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The journey to Auckland went very smoothly..but I nearly lost my swiss card again! Can anyone explain why a knitting needle or a crochet hook is o.k. but a pair of scissors with blades just over an inch long is considered a dangerous weapon. ..go figure? ??
Didn't get to see a lot of Auckland. ..I arrived at 23.55 and had to be at a bus stop about 15 kms away by 7.40 the next day. Friendly taxi driver was telling me all about his family in the uk. Got to the coach stop nice and early so had time to explore a local supermarket and get some supplies in for the journey..their selfserve dried fruit and nuts bit is called Alison's pantry!!
The magic bus arrived..only small with just 11 people on board so we all introduced ourselves..first stop..the giant L & P bottle! We then went on to Thames where they were holding a Saturday street market and a Victorian fair at the museum. ..it was supposed to be a coffee stop but there was a power cut..but I did have a lovely croissant there!
Next stop...Hobbiton!!
Hobbiton was amazing!! Very well organised so that there weren't too many people walking around at any one time. Quite odd sensations..there were little hobbit houses for big people..and big hobbit holes for little people! Posed outside Bilbo's house..i did knock but he wasn't home :( . Of course i had to have a drink in the Green Dragon..cider in a pottery mug.
Next stop? Rotorua..and we knew we were getting close when the smell of rotten eggs permeated the air. It had the feel of Bournemouth or Eadtbourne..beautifully manicured public parks and victorian buildings...if it wasn't for the odd volcanic crater, gently sreaming in the corner....
Went to a Maori cultural evening just outside rotorua....yes it was quite commercialised but it did give an insight into their old way of life and civilisation. We were welcomed by the tribe in the traditional manner and were then invited into see their village..as it would have been 200 years ago!
Back to base (the hostel name) and i forgot about bunk beds and how impossible it is to sit down on the bottom bunk without banging your head!!
- comments
Carol M Great to hear you're having a brill time!
Jenni magic bus sounds like its a really good way to see things! I'm v jel x x