Day 8: Tongoriro
Tongoriro National park. Long walk (6:45 hrs). No words. It speaks for itself, check out the stunning pics. $35 NZ for the shuttle bus to/from your hostel, you may find a better way of doing this as we just did it through stray who don’t always offer the cheapest option but always the easiest!
Day 9: Wellington
Capital of NZ. Smaller than Auckland. It has a more creative feel here rather than the business feel of Auckland. It’s known for its museums, music and film production scene (Lord of the Rings of course…. aghhhhhh).
It was very wet and windy here, had to go out and buy a new rain jacket and long trousers (NZ is expensive so be prepared for the weather before you arrive).
Day 10: South island commences
Early ferry to the south island. Everyone (but us – too busy sleeping) saw dolphins swimming next to the ferry 🙂 The scenery was amazing on the way in – it sets up the south island well.
Backpacking Around the World 