Adam Hayley
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Auckland Zoo
Unfortunately, not even good for the kids.
A lot of the animals advertised were not there or available for viewing, lots of builders/construction and no warning of this.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk
A beautiful and spiritual place.
Various points of interest, very well presented/maintained area with information panels.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki ▷
Ōtaki Forks Campsite
One hell of an unsealed road to get to it, the water/river is not as accessible as described/mapped and the millions of crickets everywhere wasn't great.
But nice loos and recycling.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Mitai Maori Village
It was great to see how Hangi kai is made (and how good it tastes!).
But good food did not balance out the very weak show and tell items. Pointless walks and half-hearted show.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
Mangawhero Campsite
Small secluded site with self regulating (only $4pp), had flattened gravel areas next to grass space (about 8 spaces).
picnic table, recycling and Mt Ruapehu views.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Kahu Kayaks
Kayaking the Tasman was great, awesome and informative guide, surprise/chance whale watching was an added bonus, but the 2.5 hour unscenic woodland coastal walk let it down - badly!
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
What an amazing challenging and interesting walk with scenic and geological highlights throughout.
One-way crossing means transport needs to be arranged.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Craters of the Moon
If you had never seen any form of geothermal activity before, then it may be of some interest, but unfortunately a few scattered steam vents and holes in the ground does not justify an entrance fee.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Cathedral Cove Walk
Long walk down (not suited to unabled bodies), and advertising mislead us as you are not allowed to walk under/through the 'Cathedral' shaped rock.
Overrated.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Stratford ▷
Wilkies Pools Loop Track
An easy walk, longer routes available, series of pools and waterfalls are beautiful - smooth rocks with crystal clear blue waters.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
Huge place with plenty of spaces to camp - lots of trees and various levels.
No running water but on the clear Waikato River for a morning dip. Free camping.