No doubt inspired by my numerous visits to this country as a child, I have long considered New Zealand, Australia’s poorer, less sophisticated neighbour. Well, I got that wrong, didn’t I? We have just spent the past three days exploring the upper regions of New Zealand’s North Island and it certainly did surprise.
After four days of eating interrupted by sailing, guest speakers, bridge, shuffleboard and pounding the deck we awaken Friday morning to the welcome sensation of a motionless ship. We have moored in Mount Maunganui, the port town for Tauranga, the largest city in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand’s North Island.
Lots of Sheep 
Stunning Scenery
Named the Bay of Plenty by Captain Cook back in 1769 due to an abundance of agricultural riches and possibilities here, the name today is appropriate with the region bursting with kiwifruit orchards, avocado plantations and exciting tourism opportunities such as Rotorua’s thermal volcanic offerings.
Leaving what looks to be a great little town overflowing with boutiques, cafes and pubs for later we board our tour bus – destination Hobbiton, a 50-kilometre journey away. The time passes quickly as we make our up and over a nearby mountain range whilst all the while our driver regales us with information.
Sams Hobbit Hole
“We are all in a bit of shock today. There was a shooting just here (points outside) last night.” And “the coronavirus is affecting our timber industry badly. 1100 timber workers have been laid off” – said as he points to enormous stockpiles of timber visible from our windows.
In September 1998, Peter Jackson came knocking at the door of the Alexander family farm. An aerial survey had revealed that this farm had the potential to make a good Hobbiton for his upcoming movie – the Lord of the Rings. What a fortuitous, “license to make money”, for the Alexander family that visit turned out to be.
Main Street Tauranga 
Today, we are visiting what was created and left behind once filming of both the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy’s finished. Instantly recognizable from the films, we spend two very enjoyable hours poking our heads into Hobbit holes, walking amongst the gorgeous gardens and later having an ale at the Green Dragon. In all, the visit was fantastic, definitely one of the best tours I have had.
After a good night’s sleep, lulled by the gentle rocking of the Arcadia as she makes her way further up New Zealand’s eastern coastline, we awaken Saturday morning to a bustling Auckland city visible from our balcony. Here we spend the day exploring the city courtesy of the Hop-On buses which have never let us down.
Auckland reveals herself to be a lovely spacious clean city with an abundance of parklands – more often than not created within the remnants of extinct volcanos. Throw in a fantastic harbour, great shops for me and Eden Park stadium for Darryl and it’s no wonder our view of New Zealand has taken a turnaround.
Our final Kiwi destination is Paihia, a tiny little town located within the Bay of Islands region. Too small to accommodate a ship our size, tendering is required, and mid-morning finds us strolling Paihia main street, rummaging through the local charity shops and enjoying an affogato with wi-fi at the local Movenpick.
Some years ago I visited nearby Waitangi, site of where, in 1840 the historic pact between Great Britain and leading Maori chieftains was signed. We didn’t get there this time, choosing instead to explore the Paihia surrounds further.
They call Woolworths 
Today as I type, we are approximately 300 nautical miles shy of Sydney harbour. We will be spending the next two days exploring Sydney before making our way onwards to Brisbane.
For Sherril 
It’s hard to believe we only have three days left of this most excellent adventure.
Fun Facts – Of New Zealand’s nearly 5 million population – most of these are of British descent.
Almost three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives on the North Island.
Due to the Coronavirus, the reduction in the number of Asian tourists we are encountering is amazing.
