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16 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2025 TRAVEL FEATURE By Michael MacQueen Aotearoa is the word for New Zealand in the language of the indigenous Polynesian people, the Maori; everywhere you go in this beautiful country, you will be greeted with a friendly Kia Ora, which translates to "be well." I had the opportunity to live in New Zealand for several years in the early 1980s and have traveled there over a dozen times since. So sit back and let me take you on a journey to a few of my favorite spots. Although New Zealand consists of two major islands, I spent most of my time at the North Island. In 1983 and 1984, I lived in Auckland. This "city of sails" is the gateway for international travelers. Its 1,076-foot-tall "Sky Tower" rises above a vibrant waterfront, offering stunning 360° views across Tamaki Makaurau (the Maori word for Auckland). For the adrenaline junkies Sky Walk and Sky Jump are available. While you're exploring the city, you must stop at one of the many pubs to try the local "catch of the day," or grab a meat pie. I ate at least one of those every day I lived there! Four hours north of Auckland, is the Bay of Islands, an enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands on the northeast coast of the country. It's known for undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing, and Maori cultural artifacts. It's also home to the 19th- century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront is lined with remnants from its days as the country's first colonial capital. A couple of hours north of Russell is Cape Reinga, at the northernmost tip of New Zealand. There you can witness the joining of the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific to the east. From the lighthouse I was able to watch the "tidal race," as the two seas clashed just off the coast. A little south of Cape Reinga is 90 Mile Beach (which is actually only 55 miles long). You can drive on this beach, which is officially designated as a highway, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're in a rental. When I visited I drove my company car, which was not 4WD, and almost got stuck in the sand. Fortunately, a few friendly "Kiwis" pulled me out with their truck. If you travel south from Auckland for a couple of hours, you might take a boat through the caves in Waitomo, famous for their display of bioluminescent glowworms. And of course, if you are a fan of e Lord of the Rings film trilogy, you must stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set. It is situated on a family-run farm southwest of the town of Matamata. From Matamata, head east for 45 minutes to the Bay of Plenty and the city of Tauranga, where my father-in-law lives. Nearby Mt. Manganui welcomes many cruise ship passengers with its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. My wife Leah and I have enjoyed "climbing the Mount" many times, but when we're feeling not so energetic we walk around the base, which also provides beautiful views of the Bay and out to the Pacific Ocean. A short one-hour south of Tauranga is Rotorua, where you can enjoy a guided tour of geysers and hot springs, take a dip in a natural spa, or experience a traditional Maori "hangi" feast (think luau) and cultural performance. If you like fishing, Lake Taupo with its world famous trophy-sized trout is less than 90 minutes south. Keep heading south and you will arrive in the country's capital city of Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island. This beautiful place is widely regarded as the windiest city in the world. Wellington has a thriving movie industry and has been designated a UNESCO "City of Film." The city is home to Sir Peter Jackson's Weta Studio Workshop, known for their work on films like Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Discovering the Magic of New Zealand's North Island At the top of Mount Maunganui. I know we don't look tired, but looks can be deceiving. Continued on following page