Follow Faith to North Island, New Zealand (Auckland & Coromandel Penisula)

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     Hiyaa mates! It is so good to be back to my retreat sanctuary, which is this little online space of mine, to share beautiful views, amazing food and unique experience with my dear readers. I've recently returned from the southern land of New Zealand for a short family trip, in conjunction with my birthday and a new milestone in my medical career. We tried to make it an annual thing, making effort to spend time with each other while exploring the wonderful world out there. This time around, we chose to go NZ as dad is a huge fan of nature and what's better than spending some quality time with your loved ones, uninterrupted, fully soaking in the goodness of nature? So come with me, join me in this wonderful journey down south!

Just be prepared for lots of green and blue hues
    First thing first, so we booked the trip rather late, approximately 1 month before. It was just an impromptu decision. We tried to get the best deal in September, luckily it was around the MATTA fair (travel fair in Malaysia), so we gotten some good deals via Malaysia Airlines. It costs us around RM 27++ per person for return flight from KL to Auckland. Next it was all hardcore research by yours truly because we opted for the 100% self-drive, free and easy tour around NZ. I just casually spent some free time reading travel blogs, YouTube travelogue and official NZ tourism guide. There are actually many reliable sources out there, you just need to search hard enough.

I've never notice the beauty of our own KLIA #prettylights
Here we go! The flight itself took roughly 10 hours, we were so exhausted from the rough ride
   In terms of transportation, although NZ has some public transport (train and buses) here and there, but it is not extensive enough to properly cover the main attractions in the North Island. I would reckon that self drive tour is the only recommended option, especially when you are travelling in group. You could also rent a Camper-van (which most of the young couples do) or go for the hitch-travel. Renting a car is so simple and convenient in Auckland. Once you cleared the security, there will be various car rental companies (Herz and etc), feel free to compare prices there. However, i strongly urge you to inquire at the tourism information counter, as they will provide a lost of cheaper car rental companies around the airport. We were lucky to find Apex Rental just a stone throw away from the airport. It costs us about 430 NZD for a 7-days car rental + insurance. Shuttle service is provided by the company to and fro airport, with excellent service as well. Some important points to note: driving system in NZ follows the British way (driving on the right side). NZ roads includes Motorway (like highway or stateway, some requires tol), Highway (long and winding) and some countryside road which may not be tarred. Just be cautious of single way (especially when crossing narrow bridges) and animals crossing (really common)!


   Accommodation wise, we chose to go with half hotel and half AirBnb, reason being we truly believe that the essence of travelling is to live like the locals, in terms of daily living. AirBnb gives us the luxury of living like a local kiwi at an affordable price. I'll share more in terms of that later on as we proceed in the travelogue. For Auckland, we went with Grand Millenium Hotel, right in the heart of CBD (Central Business District) Auckland.

View right outside of our hotel-Auckland Sky Tower
   For the first night, we had a quick stroll around the vibrant city of Auckland before headed to Oyster & Chop for our dinner. This is a casual restaurant recommended by the lovely hotel staff, located just off the Viaduct Harbour, where all the happening night life is situated. Auckland by nature is a harbour town, blessed by tonnes of various fresh seafood, hence, seafood item is not to be missed. We ordered an oyster platter as sharing appetizer, followed by individual mains: Seafood Chowder, Fish & Chips and lastly Lamb Cutlets. The seafood items were pretty amazing with authentic flavours, personal favourite goes to the seafood chowder whereas the lamb was a disappointment. Some hits and misses but overall Oyster & Chop is not be missed if you are looking for a casual dinner with friends and family. Menu can be directed here.

Pardon my poor quality photos, as i totally forgot to bring out my camera
Fresh & Sweet Oyster Platter- 25 NZD
Seafood Chowder- 37 NZD
Creamy soup base with fresh mussels, clams, prawns, squid and seasonal fish, paired with sourdough bread
Fish & Chips- 26 NZD
Beer battered seasonal white fish, served with fries and tartar sauce
Lamb Cutlets- 43 NZD
Spice-rubbed lamb cutlets served with beetroot and mint peas
Viaduct Harbour
   Auckland's night tackled, now time to explore its beauty during day light. We had some bomb bagels for breakfast at The Best Ugly Bagel, a local Auckland bagel chain store. This is truly a local's favourite breakfast place, with its energetic and casual vibes. All bagels are freshly made upon order, with a wide variety menu.


Clockwise from top: Bacon & Egg, Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon- 6-14NZD
One of the best bagels ever!
   Farmer's Market is not to be missed when you are visiting NZ, because this is where the local farmers bring forth their freshest home grown produce, local delicacies to market. We were lucky to catch one of the market happening during weekends (Britomart Farmer's Market). Albeit not that huge compared to Aussie's version, we still managed to grab some delicious snacks and fruits, quite a memorable experience to try out.

If you know me, pastry and coffee is my muse
Absolute charm: Mussel Fritters
Coffee-to-go at Chuffed- 3.80 NZD
Famous Aqua S seasalt icecream with seasonal taro and pumpkin twist-5 NZD each

My farmer's outfit to Farmer's Market
   We skipped all the museums in Auckland and headed to Coromandel Penisula. I've read some travel blogs while researching for NZ trip, that Coromandel is not to be missed while visiting the North Island. Remember all the pretty postcards your friends sent you from NZ or the promoting photos of NZ tourism or The Chronicles of Narnia? These beautiful attractions can be found in the Coromandel, which is only 2.5 hours away from Auckland. Along the way, you will be welcomed by scenic ocean view, with never ending greeneries. We took the scenic Coastal Highway and found ourselves immersed in the beautiful shades of blue. Although it is a 2.5 hours drive, but the journey was never boring as we made a couple of stops in their small town like Thames, Whitianga, Coromandel town and more. Each of these little towns has its own stories to tell, if you are in North Island for a longer duration, i would highly recommend to stay in this beautiful coastal town for 3 days to fully explore its beauty and attractions


Fresh Oyster (a Dozen)--25 NZD
Coromandel Oyster Company for the freshest oyster
    After some quick pit stop in Thames and Coromandel town, we finally arrived at The New Chums Beach. Rumors said that this is the only untouched, fully natural beach remained in The Coromandel region, offering the purest original beauty of white sands and clear blue ocean. We had to pass through some rocky terrain to reach the beach, which was a little bit challenging (slippery rocks). It would be better if you visit during a low tide season.

New Chums Beach




   We spent some quiet time just relaxing by the beach before headed towards the iconic Cathedral Cove. On the way, do pass by Whitianga for some fresh seafood along the beautiful Mercury Bay and enjoy a cuppa warm coffee. The Cathedral Cove or some may have seen it in the movie of The Chronicles of Narnia is situated in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei (The Great Bay of Hei) Marine Reserve, south-east region of the state. It is a natural rock formation that had collapsed and formed a cave, with cathedral dome like structure, hence the name-Cathedral Cove. It is accessible via foot from Hahei Beach (70 minutes), kayaking (10 minutes) or by a short hike via the World War 1 Memorial Forest (35 minutes). We opted for the last option (highly recommended!) and was welcomed by trails of wonderful NZ habitat. Visitors can swim, snorkel and kayak around the reserve and further on to Gemstone Bay and Stringray Bay (towards Hahei Beach). The view here is not to be missed and is worth a visit.


View from the peak of WW1 Memorial Forest, so picturesque!





Sunset view from The Cathedral Cove
   Next up, we stopped by the famous Hot Water Beach, which is around 10 minutes drive from Hahei Beach to experience the thrill of digging up thermal water by the beach, as its name suggest. Unfortunately, we missed the low tide timing and couldn't find any hot water, but the view and beach is still worth a quick pit stop.

   With that, ends our 3d2n trip in Auckland and Coromandel Penisular. Of course there are plenty of attractions out there that we didn't manage to visit due to limited time (Auckland Sky Tower, museums, Coromandel hikes and train rides, water sports in Hahei beach), but with the limited time we spent here, it was more than enough to be amazed and fell in love with this piece of beautiful island. Next up, we headed down South to the land of Hobbits and thermal wonderland. Please stay tuned for the next write up soon! xoxo

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