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Lake Taupo – Tongariro – Cape Palliser

At breakfast we had a phenomenal view of Lake Taupo.

Then we went on to the Tongariro National Park. There it poured like out of buckets.We decided against the planned hike towards "Schicksalsberg" and went all the way to Cape Palliser to spend our night there. The cities along the way resembled ghost towns, as all shops and even McDonald's had closed.

The campsite is a DOC campside, which are not so comfortable but in a great location and there is a toilet. Today there was rice with vegetables as Christmas dinner. At The Carcassonne we still have 48 cards open with relatively equal scores.

Silke

We wish everyone a merry, blessed Christmas.

Today we were in Matamata/Hobbiton. In the original film set of the Lord of the Rings/ The Little Hobbit. There we did a 2 h guided tour at 10:20 a.m. Enjoying the atmosphere and the scenery was very nice. You can see a lot of things from the movies.

Then we drove on to Lake Taupo, where we set up camp. Christmas Eve was celebrated this year without a Christmas tree and with a nude run! The rainy weather holds!

Silke

Finally – After a nearly two-day flight. through Amsterdam and China, our children Janik and Melina have reached us. So to speak, an early Christmas present. They will accompany us for the next few weeks.

We went to Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel peninsula. There you can build a spa pool from a hot spring at low tide. Janik and Reiner have taken over this part. The water is actually warmer than the sea. They were not optimal weather conditions, but they were still a lot of fun.

Afterwards we found a place at Hahai Beach at Holiday Resort Camping and fried something delicious for dinner. Unfortunately, it has rained down quite a bit at the moment. However, the "locals" have assured that it is very changeable weather here and can often have all four seasons in one day.

Silke

In a few minutes walk we had reached the bird colony Murivai gannet. Great hustle and bustle, and you can see the Australian tölpel up close.

Then we went to Auckland for car return and camper pick-up. We have completed all the formalities, bought and set up the car.

Silke

In Tapotupotu Bay there was muesli breakfast on the beach. Coffee later at a gas station, because we had no electricity. Our journey then went through Northland to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. We walked about 15 min a hiking trail to the lighthouse and enjoyed the spectacle. A curious seagull provided us with company.

In Whangarei we stopped at a beautiful waterfall. Kawakawa offers a hundred-water toilet. In the tourist information office of Tarewa Park a (stuffed) kiwi could be seen. In Muriwai Gannet Park we set up our tent on a campsite and walked again to The Muriwai beach. The sand is dark grey "Black Sandy Beach". High waves rolled on.

For bathing it was too cold for us today at 19 degrees.

Silke

This morning we received a cardboard box from Sabine and Winfried from Germany, full of things we can use in the camper. Z.B. Salt, tea and plastic wrap, … .The photo at the Garden Lodge is unfortunately so shaky that I decided to do something else. We wish them a good flight home and thank you for the tips and our starter package! In the late morning we set off for the northern tip. We passed many beautiful viewpoints. Green hills in Waipu, Bay of Islands in Paihia, great beaches.

Unfortunately, we haven't stayed in any place for a long time, because we don't move as fast as we wanted. If you have more time you could kayak here, do boat trips, explore waterfalls and fireflies caves, etc.We reached the campsite at Tapotupotu Bay at about 8:45 pm, set up our tent and had dinner.

We had already prepared salad in the morning and wraps with feta cheese. 

Silke

For breakfast today there was Blueberry Muffin from a café on the street of our hostel.

By the way, also a ticket because of too long parking time! 15 NZD because you have to repack every 2 hours in our street from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The officer I met explained the New Zealic Parking Rules to me very kindly – but the ticket stayed on!

Since Reiner unfortunately had severe headaches, I took the ferry to Waiheke Island alone today. Flowers like in the botanical garden grow there on the side of the road.

I walked from Matiatja Wharf ferry pier to Blackpool and Oneroa Beach. Beautiful footpath, about 2-3 km. The beach is small, not many people, and there are picnic areas as well as a few shops. At Blackpool I also discovered an Island Pony Club. Reiner picked me up in the evening on the beach promenade by car and we were still shopping in the supermarket "Countdown". Finally, there was a delicious fresh salad.

Silke