We arrived in Auckland, New Zealand on Qantas Airlines from Los Angeles and everything was right on time. The flight was long but we already expected that! It was nothing short of spectacular but this is always the case with this airline! Meals are wonderful, attitudes are happy and the crew is always attentive.

Since we were able to sleep at least some enroute, (our anticipation and excitement was at a peak!), we managed to arrive rested and ready to meet the new day. We had two campervans delivered so the folks from Affordable Motorhomes were waiting for us at the airport and gave us instructions as to the proper usage of the amenities. Campervans are a great way to see this Country and driving on the "other side of the road" will take minimal time to adjust to. You are still next to the white line. Don't avoid consideration of this travel style. You will love it.

One word of advice to anyone looking to travel by campervan…pack accordingly and with foresight! We make the special point of traveling with luggage that is soft sided and may be stored inside other pieces for stowing. Space in campervans is adequate if you plan but minimal at best. Closet space is sparse so items that need to be hung on hangers are best left at home. The model we selected will sleep two…maybe three if you travel really light so if you need more space, look over the types available. There is a small bathroom with toilet and shower. The only sink in this floor plan is in the kitchen. There is a small refrigerator, two-burner stove. microwave oven, dishes, cookware and linens.

Our first stop from the airport was Kelly Tarlton's. This attraction features the Antarctic expeditions of Robert Scott and provides an all weather close up and personal look at the Antarctic experience. Kelly Tarlton has created an underwater world of massive dimension with tanks of sea life and discovery. There is a penguin exhibit where we were driven thru on a snow cat to view the "birds in tuxedos" up close….and at this time of the year, even with babies!

Since we were traveling in two separate campervans and with our friends, Michael and Christine, we didn't want to miss a word of glee from either of them, and for Michael this was his first experience driving on "the other side of the road". We found that bringing a set of two-way radios was a great means of staying in touch. (A suitable set is available for $75-100.00 US at most electronic stores.)

It took Mike no time at all to adjust to driving and he was soon leading our convoy. Christine found her own use for the radios by sending Awesome Scenery Alerts and around nearly every turn she sent a new one.

We visited the area of Rotorua, the name is a Maori word translating to "Two Lakes" and we stayed at the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park. What a spot! There is no need to wonder how it got its name. Being located on the shoreline of bluest of blue lakes gives you a hint! It is 10 minutes from the many attractions in Rotorua and offers easy access to all kinds of water sports and canoeing.

Wednesday 12/12

The Buried Village is a result of the volcanic eruption of June 1886. A walk along a stream full of rainbow trout will reveal a number of dwellings. Many are still buried beneath mud and ash but there have been many uncovered and this is a visit you will not want to miss. There is a wonderful museum with unearthed artifacts. It was easy walking since the village has paved walkways…with, according to Christine, "ashfault"!

The Agrodome is a wonderful visit in Rotorura and takes in several different attractions all relating to New Zealand sheep industry. We first visited the stage presentation show which gave us a look at the various types of sheep in the area and demonstrated sheep shearing. We also were shown the abilities of the sheep dogs that herd the "walking wool" by their leader's voice or hand command. The site of seeing the dogs run over the backs of standing sheep is something to see. Steve Emery, a sheep shearer by trade was the show host and a great guy to watch! There are 44 million sheep in NZ and the most common is the Romney. 500,000 travelers visit this attraction annually so you won't want to miss it!

There was a ½ hour presentation at the Woolen Mill called Fleece to Fashion that provided wonderful information on the wool industry and history. We saw a machine dating back to the 1880's that carded and combed the wool. There were lots of wool samples to touch and beautiful garments for sale. We learned that wool is now combined with possum fur and made into yarn. It is incredibly soft. I love it!

The farm tour took us out into the paddocks among the sheep, cows, deer and emus on a covered tram pulled by a tractor. We were able to feed the animals as they roamed together. It was great fun! . We also went into an actual sheep shearing shed and saw a pile of wool yet to be bagged.

We were taken into the kiwi orchard to see how this fruit grows and sampled kiwi wine. This is something special…one could get hooked real quick.. It was really good stuff. The Agrodome offers even more and as they say, it is The Unique NZ Experience.

This country is widely known for its adventure attractions and sports so also available at the Agrodome is the Helipro, a helicoptor flight over the lakes of Rotorua and volcanic landings. One might consider the Agrojet; NZ's fastest jet boating experience, the Bungy Swoop or The Zorb!

The Zorb is a very big, clear beach ball configuration. You are harnessed in and then rolled downhill…with or without water! Although not a one of us was brave enough to try, we did watch in amazement at the many folks who did and appeared to love it!

Thursday 12/13

We drove the coastline of the Cormandel Peninsula. Although beautiful and absolutely filled with fabulous scenery, this was a part of the trip that really required more time to enjoy. We were told that New Zealand is like a large National Park and it took us no time to find that there is no better description. The coastline and rock formations are more than the eyes can absorb and no matter how you plan, you won't have enough film or daylight hours.

Friday 12/14

Mahia Beach is a sunny seaside village. We spent the night at the Mahia Beach Holiday Park in Hawkes Bay. This park is super clean and welcoming with lots of grass and picnic tables to sit and listen to the birds. The staff was great and most happy to share a chat or words of guidance….and they sold ice cream…what more could we want except that the park is right at the waterfront with beach access so there was no doubt that our first order of priority was to "touch the water" and walk on the sand. The beach was wonderful … clean and seemingly untouched.

We decided to go look for some local excitement after dinner and made our way to the Sunset Point Sports Bar and Bistro. I found the pokies and Lynn found a friend. Mike..yes, another Mike and I knew this would be confusing!

Mike is Maori, quite an artist and a real hoot! We were impressed by his work and the stories they tell. It was a treat to visit with someone so knowledgeable about the history and cultures of the area. We were quickly reminded that it is indeed the people that make travel so fascinating. As I was slamming coins in the machines, Mike was introducing Lynn to the beers of N.Z. which is also quite an experience!

Mike's sister, Diana is the owner of Sunset Point along with her husband, Arthur. We also found out that we were really sorry that we had eaten before we came because this place specializes in crayfish, fresh fish, and New Zealand lamb! How we wished we were hungry...the meals looked fantastic.

Saturday 12/15

…. Napier…This is an Art deco community with the architecture to match …

We had a tough time in NZ finding modem access for our e. mail and it was not an easy task to get a local dial up. I would suggest that anyone traveling to the area have a web based e. mail such as hotmail or similar so that you can stay in touch thru the Internet cafes or libraries.

We drove around the town briefly but on this day, more time was spent to reconciling with those who were waiting to hear from me!

Sunday 12/16

We drove to Wellington and while taking in some of the area sites, we stumbled on an RV Rally but not one that you would find often. These were gypsies, by their own admission and some of the homes they created were really fascinating. Many travel from place to place selling their crafts and wares. We spent time talking to the organizer of this group, Gypsy Nobby and he talked of his lifestyle. We noted that he sold gypsy sandals at a cost of 1 for $6.00 or 2 for $10.00. Needless to say, we wondered why anyone would buy only one but as a gypsy, you would know…We didn't!

A gypsy sandal is made from beads and fits over a toe and ties at the ankle. Some folks wear only one and others two. Sometimes they match and other times they don't. They are decorative only so there is no sole to wear out!

We had dinner at the Workman's Club. The "clubs" in New Zealand are quite a treat. There are all types of "clubs"; lawn bowling clubs, golf clubs, serviceman's clubs, tennis clubs, etc. They are membership facilities although International visitors are welcome. Most have wonderful restaurants or bistros and a cocktail lounge with Pokies, to many these are slot machines! These clubs offer wonderful meals and a chance to really meet the locals. Lynn was soon sampling the local "brews" and met the club's president…shortly thereafter; he was presented with a temporary membership. This wasn't necessary to insure a future visit for us but it didn't hurt either!