We flew into Auckland, on the North Island of New Zealand, and stayed at a backpacker's hostel the first night. Then we drove to our first destination: the beautiful coastal resort of Paihia (on the far north of the North Island). On the way, we stopped at the Waipoua Kauri forest, where the kauri trees are as old as 2000 years, and their diameter as wide as 7 meters.

Below is a photo of Mike and Mom outside the excellent hostel in which we stayed while in Paihia. At left is a photo of a cactus rose plant outside our room (Mom was intrigued by this unusual plant).

Click HERE to see more photos of our trip to NZ!!!

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