Final write-up of North Island trip

The next stop was Taranaki, and we took the Forgotten World Highway to get there. The main reason of choosing this route was to see Damper Falls, the highest waterfalls in North Island, but we did not manage to find our way there. It was an adventurous drive though, 150km, with no petrol station along the way nor much people around, except for a crazy driver, driving at crazy speed on a single way gravel road which almost collide head on to our car.

Pics along the highway.The clock tower in Stratford. At the North Egmont Visitors Centre. Dawson Falls & the visitor centre.
New Plymouth stay, Tonari. Fitzroy coastal walkway.~~~~~~~~

We headed south to Palmerston North, taking the Surf Highway 45, and visited Cape Egmont Lighthouse along the way. We went for the miniature train rides in Victoria Esplanade. It was a real pity we did not have time to explore the huge, beautiful park.

The dinner we had. It was the other best eat-out meal we ate in the whole trip, this time, at a much cheaper price.De Molen Windmill in Foxton.TeApiti Wind Farm~~~~~~~~

We travelled back north to Hawke's Bay after the wind farm visit.

Orchard tour at Pernel Fruitworld. Lunch at Silky Oak Chocolate cafe.Arataki Honey Visitor CentreThe tide was not cooperating that day, and so we did not manage to complete our Gannet Beach Adventure.The Riverbend Family Lodge stay.~~~~~~~~

We moved upwards to Bay of Plenty and took the Thermal Explorer Highway. Along the way, daddy got attracted by a sign that read " Volcanic scenic sight" and off we went for an impromptu visit, which was really off the main road, and no idea how far it was away. A worthwhile trip, and the best part, we managed to reach the maize park (which was the planned itinerary) before it closed for the day.

Boat cruise in Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Lots of fun, searching for the answers for the question sheet and at the same time finding our way out of the maze. We were very good for first timers.

Kiwi orchard tour at Kiwi 360.

Tauranga town city.

Papamoa Country Cottage, the last holiday house we stayed at.~~~~~~~~

The children were well behaved in both the to and fro flights. I got to eat my meals, watched movies, and my turn to see parents struggling with cranky babies and kids. It will be another two years, before we have another such vacation. Like I explained to the kids, need to save up first.