Day 1: Auckland
After a total of 17 hours in flights and a fun 11 hour layover in Bangkok, we had arrived in New Zealand. We were tired but nothing that a warm bath and cuppa hot chocolate couldn’t cure. Soon we found ourselves gallivanting in the Central Business District of Auckland.
It was a Sunday and the city was celebrating an annual Christmas Parade. We missed the parade but got to watch some stage performance (a dance drama on Adam’s Family) at Aotea Square. We strolled around Auckland’s waterfront at Queen’s Wharf and ended the night with an early dinner at Viaduct Harbour.
Day 2: Hobbiton
After a hearty breakfast, we drove off to Matamata – made famous by LOTR as Hobbiton. Fun fact, the original movie set from the LOTR trilogy was not built to last. The current set was re-built for the Hobbit trilogy.
We were two happy kids after the Hobbiton tour. With crushed apple Cider in our bellies and joy in our hearts, we drove on to our next destination – Rotoroa.
Post About Rotorua – Coming Soon!
For some helpful tips to plan your trip, read New Zealand – Kia Ora
