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In this blog, Gabriella writes about her experience in the North Island, and shares some beautiful pictures of New Zealand's landscapes.
New Zealand is irritatingly beautiful. However, to state this and describe only the South Island is a sardonic crime 鈥� the North Island is incredibly special too. Let鈥檚 not allow this gem be swept away; with beautiful beaches, a swirling capital, hobbit holes, volcanoes aplenty, and the meeting point of two star-crossed oceans, Te Ika a Maui feeds the masses.
Rotorua is a geothermal hotspot and haven for M膩ori culture. Neon green ponds, rainbow pools, and bright orange extremophile homes are a very special sight. Followed by a tour of a M膩ori village sustained by geothermal pools, you truly encounter something brand new. I unfortunately doubt I will be able to reexperience the sheer joy of nibbling on corn cooked in a boiling pool within mere seconds. Everything about this place 鈥� both the geographical features and its people - exuded awe and kindness, embedded in deep history and culture.
Very different to this is the 1920鈥檚-esque town of Napier. After significant damage caused by earthquakes in the past, Napier was rebuilt to be hip and modern - by which I do mean art deco. Walking through this small town feels like a Hollywood movie set, and you suddenly feel an odd desire to heel click and swing from a lamppost.
Whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not, Hobbiton is a great place to visit. I was utterly charmed. With a personal interest in set design, it really is a magical place in which you can feel the amount of love, attention, and craft. I realised that maybe my vocation is to be a Hobbiton set maintainer鈥�
Skipping past Auckland, we head to the Northlands. By multiple sources, and myself included now, this area of New Zealand is severely underrated. The Northlands are the birthplace of New Zealand, home of the Kauri trees, filled with gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, and hold immense M膩ori significance.
Whang膩rei was a wonderful town that took us by surprise in the best way! While all we did was have a wander, the look of the town is warm and welcoming. The Hundertwasser art centre is an iconic monument, with a feel similar to Guadi architecture in Barcelona. A short drive further North leads you to the world-famous public toilets, designed by the same artist. And let me tell you, it was a thrill to see.
While driving up to the final destination, the very top, there鈥檚 a plethora of waterfalls and bays to enjoy. Hopefully this photo is聽enough for you to simply enjoy and gawp at.
With one last pie stop, you reach the last stretch all the way up to Cape Reinga to see the lighthouse and the meeting point of oceans. I have caught myself saying this a lot while in New Zealand but, once again, I have never seen anything quite like it. It is a sublime combination of drama and peace. There is a real stillness as you watch waves breaking in the very middle of a body of water. And not too far you come across giant sand dunes that momentarily teleport you to a far away desert. It is definitely worth the drive.
Frustratingly, I have not even managed to touch the surface. I have not even mentioned Wellington, the place where quality coffee, craft beer, and wind that can (and will) sweep you off your feet meet. Nor have I managed to go into the Bay of Islands, with Waitangi and the treaty that underpins this country. I apologise for this. I suppose this island is just a bit too great.