We headed off from our campsite in Matata and beelined to the destination for the day, Hobbiton. Remnants of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films, the set of the Tolkien inspired Hobbit village, sat a couple of hours drive from our coastal starting point.
Let the enjoyment begin! Although it was fairly rainy out, we donned our waterproofs and headed on down to Hobbiton with our friendly tour guide, Hayden.
We were greeted by the smell of wood burning fires, provided by the smoking chimneys scattered on the grass topped dwellings. We were told that during production they used beeswax to produce the smoke, but switched to wood chip when the tours came into swing.
Disappointed that we had to leave this quirky and idyllic place, we jumped into the car and headed North through Auckland to Northland.
Another long drive but we were keen to get to a point around half way up Northland. We only stopped for a quick swim in Whangarei before heading to Otamure Bay, our stop for the evening.
After several miles on a gravel road we arrived on site, quickly set up camp (well schooled at this point), and went for a quick beach walk before settling down for the evening.
We woke with the sun, as is standard when camping, greeted by a sunny day… and a duck!
The campsite was fringed with pōhutukawa trees, we had a look at these ancient giants before heading onwards to the northernmost point we would be travelling in New Zealand, Matai Bay.
Further reading on the coastal evergreen – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrosideros_excelsa
We arrived early at Matai Bay, enough time for a walk along the coast for a couple of hours!
After another sleep in the tent. We hit the road this time heading South, down the West side of the island. Google maps recommended a short cut, so we dutifully followed. Soon we realised that the shortcut was down a short 40km stretch of gravel road directly through the island! A little bumpy here and there, but the route was clear of traffic and the views were exceptional.
Nicely when a local farmer passed by he checked to see if we were OK, to which we responded, ‘Yes thank you, just fine!’
No longer than an hour later, having fully tested the Mitsubishi’s traction control abilities. We arrived at Waipoua Kauri Forest. Home to many a Kauri tree, often reaching 50 metres in height and 1.6 metres in width.
The tree canopies appeared to give each other breathing space; possibly allowing just enough light to aid decomposition on the forest floor, a key source of their nutrition.
Alas, our trip in New Zealand was coming to a close, and on departure the next morning we headed down to Auckland to give the car a quick hoover, air it out a little, and return it to the car people. They seemed happy enough, thankfully, so we proceeded to our hotel. The Palms was a newly renovated motel a short fifteen from the airport. The staff were friendly, the rooms comfortable and quiet. A nice break from the wilderness to rest up before a solid 23 hours travel to LA.
See you all in Los Angeles!
James
Superb!
Very enjoyable trip to New Zealand and you only visited half of it! La La Land will be quite a contrast.
You both look like you have had a wonderful time in New Zealand. You are really getting so much in. I’m glad you are doing these blogs. As much for your future benefit as it is for us following you now. ❤️