New Zealand ADVENTURE
Two things to know about New Zealand. First, it is a long way from home. Second, it is more than worth the trip.
Traveling from 12 states, the 32-member Farm Collector tour group came together for the first time on Jan. 18 in Auckland. It would be an exaggeration to say that the travelers fell to their knees on the tarmac, kissing terra firma after 13 hours in the air, but none tarried in departing the aircraft.
As arrivals trickled in, old friends greeted each other (half of the group had travelled on previous Farm Collector tours) and got acquainted with new friends. At midday, when we exited the terminal with our intrepid guide, James Dixon of Farm to Farm Tours, the weather — marked by warm temperatures and sunny skies — was like a gift. We set off for lunch on the wharf in Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island.
After lunch, we rolled out for a short tour of sights near Auckland — including a short hike up nearby Mt. Eden for a beautiful view of the city — before returning to the hotel for a bit of R&R and the welcome dinner.
Day 2: Auckland to Tauranga
Rebounding from the travel day, the group bade farewell to Auckland. Traveling through the
