North-Eastish New Zealand

New Zealand has been difficult to place into categories, and not only because it's the biggest chunk of land in the world that isn't attached to a continent. The problem (at least on the northern island) is that it consists primarily of farmland with a few non-descript towns spread through it.  It's a beautiful place overall, but there are very few individual places you can point to and say "that's the pretty bit" In any case, these are pictures from the north eastern part of the northern island, along with a few from the center.

Stop #6 on the great New Zealand tour.

When I checked into this hotel, I could have sworn the woman behind the counter said (in a thick New Zealand accent) "I'll just get your key and jug of milk then." I was used to mis-understanding people at this point, so I was waiting with some interest when she emerged from the back room with my key and . . . a jug of milk.

About the only interesting building in the entire town of Whangamata.

This was one of the shelves at the local supermarket.  There were about 25 different brands of cold dog food, all told.

New Zealand is one of the world's top exporters of giant green marshmallows.

This beautiful gorge appeared almost out of nowhere in the middle of acres and acres of green prairies.

A picture of Mt. Doom, for Stephanie.

I can't remember what this mountain was named.  In my mind it will always be "The Mountain Just South Of Mount Doom"

When McDonalds just isn't fast enough, there's McDonalds Express!