Marc and I have been having a terrific time in New Zealand! Ralph, June and Ngaire helped us plan a wonderful itinerary. First.... if you haven’t been to New Zealand yet, make plans to come. It is so beautiful and green. I honestly don’t know how June leaves it. It is a beautiful country, so peaceful, clean and such fresh air! Any country that has naturalized Agapanthus (my favorite flower) along all the road ways and in the cities is great in my book. Just beautiful!,!!

We started out in Auckland, but will be there at the end of our trip, so haven’t seen much of it yet.

We drove up to the bay of islands on the north island, and the drive was spectacular, such beautiful scenery (did I mention the agapanthus?). The drive was just amazing, the green hills, the sea, the lakes, just beautiful. We took a harbor tour and loved it, all the sail boats and islands. Next we drove to Matamata to see Hobbitton the film set of the Lord of the rings movies. I haven’t seen the movies or read the books, but Marc had and it was a big deal to come to “middle earth”. So well done and again beautiful scenery. We also went to Rotorua to the Maori hangi. Marc was elected chief (those of you in the know you will laugh) which was interesting and fun. New Zealand is a gardener’s paradise. Then on to Wellington, were Marc went to the Te Papa museum. We then Walked some of the city and went to the botanical gardens via the cable car. What a glorious place in the middle of the city. I have absolutely fallen in love with NewZealand! We are now at the ferry terminal waiting for the ferry to the South Island which everyone tells me is prettier then the north, but I find that hard to believe. Time will tell, I’ll let you know when I next have time to check in.