted wounds). If you’re into skiing and snowboarding, the seasons are from, usually early July, to October.

I have family in Matamata, (which is east of Hamilton, and west of Rotorua) so we stayed there for a few days to unwind from the long flight. 

We started our New Zealand vacation by driving to Paihia, which is up North. Paihia is basically the headquarters for the Bay Of Islands, and soon to be my favorite place in New Zealand. No matter what your age, size, or athletic ability, don’t worry there is always something to do in Paihia. Our highlight was a cruise around the islands on the Carino, (a catamaran). Searching, then swimming with dolphins in the wild is something you will always remember. Check them out here at, http://www.sailingdolphins.co.nz/.

After a few days in Paihia our New Zealand vacation took us to the most northern tip. Cape Reinga, is the most northern tip of the country. Here you can witness the Tasman and Pacific oceans collide, as well as the lighthouse which is found on heaps of postcards throughout New Zealand. The sign post pointing to all the corners of the world is also a cool Kodak moment.

From Cape Reinga, we took the long scenic drive back to Matamata for a few days to re-cooperate. The pit stops from Cape Reinga included a short walk through some native New Zealand brush, listening to the unique sound of New Zealand’s indigenous birds, to find, Tane Mahuta, (lord of the forest). Tane Matua is a giant Kauri tree thought to be about 1200 years old, and 52 meters (171ft) tall. Walking through the bush you keep thinking, what tree, I can’t see any giant tree. Then all of a sudden, there it is. That tree (Tane) is the biggest tree I have ever seen. http://www.taitokerau.co.nz/cape_reinga_waitangi_stone_store.htm

After a few days in Matamata, we flew to the South Island, for a look around and ended up doing more than we expected. Including activities which we were instructed we should probably go to the toilet first. I’ll write about that another day.