New Zealand 10 Is This Guy, A Skinhead?

 I got a few pics of Matt with the interviewee though. He was sort of a Japanese Ian Wright (GlobeTrekker for those of you that don't follow) but not quite as outgoing. Really nice though, at least what we could understand seemed nice. He may have been saying "look at the American asses, what is this guy, a skinhead?"

We left Cathedral Cove after lunch and headed down towards Rotorua. When we got there, we stopped to eat at a Turkish kebab place (these are quite common here) and the food was excellent. We then went to a small convenience store and the Australian clerk chatted it up with us for awhile. He suggested that we spend the night at a local park called Fernland.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 9 When BAMMM!!!!

 It took about an hour and a half but was a very easy walk so we just took our time. When we got to the cove we soon discovered it was worth the walk. We layed down on the rocks for awhile and I was just falling asleep when a Japanese film crew came over to interview Matt. Yes, I am absolutely serious. The interviewee, a young Japanese man, spoke to Matt in Japanese while Matt waited for his translator to translate. They were going about it pretty well and I was just getting my camera out to get a shot of the actual interview when BAMMM!!!! ...... a HUGE wave crashed up and doused the film camera with salt water. You can imagine how upset the guy was, furiously trying to dry out the camera. Thank goodness I was a distance away.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 8 Hot Water Beach

 This time, we made it. We drove straight to Hot Water Beach, hired a spade and dug a hole to lay in. It was fabulous.

Really, really hot water in some places...so hot you could not even touch. But some pools were the perfect temperature. It was sooooo relaxing. The hot water pools cannot be accessed until low tide. The tide went out at 5pm so we did not leave the beach until about 6.30pm. 

We spent the night at a holiday park complete with hot showers, kitchen and full laundry ... We awoke a little late this morning. It was our first night spent in the camper van (first night spent in any camper van) and, all in all, it wasn't bad. It was chilly so we ate a quick breakfast, showered and began our walk to Cathedral Cove. It was a fantastic coastal walk with lots of pretty foliage and animals along the way.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 7 Fretful Night On The Phone

 Finally made it back to Auckland around 9.30, tired, more than a little agitated and with no place to stay. We decided not to be picky and checked into the Kiwi International, an establishment of less than desirable inhabitants (as many residents seemed to live there?) and very dirty carpets. But they had a shower, at this point, my only requirement. Spent a fretful night on the phone with the credit card company trying to halt transaction. Oh, joy.

This morning we made our way back to the rental company and after lengthy and exhausting discussions, we decided to take their offer of a refund for all of the time beyond 30 days plus an upgrade to their best vehicle (and I use the term "best" very loosely). It was a newer vehicle though and more spacious so, once again, we headed out of Auckland.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)