Traveling. One day at a time.: New Zealand Day 12 & 13 (Dec . 6th and 7th)

Day 12 was mainly a day of driving. We had to get back to Auckland, as we were flying out the following day to go down to Stewart Island to visit R's brother and girlfriend. We decided to go a different route on the way, back more down the west coast of the North Island. It took us through another type of terrain that was more of a rainforest and jungle. It was lots of huge forests and we actually stopped and looked some really huge trees. Tane Mahuta is the largest living kauri tree. It was quite an impressive sight. I'm not sure if it is bigger than the redwoods, but it was still huge. No picture would do it justice. I couldn't even figure out how to get a proper picture of it.

After that it, it was mainly more driving, through some of the more flat terrain we've seen. We drove through the kumara capital of New Zealand (Kumaras are sweet potatoes). Finally, we made it just across the bay of Auckland and found a place to camp for the night. It was a nice beach area, very popular area in Auckland. We made ourselves a lovely dinner – R. had steaks, I had fish and veggies. R. also bought some of these pre-mixed bourbons and cokes. Man were those strong. One did the job.

After a bad sleep for R. (more allergies. His allergies are just killing him here. We think it is the grasses), it was up and to the airport. Well, first a leisurely breakfast. I don't get how it happened, but we were almost late for our flight. But, I was up at 6:30ish, went for a run, got us moving, but yet, some how, we were still almost late. It was bizarre. Totally bizarre. I took a shower, got all our stuff packed, we ate breakfast, and somewhere in there we started moving way to slow. Our flight was at noon and suddenly it was 10:20 and we still had to drive 30 minutes and return the rental car. But, we pulled it off, made it to the aiport 45 minutes earlier, and then we were onto Christchurch. From Christchurch, we were flew to Invercargill, down on the south island. From there (yes, 3 flights one day), we took a 10 seater plane (including the pilot's seat), to Stewart Island. It was an amazing flight. Only about 15-20 minutes, but it was so cool being that small plane. You could see everything, and it was just really fun. I totally love small planes (and yes, I know they are more dangerous).

We landed at a small private airstrip and then drove into town where we were met by K. (R's bro) and C. (his girlfriend). They run an abalone farm on Stewart Island. It was back to their place, then a bit of an island tour, and then sleep. More on Stewart Island in coming entries.