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Our itinery for later this week
There are a lot of things going on in Auckland starting the 23rd. So let's see what there is to see in Wellington so we can head back to Auckland for the Auckland Seafood Festival, the McEntee Hire Beach Volleyball NZ Open and the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.
We should go to the Wellington zoo.
the Kiwi bird
red panda
We should go to the Wellington zoo.
the Kiwi bird
red panda
Lord of the Rings
Did you know that the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed here in New Zealand? Some of the shots were here in Wellington. And some were in Auckland.
Wellington region
Filming location for: Rivendell, the Auduin River, the Gardens of Isengard, Buckland Forest, Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment, Helms Deep and the fortified ravine in Rohan, Minas Tirith, Lothlorien, Gladden Fields.
Middle Earth Extended Tour
White Bridge - Middle Earth TourThis tour is a full day and our most popular tour, it visits all of the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Auduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the sight of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman; go to the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race the Ferry and get off the Road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the Road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep and the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith.
Visit the sites for Lothlorien (the White Bridge is there and a great photo opportunity) and Beside the Gladden Fields where Smeagol fought with Deagol. Both locations are situated at the elegant and beautiful Fernside Lodge in the Wairarapa. Our tour has exclusive access to that site and you will be served a gourmet picnic lunch at the White Bridge of Lothlorien - one of the few remaining structures used in the filming. This tour also visits the location of Bree, and the district of Miramar. Miramar is production central and the home of Peter Jackson and many of the cast and crew.
Rivendell film site
Wellington region
Filming location for: Rivendell, the Auduin River, the Gardens of Isengard, Buckland Forest, Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment, Helms Deep and the fortified ravine in Rohan, Minas Tirith, Lothlorien, Gladden Fields.
Middle Earth Extended Tour
White Bridge - Middle Earth TourThis tour is a full day and our most popular tour, it visits all of the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Auduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the sight of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman; go to the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race the Ferry and get off the Road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the Road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep and the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith.
Visit the sites for Lothlorien (the White Bridge is there and a great photo opportunity) and Beside the Gladden Fields where Smeagol fought with Deagol. Both locations are situated at the elegant and beautiful Fernside Lodge in the Wairarapa. Our tour has exclusive access to that site and you will be served a gourmet picnic lunch at the White Bridge of Lothlorien - one of the few remaining structures used in the filming. This tour also visits the location of Bree, and the district of Miramar. Miramar is production central and the home of Peter Jackson and many of the cast and crew.
Rivendell film site
Wellington
I think we should head south to Wellington. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is set on the edge of a harbor, surrounded by rolling hills. I will check into activities and sights to see.
To the Caves!
Today we are going to have a new adventure. We are going to tour the Waitomo Caves. And I don't want to hear any whining about being afraid of the dark or being claustrophobic or afraid of bats. We are on an adventure! Dammit!
Since 1887 when the Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored, people have been attracted to this fascinating network of limestone caves and grottos. The guided tour will take you through stunning underground scenery including the Cathedral with its perfect acoustics. The experience ends with a boat trip into the starry world of glowworms, where you can marvel at Mother Natures light display as you glide silently through the glowworm grotto. In Aranui Cave high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites await you.
Now, is everyone in the boat?
Since 1887 when the Waitomo Glowworm Caves were first explored, people have been attracted to this fascinating network of limestone caves and grottos. The guided tour will take you through stunning underground scenery including the Cathedral with its perfect acoustics. The experience ends with a boat trip into the starry world of glowworms, where you can marvel at Mother Natures light display as you glide silently through the glowworm grotto. In Aranui Cave high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites await you.
Now, is everyone in the boat?
Great Barrier Island
Today we are going to go to Great Barrier Island. Great Barrier is the fourth-largest island in New Zealand. The eastern coast comprises long, clear beaches, windswept sand-dunes, and heavy surf. The western coast, sheltered and calm, is home to hundreds of tiny, secluded bays which offer some of the best diving and boating in the country. The inland holds several large and biologically diverse wetlands as well as rugged and hillcountry (bush or heath in the more exposed heights) as well as various second- and old-growth kauri forests. We will be flying over on Great Barrier Air.
There are some hot springs there - Kaitoke Hot Springs.
There are some hot springs there - Kaitoke Hot Springs.
Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park
The Sculpture Park in near Auckland so why don't we plan to go there today?
Carved into a Waikato hillside, this quarry has been transformed into a 42-acre garden and arboretum. Planting, which started in 1991, has been designed to use and enhance the landscape of rocky outcrops, ponds,flowing water, and broad vistas toward Mt. Pirongia.
The Arboretum has been awarded the prestigious Garden of Regional Significance status from the New Zealand Garden Trust. It is the location of New Zealand's most extensive sculpture gallery.
Features include:
ponds, lakes, waterfalls and a stream
collections of more than 18,000 trees and shrubs located in:
A fernery and native NZ bush gullies
American, Latin American, Asian, and Australian sections
A rock garden of succulents and cacti
a two kilometer long trail leads through the sculpture park
Carved into a Waikato hillside, this quarry has been transformed into a 42-acre garden and arboretum. Planting, which started in 1991, has been designed to use and enhance the landscape of rocky outcrops, ponds,flowing water, and broad vistas toward Mt. Pirongia.
The Arboretum has been awarded the prestigious Garden of Regional Significance status from the New Zealand Garden Trust. It is the location of New Zealand's most extensive sculpture gallery.
Features include:
ponds, lakes, waterfalls and a stream
collections of more than 18,000 trees and shrubs located in:
A fernery and native NZ bush gullies
American, Latin American, Asian, and Australian sections
A rock garden of succulents and cacti
a two kilometer long trail leads through the sculpture park
Bungee jumping is out
But there are lots of other activities for us to try. Now we can't be cowards! We are here to see new things and try new things. Something more fun than shoveling snow. How about kite surfing?
Into the wild blue yonder
Isn't first class wonderful, Cat? I don't know what happened to the rest of the crowd. I guess they will have to get to Auckland the best way they can.
AJ Hackett Bungy
Who's up for bungy jumping??
Auckland is home to the world’s first harbour bridge bungy jump.
The operation uses the very latest in adventure technology – with a purpose built jump pod and jumper retrieval system to ensure maximum safety and comfort for jumpers. There is a number of bungy options, including the favourite "water touch".
Auckland is home to the world’s first harbour bridge bungy jump.
The operation uses the very latest in adventure technology – with a purpose built jump pod and jumper retrieval system to ensure maximum safety and comfort for jumpers. There is a number of bungy options, including the favourite "water touch".
Our accommadations for tonight
We have a full day planned for tomorrow so we need to get settled in and get some rest after that long flight. Hope this will meet with everyone's approval.
Kohimarama Retreat
130 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, Auckland
Kohimarama Retreat
An executive 5 bedroom residence located in the Auckland beachside suburb of Kohimarama. 10 minute walk to Kohimarama beach, 15 minute walk to the vibrant restaurants & beach at Mission Bay; central city 15 minute drive.
Sleeps 10: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms.
Doesn't the beach look wonderful and peaceful! And warm!
Kohimarama Retreat
130 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, Auckland
Kohimarama Retreat
An executive 5 bedroom residence located in the Auckland beachside suburb of Kohimarama. 10 minute walk to Kohimarama beach, 15 minute walk to the vibrant restaurants & beach at Mission Bay; central city 15 minute drive.
Sleeps 10: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms.
Doesn't the beach look wonderful and peaceful! And warm!
