New Zealand Day 4: Paihia & Russell

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It's our 4th day in New Zealand and we decided to take things slow and easy, before continue with our next road trip. Since we're in Paihia, a main tourist town in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand, we took the chance to explore this small little town and also the neighbourhood town which is Russell. 

PAIHIA TO RUSSELL

Getting to Russell from Paihia is pretty easy by taking ferry to cross over. It's more convenient if you have car so that you have the freedom to explore Russell. Departs every 15 minutes from Opua, the ferry crossing took approximately 10 minutes and passed through the harbour. You can purchase the ticket online in advance, or even on the vessel on the day. 

#1: Taking ferry from Paihia to cross over to Russell

So, what's so special about Russell? Besides being the country's first sea port, it's also first permanent European settlement in New Zealand. The town holds a significant place in New Zealand's history as it is full with lots of historical places and buildings. Even the town's streets retain their original layout and names since 1843 and many of the historical buildings are open for public for visit. 

#2: A very quiet and quaint town of Russell 

We spotted few cafes and shops but they were closed as it's still quite early in the morning (probably around 8am). I guess the best time to come here is before the lunch time cause I believe that most of the cafes, restaurants and shops have opened their business. It's not a bad idea to arrive here earlier cause we hardly spot any tourists and we can stroll around the town in a peaceful and calm environment. 

#3: Driving around Russell is so relaxing

#4: Museum in Russell 

#5: Flagstaff Hill - one of the spots in Russell you shouldn't miss 

#6: Spectacular lookout point 

#7: Wild flowers in Russell 

RUSSELL TO PAIHIA

After spending roughly 2 hours exploring Russell, we took ferry to cross over to Paihia again before leaving the town permanently. Similar to Russell, Paihia is a delightful small town that don't need extra miles to discover the entire town. My friends and I just parked our car at one spot and then, we walked around by heading to the museum, public library, war memorial house and we even having our lunch here. 

#8: A delightful small town of Paihia

#9: Williams House Public Library - We're kinda attracted to the exterior of the building

#10: Paihia War Memorial Hall 

#11: Sakura blossom in Paihia

#12: Our lunch in Paihia - pork ribs and burger 

ACCOMMODATION IN HAMILTON

We then continue driving to Hamilton, the most populous city of the Waiko region which takes about 4 and half hours drive via State Hwy 1. My friend booked one night stay in this bed & breakfast by the name of Glen Horne and it turns out to be one of my favourite stay throughout my trip in New Zealand. Not just that our stay is cozy and comfortable, the host even provide us a simple and light breakfast. That's so warm and thoughtful. We went bed earlier and have a good rest cause on the following day is going to be another exciting day. 

#13: Our stay in Hamilton

#14: Clean, cozy and comfortable bed & breakfast. Highly recommend. 

Glen Horne B&B 

Date Stayed: 16 September - 17 September (1 night)

Room Rate: RM319 for 3 pax - 1 queen bed and 1 single bed ensuite with bathroom

New Zealand Day 2 & 3: Road Trip to Paihia & Day Tour with Harrison’s Cape Runner to Cape Reinga

 << Previous Post: Day 1 - Auckland, The First City We Visited in New Zealand <<

It's time to begin with our road trip in New Zealand. We collected our car rental on the second day in Auckland. We rented Nissan Tiida from Apex Car Rental and their services were amazing as they picked us up from the hotel we stayed in Auckland. Driving around New Zealand is not that difficult as the driver's seat is on the right side and they drive on the left-hand side of the road, exactly like in Malaysia. Malaysians can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have a current driver's licence. Just bear in mind that the common legal age to rent a car in the country is 21. 

#1: Goodbye Auckland! Will see you again

#2: Nissan Tiida which we rented from Apex Car Rental

#3: The first thing to do when rent a car is to dropby at supermarket to stock up some groceries and snack. 

From Auckland, we drove all the way to Paihia, a small town is well-known for a gateway to the sandy beaches of the Bay of Islands. As the journey took approximately 4 hours drive, my friends and I took turn to drive. I have to say that the road in New Zealand is pretty smooth one, and I almost fall asleep midway of the drive. 

#4: In Paihia, we stayed in Averill Court Motel

Averill Court Motel

Date Stayed: 14 September - 16 September (2 night)

Room Rate: RM524 for 2 nights for 3 pax 

On the next day, we drove another 1 and half hour from Paihia to Harrisons Cape Reinga Tour centre where we signed up with them for an exciting tour around Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga riding powerful terrain 4x4 truck to bus convention. This is one of the top attractions in North Island of New Zealand which I personally think you shouldn't miss it out. The full-day comprehensive tour departs daily at 9am and it's expecting to end around 5pm. 

#5: Harrisons Cape Reinga Tour riding on their powerful terrain 4x4 truck to bus convention

The so-called coach can fit up to 45 pax for 1 trip of tour. It has air-conditioning inside the coach and with large panoramic windows for the guest to enjoy the best scenic viewing. Not sure about WiFi connection inside the coach cause when we went New Zealand dating back in 5 years, Internet wasn't so important yet. The tour covering tourist attraction spots such as Aupouri Forest, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Stream & Sand Dunes, Cape Reinga, Tapotupotu Bay, Rarawa Beach, Te Kao, Houhora Heads and Ka-Uri Unearthed. 

 

#6: My ootd on that day - try to act lil bit boyish

#6: Ice-cream in New Zealand is must try. It's amazingly good!

#7: Chamomile (sometimes I mistakenly thought they are daisies)

#8: Some snacks provided by the tour operator

#9: Don't you think their parks are super lovely?

#10: Tapotupotu Bay - A beautiful sandy bay nestled in the hills on the eastern side of Cape Reinga. 

#11: Lighthouse in Cape Reinga - the highlight of the tour

In Maori belief, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua (Maori language) is a sacred place. It's the departing place of the spirits of the recently deceased. It is also the dramatic meeting place of the Tasman and Pacific Oceans.  

 

#12: Sand board at Te Paki Sand Dunes (extra charges apply and therefore, we didn't play)

#13: Poor dolphin in Ninety Mile Beach

Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the entire 8-hours tour especially with our guide cum driver who non-stop entertaining us with his humour and jokes. And the best part was we're rewarded with clear blue skies and therefore, almost all the photos we took were amazing and stunning. 

Harrisons Cape Reinga Tour

Tour Cost: NZ$70 for adult, NZ$40 for children

Tour departs at 9am and ends around 5pm.

#14: Our dinner bought from the supermarket - quick and easy. Not forgetting along with the national fruit

[Oh damn! I hate the new interface by blogger. My photos tend to be smaller than last few posts and I unable to share from Flickr]

New Zealand Day 1: Auckland, The First City We Visited in New Zealand

 << Previous Post: Day 0 - British Airways & Qantas to Auckland, New Zealand <<

Fyi, New Zealand consists of two major islands where most of the population lives - North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and South Island (Te Waipounamu). Those names in bracket are in the Maori language. We began our New Zealand trip from the North Island and the first city we visited is none other than Auckland, the capital city of New Zealand. For this trip, my friend Agnes took the lead of planning and arrange everything; from accommodation, car rental, tour and etc while I finally can just enjoy the entire trip with stress-free. Thank you, Agnes! 

ACCOMMODATION IN AUCKLAND

We settled down in this budget boutique hotel by the name of Shakespeare Hotel for just a night. It's not just an-old school hotel, but it is also consists of pub, restaurant and even brewery. So if you love to drink, then this place is meant for you. Unfortunately, my friends and I don't drink. Location wise, it is tucked right in the heart of Auckland city - easy access to shops, restaurants, eateries and even the nearest attractions.

 

#1: Shakespeare Hotel - this is where we stayed in Auckland city.

#2: Most budget hotels don't have lift within the building. Therefore, pack light.

#3

Address: The Shakespeare, 61 Albert Street, Auckland CBD (Cnr of Wyndham St & Albert St)

How To Get Here: After taking Skybus from Auckland Airport, align at 175 Queen Street stop, walk for 75m and then turn left into Wyndham Street, keep walking straight for about 150m and you will hotel on the opposite road with red-coloured building. 

Date Stayed: 13 September - 14 September 2015 (1 night)

Room Rate: RM332 for ensuite room with a queen bed and a single bed (we travel in 3)

SIGHTSEEING AROUND AUCKLAND

Since our trip in Auckland was pretty short (like less than 24 hours),  hence we intend not to get further away from the CBD area first. Plus, we will return to Auckland again before taking our flight to the South Island.  

Here are some of the places and building we came across on our first two days in Auckland:

#4: Auckland somehow reminds me of Melbourne

#5: Business district and one of the big four accounting firms just behind me

#6: Stunning Victorian Italianate style building

#7: What a busy city! 

#8: Cool mural painting on the staircases

#9: Auckland Ferry Terminal

#10: Auckland Tower - one of the city's top attractions

#11: Church nearby the tower 

#12: Auckland Art Gallery's Clock Tower

#13: My geng for this trip 

My friends and I are not that particular when comes to food. Now you know why I don't claim myself to be a food blogger cause I'm fine with anything - as long as it's clean, cheap and most importantly, edible. If you are on budget trip like us, Auckland has few food courts with variety of Asian food with cheap price. We came across one which nearby the Queen Street that caught our attention. I know you guys must be thinking, "Flying all the way to New Zealand for Asian food? You must be kidding". We tried our best to savour as much as Asian food we could find cause throughout the entire journey, for sure we will end up with either burger or fish and chips cause you know, this is New Zealand.  

#14: Food court with variety of Asian food near Queen Street

#15: My friend ordered this Chinese fried rice and it's freaking huge that my friend unable to finish it.

By the way, wondering will Uncle Roger approve this fried rice? Or he will say "HAIYA!"

Right after satisfied our hungry tummy, it's time for shopping! Well-known shopping icon Queens Arcade is an ideal destination for shopping. You can find all sorts of shops here, from fashion to accessories and even cafe and confectionery shops. But if you often read my blog, you will now that this is not my favourite place to shop. 

#16: Queens' Arcade - retail store in CBD area

Souvenir shops are my all-time favourite place to spend my money. The downtown area of the CBD has a number of souvenir shops for a range of budgets. Just head over to the lower Queen Street and lower Albert Street area, then you find what you need as a keepsake.  

#17: Fridge magnets, postcards, stamps - these are what normally I got from souvenir stores

That's pretty sum up what we did in Auckland when we had like less than 24 hours. Auckland does have few historical museums such as Auckland War Memorial Museum and New Zealand National Maritime Museum but we tend to skip them. 

Right after our small little tour around Auckland CBD area, we went back our hotel and started to pack our things. Check-out time is approaching and after that, it's time to begin with our road trip around New Zealand. Will continue more of this for the next upcoming post. Okay, thanks bye for reading this post! 

>> Day 2&3: Road Trip to Paihia & Day Tour with Harrison's Cape Runner to Cape Reinga >>