Travelling by Northern Greenliner

Abstract

My friend and I travelled through the Northern Island of New Zealand on March 15-20, 2000. We first flew from Auckland to Wellington, and drove back to Auckland via tour coach named "Northern Greenliner", which is specially designated for Japanese tourists and recommended by New Zealand Tourism Board. I would like to write a little about my trip to share the joy of travelling in New Zealand with all the readers. In Wellington, on March 16, we got on the cable car and then walked to the Parliament buildings, where we took a guided tour. In the evening, we went to Te Papa Museum. On the next day, Niihara-san (guide) and Mrs. Judy Darcy (driver) picked us up onto the tour coach. Three other tourists travelling with us were brothers from Kanazawa and their grandmother. The itinerary for the 3 days were as follows : =March 17= ・Cross Hill Gardens...a walk around the garden followed by lunch.・Mangatarata Farm...close encounter with cattles and sheep, an afternoon tea ・Mission Estate Winery...tasting of prize-winning wines ・Orchard stay at Mr.& Mrs. Harington's...horseriding, apple-picking, a look inside the picking house, etc. Lots of conversation throughout dinner. =March 18= ・Art Deco walk...a quick walk through Napier's main street・Jetboating in Taupo...got all wet from several spins before reaching the Huka Falls ・Wai-O-Tapu...amazing view of Champagne pool and other thermal activities ・Luge in Roturua...enjoyed schenic view along the way ・Polynesian Spa...nice bathe under the moon =March 19= ・Hamlarna Gardens...a garden with beautiful river flow and tall redwoods ・Waitomo Caves...mystic view of shining glowworms ・Mt. Eden...360 degrees view of Auckland ・Sky Tower...night view of Auckland from state-of-the-art building