Day Six: North Island's Last Hurrah

My last full day on New Zealand's North Island was spent in the smelly but oddly charming Rotorua. A locale that alternately earned praise (from my friend Kellie) and derision (from Paihia hostel mate Karis), I went there for one purpose: to get my hobbit on.

Yes, I went stereotypical on my last day, as I went and did a tour of Hobbiton in Matamata. Unsurprisingly, this is where I met the most Americans (had only met one in the previous 5 days combined), but it was definitely an entertaining time and fit the theme I started in Europe2K9 of going on ridiculous movie tours. I cannot go into detail about what I saw/heard (Peter Jackson laid down mandates about social media and blogging by visitors), I can say it was a dorky delight for me.

Plus, it was just a great way to spend a beautiful Monday, and randomly threw in a hugely entertaining sheep shearing demo and the ability to feed young lambs. Fun!

I went back to Rotorua and had a couple hours to kill, so I hopped off at Te Puia and quickly learned a lot about local Maori culture and observed some superb geyser action. The area is known for its geothermal geysers (hence the reason why it smells like Nightcrawler just bamfed out always - only Brandon will get that), and the one at Te Puia - Pohutu - is particularly renowned. Definitely a good and informative way to use the afternoon.

After that, my favorite parts of the day took place. First off, I asked for directions from - wait for it - an old woman who quickly offered to drive me to the town's I-site (convenient information centers that exist everywhere in New Zealand) just because. Her name was Anne and she was quick to offer ideas of ways go use my time while in Rotorua and beyond. She didn't offer me a place to stay the night, but she was extremely friendly.

Then, at the I-site, I asked for restaurant advice from an employee of the bus section who quickly suggested a cafe named Zippy's. 

As many of you know, I am a freak about my food. I am not a foodie though - I prefer the term food enthusiast or, if you've seen me eat, a food exhibitionist. This little joint nearby offered my wayward soul a brief respite in the form of a perfect tuna melt (with complimentary avocado when I asked for it), the best coffee I have had in New Zealand and phenomenal atmosphere from the staff, decor and music (more on that at the end). Plus, free wifi AND a place to plug-in (which has been an eternal struggle got me). In short, I loved it.

All in all, a very nice little day to close out my North Island adventure. I mean, come on, I am writing this on a bus to Auckland staring at open farmland, mountains and the sun. Not too bad. I am definitely a fan of it, and hope the South Island and my time with Sharee and Paulette can live up to it.

Music of the Day: The Naked + Famous (heard them for the first time on KRUA in Anchorage, heard them a second time in Zippy's, seen their name around a lot lately...I have to say I am very impressed)