Rotorua – Will the Eels Chew Our Fingers?

Rotorua, New Zealand. Halfway there?!? I know that I was quite ready for the helicopters to sweep in and take me away to a warm bed and a nice, muscle-kneeding Swedish massage. But, no go. We still had ground to cover. Our guide warned us that the rocks we were seeing...

Rotorua – Sulphur Smells and Worm Caves

Rotorua, New Zealand It’s true what the Guidebook said: “You will know that you have arrived in Rotorua when you smell the sulfur in the air.” It seems odd that New Zealand’s most popular vacation destination would smell like rotten eggs, but...

Leaving Auckland for the North Island Countryside

Hamilton, New Zealand We are now armed with a car, much to the fear of New Zealand’s pedestrians and drivers. Actually, the car is working out very well. New Zealand’s roads are very easy to drive on. The roads are wide, the distances between destinations...

Auckland and Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Auckland, New Zealand. Yes, Auckland is making me very happy. I was trying to figure out why I like it so much and I came up with a somewhat shameful reason: it’s a lot like home! When I walk down Franklin Street, I see the tree-lined avenue and modest-but-homey...