March 20th. We were supposed to catch the bus at Dannevrike and return to Auckland via Napier, Rotorua and Taupo but our host insist on driving us to Napier to catch more sights and board the bus there. Along the way there were lots of apple and pears orchard with some vine yards here and there. The first stop was Bluff Hill Domain. Bluff Hill Domain. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Drought ridden valley with a partially dried up river. The have and have not – WATER!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Wow!!! The wind is strong! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Top of the “below” world. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Port of Napier. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Port of Napier. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Beautiful garden. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Next was a quick drive around tour of Napier before arriving at the The Thirsty Whale for a yummy lunch. This place was recommended by our host. Lunch place. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Inside decor. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) A seagull in the bar!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The underground band in the floor!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The eaters. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The great story teller ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) When the food was served, I forgot to take photos until we had already started. Anyway it was a seafood lunch with scallops, mussels, calamari and fish. yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) yum yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Others already in the tummy!!! After lunch we had some time before the bus arrived so we walk around to have a look see. Amphibious ducky city tour. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Pania ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Pania’s story. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) When the bus arrived, we said our good byes and boarded the bus for our next destination. It was sad for all of us but we have to go. Our first stop was back in Rotorua where we have to change bus before proceeding to Auckland. Haha … Back in Rotorua so soon!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) To Auckland here we go!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) We arrived in Auckland a little late in the evening and since the bus did not stop for a dinner break, I was a little famish. Since most of the dining place were already closed or closing, our host brought us to this place which is like a food court and most stalls were still opened. We had a quick bite and called it a day. March 21st We stayed in in the morning and went to Pavilion & Farmers mall for lunch at Ronnie’s Café. Mall entrance. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Inside the mall. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Beautiful, lots of green. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Ronnie’s Café. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Spaghetti – yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Spinach wrap. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Avocado wrap. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) After lunch we headed to Devonport via the famed Harbour Bridge. There were lots to see and do in Davenport but our time was limited so we just did the Torpedo Bay area. Going up Harbour Bridge. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Almost at the apex. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) On the way down. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Devonport ferry terminal. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Auckland city. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The Happy Trio. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Navy Museum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Hehe!!! monkeying around. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The real person. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Ladies of the NZ Navy. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Oops!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Wow!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Inside of torpedo. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Steering a imaginary ship. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) 2 o’clock, 2 o’clock. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Nice Mini-Moke. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Shall we go diving? ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Lots to see and learn. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Wish I can have one. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) We returned to Whitford to meet up with our host sis and husband for our last dinner in Auckland before we fly to Melbourne the next day. The dinner was at Daikoku Japanese Restaurant for a delicious Teppanyaki meal. The restaurant. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The diners. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The salad. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The soup. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) The cook … from Shanghai, China. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Let the feast begin. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Yum, yum!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Lobster meat, yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Scallops, yum. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Happy diners. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) See, he got a giant camera. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Steaks, yumm. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Good night. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) March 22nd. Our host drove us to the airport to catch our flight to Melbourne, Australia. At the airport we were met by huge statue something to do with the hobbit, I think. My bodyguard!!! ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Easter chocs. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Our ride. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Meal in the air. ( photo / image / picture from KK Ng's Garden ) Next Melbourne, Australia.
A fantastic trip KK, each posting it gets better and better. Did the bodyguard fit on the airplane? Jerry
This was a very enjoyable tour of your trip KK. Seems as though you had a great time, and the food! Lets just say my mouth is watering, and my stomach is growling!!
Jerry, no the bodyguard was not allowed on or in the plane so he had to swim. Didn't see him in Australia though, guess he didn't made it. Thanks Cherylad, I'm enjoying it again too!!! :-D Kay, it was indeed very enjoyable and with the current situation here, wished we did not had to come back.
I really love the trip you two took, memories for a lifetime. I would rather come face to face with the giant dwarf statue than that huge Gollum at the Wellington airport That will make you stop eating for a while.
