We visited Hobbinton, the location of the lastest filming of the upcoming movie, The Hobbit. There we saw a sheep shearing demonstration.

Tact Park - Te Rerenga Tunnel Walk. If you go at night, you can see the glow worms in the tunnel...through the forest with a torch (flashlight).

The Rena

Last October, the Chinese owned ship, Rena ran aground on the reef directly east of Mount Maunganui. In January it broke apart and the remaining containers fell into the ocean, some washing up along the shore further down from Mount Manganui. It's been quite a mess and a big concern for the New Zealanders. From the top of Mount Maunganui, we were just able to make out the ship that has stayed alongside the broken vessel.

We climbed Mount Maunganui two days later to enjoy the beautiful view of the town and beaches below.