I’ve finally got my pictures all uploaded and titled. Click on the link below to view and then click ‘View Slideshow’. Enjoy!!!
Food experiences in New Zealand
As promised, we have a few pictures of our cuisine experiences as requested from Jonathan’s sister, Meghan.
A few differences in New Zealand: meat pies were found in a lot of cafes, minced meat, lamb and mint, steak and cheese–what we would call “pot pie.” Lamb was a common meal, as were several types of fish (Dory was one we really liked), as well as the ever pervasive “fish and chips.” Venison and mussels were also found in many places. Honey was a common breakfast ingredient for pancakes, and it was gooood, fresh honey. Muesli was a common breakfast item. The bacon was like canadian bacon. There was not much prok to be found (not that we were looking for it).
New Zealand is a very agricultual country, and the cheeses, fruits and vegetables were amazing. Avocados and kiwis were delicious, andprominent in the cuisine. A few nights we made grilled cheese and avocado at the holiday parks with New Zeaqland goat’s cheese and ripe avocadoes. Yum!
Burgers are slightly different, but if you get one in a decent place they are pretty tasty. Beet root is a common topping for burgers. Mayo is common for fries (chips or wedges), as well as ketchup.
Sodas were similar, although Coke was more prominent. Glass bottles were not uncommon, and there was a non-US addition: L&P (Lemon & Perroa), which was a lemon limey drink Jonathan had quite a few times. It had a “sprinkle of magic” in it. (?) They also had flavored milks in a lot of the gas stations and cafes (lime was one…not so great according to Jonathan).
Beer was okay…their “Budweiser” was called “Lion Red.” We stuck strictly to the NZ beers while we were there, and found a lot were average and a few that were pretty good: Mac’s Great White and Monteith’s Honey Summer Ale. We tried wine on our last night (even though Jess has had an allergy in the past) and were OK! The wines were great…of course, the region we were in at the time was known for its wine, and is compared to Califronia’s Napa Valley. New Zealand has really started to become known for its wines.
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| Breakfast in Waitomo - homemade muesli and crepes with bananas | Dinner at Workmen’s cafe in Matamata | Breakfast in Matamata - Eggs with minced lamb and Pancakes, bacon and honey |
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| Jess had fried calamari for lunch at the Mudbrick on Waiheke Island | Jonathan had the kangaroo at the Mudbrick | Breakfast at Owhanake Bay Estate included organic egg omelettes, roasted tomatoes and mushrooms, bacon, homemade toasted muesli, toast and an assorted collection of homemade and organic jams and honey |
Below: Jess and Jonathan having their last dinner in New Zealand at Cable Bay Vineyards restaurant on Waiheke Island outside of Auckland. Jonathan and Jess both had the lamb rump on white bean puree.
Our last day - Feb. 17, 2007
Well, it is our last day and we are very sad to leave. We had our last NZ beer at the airport before our 24 hour journey back home (where we heard there was alot of ice and cold!). Jonathan has also acquired a sort of Kiwi Tourette’s syndrome where he randomly blurts out things like “Beet Root”, “Cheers Mate”, “I can’t hear what yer sayin mate”.
By far, the best vacation ever had by the both of us. We will definitely be back to explore more of this wonderful part of the world. Wonderful not only with its scenery but with the people as well. The people truly respect their land and the people living on it. This is a place where beauty, nature, respect, and vision are rewarded not money and power.
For anyone considering going to NZ, you can do it for a reasonable price if you use a campervan. This is the method used by most traveling to NZ and allows you to stay as long as you want in one place or leave in a hurry. There are holiday parks everywhere and they have showers, kithchens, internet and some have even more like pools and trampolines. We found out rather quickly that the “Top 10 Holiday Park” franchise was the best to use. Consistently clean and modern.
We hope you have enjoyed the posts! Cheers, mate!
Waiheke Island - Feb. 16, 2007
We drove further north just outside of Auckland to pick up a vehicular ferry at 11:30 to Waiheke Island. It is compared to the US’s Martha’s Vineyard. We took the 45 minute scenic ferry ride out to the island and had lunch at the famous (locally anyways) Mudbrick Cafe. Jonathan had Kangaroo (awl…) and Jess had pan-fried calamari. Pretty decent.
Afterwards, we walked around the village of Oneroa and checked out the shops. Then we headed for our last night’s stay at the Owhanake Bay Estate. A couple (Mike and Kristy) own this estate along with their 3 yr old son and 9 mo. old daughter. Mike was a lawyer for a decade and then went into business for himself where he sold all of his business assets to buy this estate. Now they have a small vineyard (@ 1000 vines) of Pinot Gris & Syrah and an olive grove (@ 70 trees) and rent out a very nice room to travelers like us! Awesome family with an ideal lifestyle. They have been there about 7 yrs and plan to get a full vegetable garden planted so they can be self-sufficent. For now, they only sell their wine from the estate but are thinking of branching out. We bought a couple bottles to enjoy. If ever in New Zealand, we recommend this place.
They recommended a new restaurant to us called Cable Bay. Mike drove us out there so that we could enjoy a few drinks. Very shi-shi kind of place but delicious food and awesome sunset. Jonathan tested out Cable Bay’s Five Hills red wine and Jess tried their Pinot Noir (tried despite allergy - seems that the allergy pertains only to cheap $2 blush wine…go figure!). What an experience along with the lamb…..YUM!
We got to sleep pretty early that night and woke early to go for a walk along the bay. Afterwards, Mike brought out a nice, organic breakfast to enjoy on our deck. We got packed up and toured the vineyard for a last look then headed back to the ferry for the airport.
This island is renowned for it wine and olive oil. There are about 50 vineyards on this 52 square mile island!
Hobbiton Film set - Matamata - Feb. 15, 2007
We left the cockpit for a 2 hour drive north to Matamata - home of the Hobbiton film set. We met with the tour group at the Matamata iSite (visitors center) and shuffled onto the shuttle for a 20 minute drive to the Alexander sheep farm where the set was located. Both of us were very excited about this tour, but Jonathan was REALLY excited. Our tour guide was very pleasant and you could tell that she was a fellow LOTR geek which enlivened the tour even more.
On our way to the farm, we got the rundown on the local area - known for Dairy farming and race horse breeding. Then we got the scoop on how the Alexanders’ farm was chosen for Hobbiton. The site was chosen primarily for one tree: a beautiful round pine tree whose shape was very uncommon. The tree (the Party Tree in LOTR)–which was right by a pond–was the only distinguishing feature, as the farm itself, while beautiful, was just like any other sheep farm in New Zealand. The tree got special treatment every day in the form of watering an minerals, as there was a drought during filming.
The tour took about an hour and we were there during the late afternoon which lit the area up nicely. The hobbit holes were remnants of their former selves, and under the Alexanders’ agreement with New Line, cannot be reconstructed to look like the movie. It was still cool, though…the rolling landscapes alone were a sight to behold. We had the opportunity to go inside Bag End, which was the only hobbit hole you could actually walk inside. The rest had about 1-2 feet of room, and would only be shot as the hobbit walked into the door…then–CUT to the next scene!
There was quite a bit filmed at the location, but you would not believe what they did to complete this movie. They reassembled a tree from elsewhere (26 tons) over bag end, sewed fake leaves to trees, all to keep accurate for a few lines in the book. Say what you will about Peter Jackson, but the man put a lot of thought and time into keeping the little details. Jonathan thinks he did a great job–Jess is actually excited to watch the movies now! 
Afterwards, we ate at the recommended Workmen’s Cafe where Jess had veggie (pronounced “vee-jee”) fritters and Jonathan had steak eye on a bed of the creamiest potatoes. DELICIOUS! Everything in New Zealand is so fresh you can hardly go wrong unless you enter a McDonald’s (which of course we did NOT do).
We stayed at the Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park in Matamata, and arose early the next morning for breakfast at a local cafe before heading off to our last destination…Waiheke Island.
The Lost World - Waitomo Caves - Feb. 14, 2007
Happy Valentine’s Day! For our first Valentine’s day as a married couple we woke up in the tail of the airplane (in a much deserved “real” bed). We drove out to see a Natural Bridge and Marakopa Falls–both stunning.
At 2:30 we left on our trip to the Lost World Caves, where we abseiled 100 meters (not feet–meters!) into a cave. It was a little nervewracking but extremely fun. Jess was scared at first but conquered her fears quickly as we began our descent. We had a small group; 4 of us, led by our guide Iain, and a British couple, Ian and Allison.
We saw the river that flowed through the cavern, with a huge eel named Eugene camping out in it. We scrambled over rocks and climbed narrow paths along cave walls. We sat in a cozy alcove, turned off our headlamps, and observed the glowworms on the roof of the cave.
Next we scrambled over more rocks and began an 82-foot ascent on a ladder to the top.
We made our way to the top and hiked back to the shed where we began our trip. What a day! That night we stayed in the cockpit of the airplane at Woodlyn Park.
The Tongariro Crossing - Feb. 13, 2007
We got into Tongariro National Park on the 12th to find the holiday park was closed and not taking any more bookings for the evening. We called the after hours number and they told us if we could find a site, to use it. We did, luckily enough. We had some dinner at a (very) local pub and arose early the next morning (5am) to get ready to catch our shuttle to the trail head. We drove to Ketatahi Car Park (the finish of the trail) and parked, and were picked up by Tongariro Crossing Shuttles. Half an hour later, we were at the trail head, preparing to hike the 17-km trail which would take us past Mount Ngaurohoe (aka Mount Doom!)
It was freezing cold outside…there was frost on the ground. Weird for this time of year here. We entered the trail, and soon were in the unforgiving hills of Mordor! The sites were amazing…we saw Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngaurohoe, Mount Tongariro, and far in the distance, Mount Taranaki, which dominated its horizon.
The sites were amazing and the trail was extremely challenging and rocky (but extremely rewarding). Now we know why hobbits have wide feet.
We saw the Red Crater, Central Crater, the Emerald Lakes (awe-inspiring…so clear and colorful), and Crystal Lake. Descending the trail we had a view of lakes, the ocean, Mount Manganui, Te Urewera, and much more.
By the end of the trail we were dead tired (9 hours later). We then drove on to Waitomo, where we were to go into the “Lost World” the next day. We stayed at Woodlyn Park, where we slept in the tail of an old RNZ Airforce plane (a BF170). Sweet.
Over Lake Taupo - Feb. 12, 2007
We woke up in the Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park…our area was called “Lusty Flats.”
The day started off rainy and cloudy–not good for skydiving. We called in at our scheduled time and they were not going up so we rescheduled for later, keeping our fingers crossed that it would be the nice day the forecast said it would be.
We strolled around in downtown Taupo and had lunch. We called at 2:50 to see if we were going up, and we were! We headed out to the airport to Taupo Tandem. Jonathan’s dive partner was an Australian named Mike (nicknamed “MOJO”) and Jess’s partner, Greg, was the NZ skydiving champion. They were a very professional outfit, and we felt safe the whole way.
As for the skydiving, we’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…
Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Feb. 11, 2007
We got to Rotorua and enjoyed a nice dinner on a sidewalk cafe. The next morning we had a great breakfast at the Fat Dog Cafe where Jess had a french toast tower with fruit and maple and Jonathan had pancakes with maple and cream (sorry Meghan, no pictures but we will keep it in mind for the next time!). We made a harried trek to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to make it in time for the Lady Knox Geyser eruption at 10:15. It was us and about 200 others running to make it time. Turns out it is just some park employee who gives a little schpiel and pours biodegradable soap in the hole and the geyser goes up. Still pretty amazing. The soap reacts with the water in the underground reservoir and the more water, the higher the geyser.
Afterwards, we went to the thermal wonderland (cheesy name but absolutely beautiful) where we saw steaming craters, bubbling mudpools, sulphur chimneys, thermal pools and even a boiling hot waterfall. The big attractions were the Champagne Pool and Artist’s Palette.
Afterwards, we headed for Lake Taupo where we made several stops along the way. The first place was New Zealand Woodcraft. Here we met the really friendly woodturner, Chris Guy, who is a pilot and aerial photographer as well. He had beautiful pieces that ranged from $40 to $7500. Next stop were the crystal blue Huka Falls.
Then we headed to our holiday park where the receptionist clued us in on a local spot. It was a thermal park that had thermal waterfalls flowing into the Waikato River where you could swim or just relax. 
We hiked down the trail and enjoyed about an hour of relaxing. Finally, we headed to the Lake for dinner where we had an excellent sunset display.
Tomorrow we are booked for a skydive. Let’s hope the weather cooperates! Cheers!
Mount Maunganui - Feb. 9, 2007
We stayed in a great holiday park in Papamoa Beach. We could literally walk 20 feet and be on the beach…it was great falling asleep to the sounds of the waves. We had a great stroll at sunset and again at sunrise. Jonathan got up early yot take some sunrise pictures. There were plenty of surfers out both morning and evening, as this area is known for its great surfing. We got some takeaway (NZ’s version of carryout) for dinner and some NZ beer and hung out on the beach.
The next day our “Dolphin Seafaris” swim-with-the-dolphins experience was cancelled due to choppy seas (leftover from the “Waikato Weather Bomb”) so we went for a hike on Mount Maunganui, a sacred mountain to the Maori. We saw a plethora of sheep on the way (this is NZ, after all) , and the views from atop were incredible. The water was greenish-blue and beautiful.
We had lunch in Mount Maunganui’s downtown on the beach (Dory fish…awesome) and watched some beach volleyball. They were setting up for some kind of beach sport festival that was going on over the weekend. From there we headed to Thornton Beach Holiday Resort, just outside of Whakatane (pronounced “Fah-kuh-tah-nay”). It wasn’t as nice as the last place, but we were on the beach again and Jess got to indulge her mild obsession of collecting seashells.
The next day we were set to go to White Island, but had to wait until the next morning to hear if the waters would be calm enough.
Within the Volcano - White Island - Feb. 10, 2007
Jonathan got up early today to shoot a few pics on the beach, hoping to get a shot of Whale Island at sunrise. At 8am we got the call from White Island Tours that we were indeed going out today! Sweet!
We packed up and were on board at 9:30 for the 1-1/2 hour ride to White Island–we both took dramamine this time
White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, and we set foot on it! Craters were billowing out sulphuric gases, and we kept our fingers crossed that she wouldn’t blow while we were on the island (last eruption was July 2000). Of course, we were protected with a sturdy plastic safety helmet and a gas mask, and were briefed on what to do in case of the worst (which was mostly duck and keep your fingers crossed).
We saw a steaming lake within the crater, bubbling mud, and an otherworldly landscape. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. The trip back brought us a little rain, but soon we were on dry land and headed to Rotorua for the night (where, interestingly enough, it always smells like sulphur…so we can eat all the onions and broccoli we want and not offend anyone
Cathedral Cove - Feb. 8, 2007
We arose early this morning to long awaited sunshine to make the trek to Cathedral Cove, a beautiful spot on the beach which took about 45 minutes to walk each way. Beautiful rainforest mixed with evergreen forests, rolling hillsides and sea cliffs and sandy beaches. What a mix!
We got there during low tide which afforded us the opportunity to walk into the cove and archway (pics coming soon! Not all internet cafes let you download pics to the computers). We were the only ones on the beach for a good hour. On our way back up to the parking lot, we saw about 40-45 people on their way down. Waking up early has its benefits!
Apparently there is an American movie being filmed in Cathedral Cove later this week. The guy was sworn to secrecy but gave us a hint: “Texas.” I guess we’ll find out sometime what it is!
Back to the holiday park to shower, and we’re off!
Coromandel, Whitianga and Hahei - Feb. 7, 2007
Still raining, we started our day off in Coromandel with a trip on the Driving Creek Railway up the side of a mountain to an awesome view. The guy who built it, Barry Brickell, has entrusted the land to NZ citizens after his death, and spent much of his life building the tiny railroad and making the place a conservation area (he is also an artist and potter). It was an absolutely gorgeous view, albeit on a cloudy day. There was also a pottery studio at the bottom where we got on the train. It was pretty amazing what he has done–he will leave a real legacy when he goes.
Lunch in Coromandel included local mussel chowder–excellent. From there we headed to Whitianga and spent a little time walking the beach and going through the shops in town. We had a great dinner at a place called TuaTua, where Jess had mussel fritters and Jonathan had grilled lamb. Both were delicious–not getting sick of lamb or seafood yet–not when it’s this fresh. It will be hard to eat when we come back.
A short drive to Hahei Holiday Park brought us to our evening’s destination, where we had a great sunset stroll on the beautiful white sandy beach.
Sleep came easily.
Coromandel - Feb. 6, 2007
To all reading…please put your last name…a few of you have the same first name. Except “Mom!”
We headed to Warkworth from our SCUBA trip and stayed at the Sandspit Holiday Park. It was windy as hell that night. The papers the next day had a huge headline that read “Waikato Weather Bomb!” We rose the next day, and got Jess her caffeine fix (and Jonathan had his sugar fix) at a cool cafe where they made their own honey and you could watch the beehives. Pretty SWEET. Yes, that was a pun.
We had lunch in Thames, a quaint little town on the coast, and headed to Coromandel Town after that. The weather was still crappy, but there were periods of sun and the countryside, as usual, was just gorgeous.
We stayed at the Coromandel Holiday Park, which was pretty nice, and walked in the rain into town to have a beer at the local pub. We came back to camp and made grilled cheese for dinner with some awesome cheese we got at a local cheese shop…Dutch chile cheese and New Zealand goat cheese. Of course Jonathan had to try the blue cheese as well. Added some fresh NZ avocados, and we had ourselves a nice little meal.
Did some laundry and went to bed. Thank God we did not pack 2 weeks of clothes…we would have had about 9 suitcases each.
Ay, Calypso! - Feb. 5, 2007
Today we rose early to get ready for our dive at Poor Knights Island with Dive! Tutukaka, a National Geographic certified PADI shop. We arrived around 8 am to get fitted for our gear, and were off within half an hour on our boat, the Calypso, named for Jacques Cousteau’s famous boat. It took just under an hour to reach the island, and we were both feeling a little queasy when we arrived (we didn’t take any seasickness medication).
It was an overcast day but still beautiful. The island is protected in many ways…it is a marine reserve, and no one can even set foot on the island.
We got underway for our first dive with our dive instructor Nick, and a girl and a New Zealander guy who looked oddly like Frodo. It was pretty cool. We went into an udnerwater cave (don’t worry, Dad…it was real short and there was air at the top). We saw eels, scorpion fish, sea slugs, nudi branch, and a slew of kelp and fish. It was a pretty cool first non-class dive for Jonathan, but old hat for Jess…who did her 12th and 13th dives.
Back to the boat for lunch included Jonathan bringing up his breakfast on the ladder of the boat. Seasickness had gotten the best of him. We went to a new location, in between which we went inside the world’s largest sea cave.
Jonathan remained on the boat for the second dive trying to recover while Jess went on the second dive. We headed back after seeing a bit more of the island and going through several arches.
Sandboarding and crazy toilets - Feb 4, 2007
The next day we got up, had some very quick breakfast, and boarded the Hokianga Express to the sand dunes across the bay. We didn’t know what to expect, but we got the hang of sandboarding rather quickly. You don’t stop at the bottom–you keep skidding right into the water! It was such a fine time we glowed about it the rest of the day.
Afterwards we drove to our next destination, Tutukaka, where the next day we would be diving the Poor Knights Island. On our way we stopped for a restroom break at the famous Hundertwasser toilets–the most artistic toilets you will ever see, much less relieve yourself in.
We stayed in a hotel called the Pacific Rendezvous so we were ready for our next day dive. It was perched on a hill outlooking the harbour. The views were just stunning!
Land of the Long White Cloud - Feb. 3, 2007
We had a little bit of a wait in Auckland with the rental company, but no worries. We got our camper van and headed north with our trusty GPS.
After about 5 hours (including a stop for lunch), we visited the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve. This is like New Zealand’s version of the redwood. We didn’t have a ton of time, but got to see “The Four Sisters” and the biggest tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta. Legend had it that Tane Mahuta caused a rift between Father Earth and Mother Sky and created the room for everything in between.
Afterwards we headed to Opononi to a holiday park where we had reservations, right off the beach. Pretty sweet for only the equivalent of about $22 for both of us. We slept well.
We’re here! - Feb 3, 2007 (New Zealand time!)
Well, we have just arrived in Auckland and are standing at an internet kiosk while waiting to get our campervan. The flight was surprisingly not too bad - 18 hrs. total with an 8 hour layover in LA. We visited with Connie and Timmy (ahem…Tim) for a coffee and a stroll down Manhattan Beach pier, and even saw where the plaques of the AVP’s Manhattan Beach Open winners were.
Sat next to a guy named Tony (at first thought his name was “Tiny” because of his Kiwi accent) from New Zealand on the way here who was returning from a 5 week vacation with his family. Super friendly and gave us a lot of tips for how to make the most of our time. We had in-flight movies and games to choose from on individual screens. Sweet.
We are not too tired as of yet…adrenaline is still kicking I suppose. Speaking of kicking….man we are schweddy!! After we pick up our camper van we are heading north to Hokianga Harbour.
We think we are going to like it here.
Until next time! ~ Jess & Jonathan
