Sol, Mount Maunganui

Probably the BEST hotcakes I've ever had in my life and I could care less for them. I asked the chef what made them so delicious and he replied, "New Zealand milk!"

Happy 11th Birthday Anna!

Technically, Anna has 2 birthdays because NZ is 23 hours ahead of Hawaii. The staff of the Funky Green Voyager, including Gerard's children Lola and Don planned a surprise to wish our girl a happy birthday. So sweet!

Funky Green Voyager Hostel, Papakura

When the owner's cutest daughter Lola asks where my sister was, referring to Anna and the owner Gerard tells you you have the most beautiful smile that has entered the place in over 20 years, you automatically love the place. Clean, economical, and just the friendliest staff to welcome you to Papakura. A well managed establishment that I would recommend to anyone!

Skyline Luge, Papakura

Once you get over the smell of rotten eggs from the sulfur emissions in Papakura, you get to enjoy all the fun things like the luge. Anna and Scott tackled the advanced course while I chose the scenic route.

Mount Maunganui

Check out my cute surfing instructor! Sets were more frequent and bigger than Wainui but still had a great time!

Horse Trekking at Lake Okareka

I overcame my fear and joined my Anna for horseback riding run by the sweetest wolfers (employees who work for food, room and board) through postcard perfect scenery. The trek took us through 500 acres of native bush between volcanic Lake Okareka, Lake Tarawera and the famous Blue and Green lakes.

Shakespeare, Auckland

My fellow English colleagues wouldn't forgive me if I didn't post this hotel.

Manu Bay, Raglan

Surf spot made famous in Endless Summer.

Wainui, Raglan

Rented a board and wet suits and charged the waves. No reef, black sand, and mellow waves-perfect!

804 Wainui Road

Our bachi pad located in the hills of Raglan with a breathtaking view.

Aotorea Surf Film Festival

A quiet surf town to showcase Scott's surf film Nature is the Canvas We Destroy.

Driving in New Zealand

Once you get used to driving on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road, and figuring out round abouts, you can get anywhere in New Zealand.

Kiwi Foods

It was recommended that I eat fish and chips and meat pies when I'm in New Zealand. Different but delicious.

Nikau Caves

Imagine crawling in knee deep waters through tight crevices to see glow worms. Totally worth it. I swear, every ache and pain in my body vanished after the adrenalin rush. What was even cooler was the hike back that brought us close to sheep and cows.

Devonport

A ferry ride to a cute village town filled with historic Victorian homes. Did I mention Davenport has their own chocolate factory?

City Lodge

Micro hotel but macro in comfort and price.

No. 1 Pancake

Almost like a crepe but fatter and flatter and just as delicious!

Umiya Sushi

Every sushi flavor imaginable in this take away (take out) restaurant.

Auckland Art Gallery

An enjoyable museum, and I've been to the Louvre. Not too big and interesting exhibits, especially the Environment 3.