NOTE: Forgot about Waitomo Caves! Not too far west of Rotorua are the famous Waitomo Caves where you can canoe through underwater caves and see glow worms. Aw man! By the time we figured out that was a hotspot to check out, we were already too far. Goes to show that you got to do your research before heading out on the road.
This morning we went to Te Mata Peak (a high peak just south of Napier). Like real lazy travelers, we drove all the way up to the peak instead of hiking. I’m glad we did because it was FREEZING. Wind blowing like crazy. But it was beautiful. Being up there on the peak reminded me of the time Adrian, Dan and I climbed up the Calaveras Hills, but on a grander scale. Epic views of the land and the cities were in all directions.
Later that afternoon we took a tour of a local winery in Napier called Mission Estate Winery. Listening to the tour guide, who was extremely knowledgeable, I realized that I don’t care that much about wine. What interested me the most was the history of the building and all the lives that have passed through its halls. We had free wine tastings and the best wine for me was the one that tasted like fruit candy (a dessert wine). It seems that my taste buds are as mature as an eight year olds’.
After that we took the State Highway 2 (SH2) to Wellington. The drive was about three hours and we passed herds of cows and sheep as well as lush landscapes.
Arriving in Wellington, you could tell that this town was different, they actually have a nightlife. We walked around and had a bite to eat. Apo ate at this old Victorian building that they turned into a Burger King and she had this to say about her meal, “Worst Whopper EVER.” Apo said there was barely any lettuce and tomato and the meat tasted weird. On a better note, the city itself was vibrant with clubs and stores open late and street musicians playing some tunes.
Tomorrow we’ll be waking up early (630am) to head over to the ferry from here to Picton in the South Island. I’m not looking forward to a ferry ride (sea sick easily). Till then.
DT: Postcards/stamps 5 + gas 45 + Food and Drink 11.2 + Internet 5.5 + Hostel 23 = 89.7
TS: 612.65
DA: 122.53
2 comments:
Good to see you living large coz! Happy anniversary to you and Apo. =D Say hi to aunt, uncle, and cousins for me if you see them before you leave.
Hey Joyce! I'm back in Australia now. I saw the cousins before coming back and they all asked about how you were doing. They're all very sweet and nice people. Oh, auntie cooked up some real good food too. I miss it already.
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