New Zealand- North Island

Welcome to Auckland

One of my top 3 places in the world- I can't wait to go back, or even move there! We went for our honeymoon based on a golfing interest but left wanting so much more. We only had time to do the North Island so we covered Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands, Hawke's Bay and Auckland. The people, scenery, food, wine, transportation are all the best- it's the warmest & friendliest place on earth. This blog posting won't even do it justice - please go now!

Bay of Islands

Game Changers:
1) Sky Couch tickets on Air New Zealand
2) 3 of the best hotels ever:
- Millar Road is my favorite hotel ever, it's all I need to say
- Stone Store Lodge- Richard makes a delicious breakfast
- Hotel deBrett- lovely boutique hotel close to all
3) Kauri Cliffs & Cape Kidnappers- i'm not a golfer but it was so beautiful
4) Craggy Range - remote and romantic for dinner
5) Domestic Air New Zealand- beyond easy

Stone Store Lodge

Mussels

View from Millar Road

Stunning Rooms at Millar Road

The Essentials:
1) Rent a car and explore - you'll find amazing things everywhere
2) Wine- Marsden Winery, Crab Farm Winery, Elephant Hill, Quayside in Napier
3) Eat lamb and mussels every chance you get
4) Plan enough time to see it at- you need a lot
5) You have to love nature - it's stunning here and all of it is outside

Vineyards everywhere

Mountains too...

Cape Kidnappers