Okay, so I officially stink at updating this and holding to my word. But, alas, here are smore pics and comments about the trip of all trips.
Thursday, September 3: Whale watching allowed us our first views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the water. While we didn't see any whales, we oohed and awed over cute dolphins, were guided around the ocean by our hunky captain James, and only lost one breakfast into the barf bag.
Friday, September 4: A breakfast of an Australian favorite--toast with veggiemite (yucky, as described by my face below), then on to the Sydney Wildlife World where we saw kangaroos and pet koala bears, and finally on to the Harry Potter on the world's largest IMAX!
Saturday, September 5: Our last day in Sydney. We strolled and shopped the local market at the Rocks then closed the day with a walk halfway across the Harbour Bridge (it was cold!)
Sunday, September 6: Back to the airport for a much quicker flight to New Zealand.
Monday, September 7: We caught the ferry from Auckland, across the harbour to a darling town called Davenport. Davenport offered great views of the city, fun shops, a view of the Maori legend volcano formed island, and tunnels created in the hillside for artillery and scouting against enemy ships.
Tuesday, September 8: Bring on the Tarlton's Underground Antartic Experience with penguins, sharks, and sting rays. Then a quick shuttle ride to the airport to pick up our rental car. First time driving on the other side of the road, we only got lost once and had NO wrecks. (Aren't you so proud Dad?!)
Wednesday, September 9: Welcome to Rotorua: Geothermal Hotspot of New Zealand! We hit up Hell's Gate, a plethora of stinky sulphur pots and then took our own mud bath and sulphur spa in the "healing waters." After our tour we made our own Maori carvings (okay, I didn't actually make the gun) and then participated in a Maori Village feast and dance followed by sightings of the infamous kiwi bird.
Thursday, September 10: An awesome hike through the New Zealand forests, a pretty drive to see some lakes and get a closer look at the New Zeland ferns, and a ride up the moutain for dinner looking out over Lake Rotorua and the city.
Okay, only a few days left to blog about...hopefully sooner rather than later!
xo
