North Island Northland
Drove on the left side for the first time. In the first 2 hours, only drove down the wrong side once and only hit one orange cone on the left side of the car. It requires considerable concentration when turning or going across narrow bridges.
The North has much history, including a reserve where a small number of the old growth, 2000 year old trees still stand and the site where the treaty between the Maori and the British was signed in 1840, which essentially created New Zealand as a country. Remarkably, this site was essentially abandonded for the first half of the 20th century. Also took a boat trip to see dolphins and the Hole in the Rock, a passage large enough for a good sized passenger boat to travel through.
Attended an entertaining Maori concert/play about the history of the country.
New Zealand is so green, especially compared to Australia. Beautiful views at every curve- and there were a lot of them!
Some people are not as friendly as Australia. Some rude waiters and rip-off cab driver. Drivers honk if you don't go through the roundabout fast enough. On the other hand, the accent is easier to understand.