Arrived in New Zealand!

We finally made it to New Zealand! Me, Sara, Becca and Siena were spending a week in The North Island of New Zealand, staying in Auckland. We had a few different trips planned this week and I was very excited.

Because New Zealand does not celebrate Thanksgiving, they starting decorating for Christmas already. This big Santa Clause was right on the main intersection, so it was a great view! Because we were missing Thanksgiving, it was making us excited to be home with our families for Christmas.

This is the Sky City Tower which is a beautiful site to see, especially at night.

One of the things we had planned was a trip around the island just to get a better understanding of New Zealand. Our first stop was the Navy Museum. It was so interesting. There were many different stories that were framed in the Museum, including letters to wives about their husband's passing.

 I thought the different medals were really cool. Depending on their level, they received different medals and badges. I sat there for a while and read all of the different meanings which was neat.

The view was spectacular. Although it was a bit rainy and cloudy, it was still amazing. New Zealand is a beautiful country.

On our walk home, we saw a man who looked like a statue, and then once someone gave him some money, he changed to a different position. He really scared us when he moved because we all thought he was a statue. Becca then gave him some spare change and he changed positions which was cool.

In New Zealand, they have warm cookies that they can make into an ice cream sandwich. It's called Mrs. Higgins and it is so beyond delicious. That was always our dessert!

Our next trip was to the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. I was so excited for this as a bunch of friends told us to go to these places. The Waitomo Caves were caves in NZ that are lit up by thousands of little glow worms. While in the caves, you cannot use your phone or take any pictures because any lighting affects the worms, which then ruins the caves.

The greenery on the way to the trip was unbelievable. It was very hilly and just a sight to see. I have never seen greener land ever! It was amazing.

Once our boat ride through the caves finished, we were able to take pictures of the outside of the cave, so that is what it looks like.

We now were on our way to Hobbiton which is where The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were filmed! How cool! Although I never saw the movies, it was still so cool to see.

Us four ladies!

The hobbit houses may have been the cutest thing I ever saw. They were amazing. It was such a fun trip. We learned the story behind the land and the movie set which was cool! I really enjoyed this trip. Now I have to go home and watch the movies!