New Zealand Day 3

[21 Mar 2017] We booked taxi (NZD40 shared by 3) to Auckland airport. We were heading to Christchurch (South Island) today.

Once reached the Christchurch Domestic Terminal, 

we called up our car rental company to pick us up.

We have chosen Snap Rentals for our 10 Days South Island road trip (NZD695 shared by 3). The process of getting our car was fast and smooth. And the car plate is 18! We rely only on the built-in GPS and MAPS.ME offline maps.

Stopby PAK'nSAVE Hornby at The Hub for groceries shopping.

Stock up  some food before leaving from Christchurch to rural scenic spots in South Island.

Our 10 days NZ South Island road trip begin.

Rainbow after a gloomy afternoon

Check-in to Lake Tekapo Budget Accommodation.

Church of the Good Shepherd.

Evening leisure at Lake Tekapo.

We get what we have expected. Private room with comfortable beds, small kitchen, clean bathroom and 300MB free wifi.

Star gazing after dinner. The galaxy looks so clear at night.

Trip: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13

New Zealand Day 2

[20 Mar 2017] 8am, we took the InterCity bus from Auckland (Sky City Bus Terminal, Hobson St) , heading to Matamata Hobbiton. We booked the bus ticket separately with Hobbiton tour package due to cheaper price (Go NZD16 and Back NZD25).

10am the Intercity bus stopped us at Hamilton for a 15mins rest.

11:15am reached Matamata i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.

The town of Matamata.

When we reached the counter of Hobbiton Movie Set to redeem our ticket, the reception told us we booked the ticket on wrong date. Then only we realised we had booked 20 Feb instead of 20 Mar 2017. Luckily they managed to change the date for us because the ticket was very expensive, NZD79.

We had a early lunch before the Hobbiton Tour start.

12:30pm the Hobbiton Movie Set tour bus arrived.

The Hobbiton tour was approximately 3 hours from Matamata.

Once boarded on bus, the LOTR sound track broadcasted along the way. We felt that suddenly we were into the movie again.

The view in Hobbiton Movie Set

Heading to Green Dragon Inn.

Enjoyed my apple cider which included in the Hobbiton tour.

Another option is non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Finally at The Shire's Rest and souvenir shop.

8pm we were back to Auckland.

On the way out from SkyCity Auckland......

The night was still young, so we walked around the city.

Until 10pm we were back to hostel, prepared for next morning flight to South Island - Christchurch.

Trip: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13