North Island New Zealand Trip With Our Friend Senthil - October 14–15, 2023

 

Joel and I took a trip to New Zealand and went to both the south and north islands.  Rather than summarize our trip from the beginning, I’m going to work backward and tell about the end of our trip.  Our trip really ended with a wonderful trip to Rotorua and Taupo with our friend Sentiihl Natarajan who used to be a professional tour guide.  Sen did this trip for us as a friend.

Sen and his friend Ragu picked us up at 10 am from the Adina Apartment Hotel we were staying at in downtown Auckland.  We had a lot of luggage since we had everything Joel took to Australia including his skis and snowboards and also my scooter.

Sen made sure there was room in his van for everything and off we went.  

The first place Sen took us to was Hobbiton since Joel wanted to see it.  He and my entire family, except me, are Lord of the Rings fans.  I had already done the tour with Rebekah in 2019, so I just hung out with Sen and Ragu in the visitor area while Joel did the tour.  We got some great photos before we left though.

When we left Hobbiton, Sen took us to Roturua to show us the geomthermal pools and take us to a spa where we could experience the natural healing and warm water.

Then we were off to the Polynesian Spa and yes, Sen was correct: It was wonderful!  The only thing that went wrong was that Joel’s and Ragu’s towels that we paid to rent were taken.  

When we left the Polynesian Spa, but before we headed to Taupo where we had an Airbnb reservation for me and Joel and a hotel reservation for Sen and Ragu, Sen took us to get dinner in Rotarua.  Sen had an idea for pizza, but because I really can’t eat pizza, he dropped Joel and Ragu off at the pizza place and took me to where I could get chinese food.

Then, after we ate, we still had another 45 minute drive to Taupo.  Our Airbnb there was wonderful and our hostess did not mind that we arrived so late.  It was the nicest little cottage too!

The next day, Sunday, I woke around 7 am and enjoyed our pretty Airbnb.  I then walked across the street to get us some breakfast rolls and then woke Joel and set up breakfast.  The lady running the food shop was Asian, so I had a hard time understand what she was saying, but I did learn her shop did not take a credit card.  I was fortunate that I did have $20 of New Zealand money with me, so I paid for the food with that.  Good thing we didn’t need coffee since I brought our own.  

Below is a photo of my New Zealand $20 bill and of our breakfast.

After leaving our wonderful Taupo Airbnb, Sen took us to the lake.  It was sunny briefly, but the weather changed to rain.  Before it started raining, Sen parked his car near the bike and walking path so Joel could ride his skateboard and I could scooter.  So..that’s exactly what we did.  I wish I could have done that longer, but the rain did stop us

After we returned to Sen’s vehicle, Sen took us to the Taupo marina area which had a really beautiful view and then he took us to a lookout area to see even a better view.  Photos below:

Then Sen took us to a place near Huka Falls and then to Huka Falls. What beauty we saw

After we left Huka Falls, Sen took a restaurant located at a shrimp hatchery and we had a nice meal with a lot of shrimp (called prawns in New Zealand)!

We were going to have Joel go on a fast jet motorboat after lunch, but the wait was too long and it was very expensive, so instead we went to a glass blowing shop and had some tea and snacks while we waited to see the dam open at 4 pm.  

To sum it up:  the dam opening was very spectacular!  Sen explained it was very quiet and then when the dam opens a huge amount of water pours out.  That is what we saw!

After seeing the spectacular dam open, it was finally time to head back to Auckland.  We reserved a the Ibis Budget hotel right at the Auckland International Airport and Sen took us there.  It was about a four hour trip back.

What a wonderful trip Sen gave us!  Also, it was a great way to end our time in Australia and New Zealand!