New Zealand Day 6: Back to Auckland & One Tree Hill

 << Previous Post: Day 6 - Sightseeing in Rotorua <<

After spending half of our day did sightseeing around Rotorua, next thing to do was driving all the way back to Auckland again in order for us to catch our flight on the next morning. The drive from Rotorua to Auckland took nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

#1: Driving from Rotorua back to Auckland again. 

Before check-in into the hotel which my friend booked pretty close to the Auckland Airport, we took this opportunity to dropby at One Tree Hill, which is the second highest volcanic peak in Auckland that offers spectacular and amazing 360-degree bird eye views of the city and both of Auckland's harbours. It's also an important memorial place for both Maori and and other New Zealanders. 

#2: One Tree Hill, the second highest volcanic peak in Auckland 

#3: The summit offers panoramic views across the Auckland area and harbours.

#4: One picture for the memory. 

#5: Lush greenery with countless of sheep. 

#6: We stayed at Ibis Budget Auckland Airport, a family friendly economy hotel that located 800m away from Auckland Airport and Auckland Domestic Airport.  

#7: The Yellow Bus - Auckland Airport Hotels Transfer Bus that operate between 3.20am to 2.07am 

For more info regarding the ticket and fare, you can check out here.

And that's concludes my travelogue of the North Island of New Zealand. 

Next travelogue will be sharing more of the South Island. 

Share:

New Zealand Day 4: Paihia & Russell

 << Previous Post: Road Trip to Paihia & Day Tour with Harrison's Cape Runner to Cape Reinga  <<

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

Share:

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 >>

Share:

New Zealand Day 0: British Airways & Qantas to Auckland, New Zealand

Kinda not in the mood to blog due to the sudden spike in the number of positive cases in Sabah. Furthermore, I was pretty occupied with my small little tiny handcrafted business. 

This travelogue of mine to New Zealand was way back in 2015 - I know, it's like 5 years ago. But still, I want to document here so that when after 10 years, or probably 20 years later I will be able to look back when I'm old. Hopefully Blogger will still be around that time cause currently, they seem like a bit haywire (kinda dislike the new interface where I unable to share my photo from Flickr).

By the way, how many of you have been to New Zealand? If yes, do you like it? I guesst 10 out of 10 people who have been to New Zealand, all of them love it so much and plan to return again. A beautiful country with amazing and spectacular scenery and not forgetting, the friendly local people. I went with two of my best friends and we travelled for more than 2 weeks there - covering both North and South Island. 

We gathered in Singapore first, before took off to Auckland - with short transit in Sydney. We flew with two different airlines; British Airways for our flight from Singapore to Sydney and then continue with Qantas Airways from Sydney to Auckland. 

• British Airways (Singapore to Sydney)

#1: My maiden flight with British Airways

#2: Boarding pass

#3: The economy seat

#4: In-flight meal for long haul. Pretty good I should say, especially with wide range of beverages including wine and beer. 

#5: Second meal - the snack box but because we're still full with our first meal, we brought out of the cabin. 

• Qantas Airways (Sydney to Auckland)

#6: Also my first time with Qantas Airways

#7: The flight duration from Sydney to Auckland takes approximately 3 hours

#8: Chicken salad being served 

#9: Ice-cream and chocolate for dessert before we landed 

#10: The view that I always looking forward for

#11: Kia Ora New Zealand! Kia Ora Auckland! 

It took me more than 24 hours to reach the so-called "Middle Earth" from my hometown where I arrived in 5 different airports and landed in 4 different countries (you can check out my post here) - extremely exhausted and tired but for the sake of travelling, all these experiences and adventures are worth for once in a lifetime. 

Right after we cleared the immigration process and claimed our luggage, it's time to head to Auckland. The fastest and affordable option to get to city centre from Auckland Airport is by taking SkyBus. Operating daily from 6am to 8pm, one way with SkyBus costs AUD17 and the ride takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. You can purchase the bus ticket at the kiosk next to the bus. 

#12: SkyBus - The fastest and affordable option to get to city centre from Auckland Airport 

So that's all about my fair experiences with British Airways and Qantas Airways from Singapore to Auckland, the first city we landed in New Zealand. My next coming blog will be none other than, Auckland and it's surrounding. 

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

Share: