I started my journey up to Auckland from Wellington, having got the ferry from the South Island. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is also the windiest city in the world!
After Wellington, I made my way up to Wanganui, and then on to National Park Village, where I walked the Tongariro Crossing. This was a spectacular walk through a volcanic site!
You might recognise Mount Ngauruhoe as it was used in the 'Lord of The Rings' movies as Mount Doom!
After the Tongariro crossing, I continued my way up North to Tauranga, where I climbed to the top of Mount Maunganui, which is a dormant volcano.
Further along the coast of the Bay of Plenty, we got to Hot Water Beach. At Hot Water Beach there is an underground reservoir of hot water. When you dig into the sand, the hot water rises, creating your own natural hot pool! You have to be careful though, as the water can be incredibly hot!
Not far from Hot Water Beach was Cathedral Cove:
I was very sad to leave New Zealand, having spent over 4 months there, but am now looking forward to my time in Asia. I am now in Malaysia and plan to go to Singapore and Thailand in the coming weeks!
