NORTH ISLAND

ROAD TRIP

DAY 1:

we were picked up from our hotel by 'Jucy Rentals' and taken to our car and ready to hit the road. We decided to head north to Cape Regina, the very top of New Zealand.

We were now heading out of the city and into rural areas. We were both really disappointed with the scenery as we have seen more stunning mountains and views in Wales and even Scotland. New Zealand had a very big reputation for being a stunning country to visit, but so far, we weren't stunned at all.

As we were driving along the coat discovery route, we stopped off at a couple of beaches and took some pictures. It was really windy so didn't stay for very long. 

It didn't help that it was pouring down for the 7hrs that we were in the car and couldn't see anything but a wet road and windscreen wipers. We got to the town of Paihia in the Bay Of Islands where we saw a sign for 'Pickled Parrots Backpackers Hostle' where we decided to stay for the night. We were going to sleep in the car to try and save money, but after feeling really low, we needed somewhere to bum out in comfort. So for 33pounds, we had a little cabin outside of the common room where we contemplated our options.

New Zealand so far had let us down so much that we were seriously considering just giving up and getting a flight to Australia or even back to Asia. To top it off, there were whether  reports that the south island was completely under snow, which is where the best things to see mainly are, such as middle earth.

As always when Mrs F was feeling low, she wanted to speak to her Mummy - so we had a good chat about things on skype and then mulled over weather to give NZ a chance for its reputation to shine through or go with our gut instinct and get out! The best thing was for us in the meantime was to pray about it and ask God to help us enjoy our stay while we're here.

Our rented car for the next 5 days.....

 Mrs F trying not to get blown away....

We stopped off and had lunch which we had bought in a super market before we left Auckland. Meal deal sandwich and drink with some crisps, fruit bars and everything that was free at the hotel, we took it!

Our view from the car....for 7hrs! :-(

     Pickled Parrot Hostel....

                      Our lodge!

 DAY 2:

We woke up the next day to what looked like sunshine!! God had certainly heard and answered our prayers....how awesome he is! :-) We had a free breakfast of toast and cornflakes....lots of it...and got on the road, feeling a bit more optimistic about our day.

We made a quick stop by the coast to take a picture of what we described as God smiling at us with sunshine. After we made another pit stop to see Waitangi Waterfall which was lovely. Then we got well on our way to Cape Regina, taking some photos en route. Its amazing what difference the whether makes to the scenery....and your mood.

 

          Good Morning.....

                    











                            .......Waitangi Waterfall

 Not sure if this meant locals or wildlife!?

            Photos enroute....

By the time we were nearly reached Cape Regina it started to rain lightly, but stopped once we got out of the car and started up again when we got back in! Its no coincidence, just God looking after us :-)

Cape Regina....

 Puts it into persective of how far from home we are when The South Pole is closer than London!

            Looking out to the Pacific ocean.....