Highlights of the North Island of New Zealand

Green Lake, Wai-O-Tapu

Only six days in the activity packed country of New Zealand was just not enough and I would recommend to anyone that you need a minimum of 2 weeks to see it. My trip was short and I didn't get to do all the things I wanted but these are my highlights.

1. Auckland War Memorial Museum

Located in the beautiful city garden area called The Domain, the Auckland Museum showcases the Maori culture, history and the arts. Its a great place to start your trip to learn about New Zealand and its first settlers.

2. Trying Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

Hokey Pokey ice cream is vanilla ice cream with honey combs toffee and it is delicious. I got a scoop and wandered around the wharf district in Auckland, enjoying this sweet kiwi favorite.

3. Lady Knox Geyser, Rotorua

The geyser is located just 20 minutes from the center of town and goes off once daily at 10:15AM. It only goes off once a day because that is when they put soap pellets in it for the tourists. The ranger explained that the geyser would go off once every couple of days and mostly at night, so they put a cup of soap pellets down and minutes late she goes.

Chicken and Mushroom pie at Artisan Cafe, Rotorua

4. Try a Savory Meat Pie

New Zealand is still part of the Commonwealth and therefore, has a large British influence. Minced beef and cheese, chicken and mushroom and bacon and egg are just a couple variations of these pies. They are a perfect lunch meal sold at many bakeries, grocery stores, cafes and convenience stores sold for around US$4 each.

Devil's Bath, Wai-O-Tapu

5. Exploring Wai-o-tapu

Wai-o-tapu is a surreal park filled with bubbling mud pools, craters, hot springs and acid lakes. In just a short 90 minute walk you can see it all. It does have a sulphur, or rotten egg smell, but the park is stunning and is a must see when visiting Rotorua.

6. Polynesia Spa

The award winning spa is located in Rotorua overlooking the lake. The spa houses geothermal hot mineral waters sourced from two natural springs and feed into 28 hot mineral pools. The slightly acidic Priest Spring waters relieve tired muscles, aches and pains while the alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish the skin. Many people go in the evening to watch the sunset.

7. Tamaki Maori Evening Experience

A night filled with dancing, music, tradition and history; I learned so much and it was my favorite thing I did in New Zealand. To learn more read my previous post Tamaki Maori Evening Experience