First Tramping Experience

I finished my day in Auckland yesterday with a tour around the city. Paul took me to several high points where I could see magnificant views of the city and the harbor. There are definitely some beautiful lookout points in the city.

Today I set out to Rotorua... getting a little bit closer to the south island and my biking adventure. The bike (and Ox) got its first ride as I made my way to the train station this morning. It's a bit different riding with a load attached, but I reckon I'll get used to it soon. After taking a train into Auckland, I caught my bus to Rotorua. The ride down was spendid... views of rolling fields, lush hills, munching cows, roaming lamas, and more... overall, a refreshing trip. We even got commentary from the bus driver as we passed significant sites. Not quite like any bus ride I've taken in the US.

I'm staying with a very generous family in Rotorua(relatives of a friend back in Ohio). They picked me up at the bus stop and took me to their beautiful home nearby. After feeding me a home cooked meal, Dave and Indy (the dog) and I went for a hike in the redwood forest right across the street... the Kiwis call this tramping. The forest was unlike any other I've seen... exploding with green all around and filled with sounds of cicadas. Everyone told me that New Zealand is a beautiful country. Now I know why.