New Zealand has been on our bucket list for many years, more so since the making of  the movie, Lord of the Rings. We finally realised our dream on 6th March 2020 and flew to Auckland to begin our adventure. The North Island is beautiful and there is so much to see; Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Hamilton, Lake Taupo, Wellington and many places in between. And, of course, Hobbiton.

Unfortunately, our travels were truncated with the advent of a certain virus and a government directive to return home before borders were closed. We made it to the South Island but instead of our planned twenty days, we were reduced to four. Our hearts went out to the businesses affected by this, from accommodation and car hire to museums, scenic helicopter flights and many others we were so looking forward to.

We plan to return in March 2021 to complete our journey on the South Island. Perhaps we will take a little longer next time.