Australia & New Zealand - Day 25 - 20th June

Day 25

Had breakfast at the hotel, checked out and drove to the airport.  Got rid of the car then, eventually my case.  At present I am sat in the Cook Strait Bar at the airport reflecting on the last 10 days.

I must say I was expecting it to be good and I was certainly not let down.  It was great meeting up with Andrew & Ryan and I went to all three matches with Andrew and various other Kiwis and hundreds of Welsh fans.

With Ryan and Andrew at the Waikato Stadium

New Zealand people that I have met during my trip have been incredibly friendly, almost to the point of wanting to adopt me because I have been travelling alone.  Travelling alone from top to bottom of North Island has been an experience I will never forget and one I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I have discovered that you are never alone as long as you are prepared to interact with people here.  Speak first and you are dragged in and feel as though you belong.

Geographically New Zealand is like Wales on steroids.  Magnificent mountains and valleys, beautiful beaches and so green everywhere.   What we don't have though is the threat of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. My experience at Rotorua with the geyser and boiling mud underlined that.

I would recommend to anyone who has not been here, please try it.  You won't be disappointed.  I know I will be back as there is so much more for me to see.  Perhaps if I come back when there is no rugby on I will get more chance to see other things.  After all, I have not even set foot on South Island yet.

In conclusion, places I would recommend visiting if you are in the region are: -

AUCKLAND 

Sky City Tower for magnificent views of the city

Sixteen Tun Bar Restaurant in Viaduct Quay, for excellent craft beers, ciders and food as well as the best selection of Music.

HAMILTON

Not an exciting place but Speights Ale House is a must for Food and drink

NAPIER

What can I say, the whole city but especially the Masonic Hotel and surrounds

 WELLINGTON

Good food overlooking the bay, the Wellington Yacht Club has it all

For a truly entertaining pub with 'interesting local types it has to be Backbenchers opposite the Parliament building.

It's hard to recommend a hotel when you've only stayed in one, but I would certainly stay in the Copthorne again. Ideal location and caring staff.  Couldn't have asked for more.

So it's goodbye New Zealand, I've loved my time here.  My next posts will come from Sydney where I am flying to shortly. Another late night ahead watching Wales v Russia.