The Adventure Truly Begins

We woke up to a foggy morning, but as the sun began to rise, the sky cleared, and we finally got our first proper look at the ocean. After everything we had been through to get here, it was surreal to take in the view and truly feel like we were on the other side of the world.

We had a simple breakfast, then wandered down to the beach. Xander ran around collecting seashells while we dipped our toes in the ocean, soaking in the moment. Spirits were definitely the highest they had been so far.

Once back on the road, we stopped in a small town looking for Wi-Fi and ended up at a cozy little café. I decided to try one of New Zealand’s famous meat pies (hand pie)—chicken and ham—and oh my word, it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Unfortunately, the café had no Wi-Fi, but they pointed us toward the local library just down the street. That turned out to be the perfect spot to check in with everyone back home, finalize some bookings, and respond to a few tour operators who had been trying to reach us.

From there, we headed toward Tauranga and Rotorua, and along the way, we stumbled upon our first unexpected stop—a bird sanctuary! This place was incredible. While they had some parrots in cages, the real highlight was the free-roaming birds that were not afraid of people in the slightest. We bought a small bag of bird food, and the second we held it out, birds swarmed us. They landed on our shoulders, arms, hands, even our heads. Hearing Xander’s laughter as they flitted all around him made the whole stop even more special. Pictures and videos will be available soon via my private Google Drive. Click the link to see. (link not yet available)

Zorbing in Rotorua

The drive toward Rotorua was nothing short of magical—lush, tropical landscapes, winding roads, rolling hills—it was everything I imagined New Zealand would be. Just before we reached the town, we made another stop for something I’d been looking forward to for a long time: Zorbing!

For those who don’t know, Zorbing is where you climb into a giant inflatable ball filled with a little water and roll down a hill. It’s pure chaos and absolute hilarious fun. Unfortunately, because I’m a bit of a big guy, I had to go solo, while Xander and Sarah got to tumble down together. Their laughter as they bounced and spun down the hill was priceless. Then it was my turn, and I could not stop laughing the entire way down. By the time I reached the bottom, I was actually struggling to breathe from laughing so much.

That said, while it was an amazing experience, I don’t know if I’d recommend it just because of the price. It was nearly $200 NZD for all three of us, and for that, we only got one ride each, which lasted about two minutes. Still, it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so no regrets!

Settling into Rotorua

Finally, we arrived in Rotorua and checked into our campground for the next two nights. While the site itself wasn’t particularly scenic, it had everything we needed—hot showers, laundry, and even hot tubs heated by the natural geothermal activity of the area.

After getting settled, we had a quick lunch, cleaned up the camper a bit, and explored the campground. Xander found a giant chessboard and challenged Sarah to a game while I took a moment to jot down all my notes from the day.

Maori Cultural Experience

In the evening, we headed to a Maori cultural center for a traditional dinner and show. It was an incredibly immersive experience, filled with powerful performances, storytelling, and an authentic buffet-style feast. Seeing the rich traditions of the Maori people firsthand was both fascinating and humbling, and I found myself deeply drawn to their customs and way of life.

One of the first things we learned was the importance of greetings and farewells in Maori culture. We were welcomed with a warm “Kia Ora”, a phrase that means much more than just “hello” – it carries a sense of good health, life, and well-being. Later, when saying goodbye, we heard “Mā te wā”, which doesn’t just mean “goodbye” but rather “until next time,” reflecting their deep sense of connection and continuity.

The haka, something I had always known as a fierce and intimidating war dance, took on a whole new meaning as they explained its significance. While it is used in battle to display strength and unity, it is also a powerful expression of respect, identity, and storytelling, performed at weddings, funerals, and special gatherings. Seeing it in person—feeling the energy, hearing the rhythmic stomping and chanting—was absolutely electrifying.

Another tradition that left a lasting impression on me was the offering of a leaf. In ancient times, this was how Maori tribes would approach one another in peace. If the offering was accepted, it symbolized friendship and unity; if declined, it could mean conflict was imminent. Even today, this tradition is used in formal welcomes, representing respect and harmony between guests and hosts.

The entire experience left me with a deep appreciation for the Maori way of life, their unwavering connection to nature, ancestors, and community, and the beauty of their traditions that continue to thrive in modern New Zealand. It was one of the most meaningful moments of the trip so far.

By the time we returned to our camper, we were absolutely exhausted but feeling fulfilled. Tomorrow is set to be another huge day: Hobbiton, lunch at The Green Dragon, and the glowworm caves of Waitomo.

Oh, and one last thing—today marked the day Xander officially dubbed the camper: The Jucy Avocado!

As always, you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the memories, and I’ll catch you tomorrow for day 5!

#NewZealandAdventure #LordOfTheRings #DreamTrip #Travel #40thBirthday #MiddleEarth #BucketList #AdventureAwaits

-Rob ❤️