dolphins – Steffi & Gerry: Trip around the World

“Disneyland” on Hawaii

So far, we hadn’t written much about our hotels, as we are more attracted by natural landmarks than man-made buildings. But today wasn’t that spectacular on this aspect. The turtles and petroglyphs at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park were worth a visit but nothing new to us anymore.

But the Hilton Waikoloa Village got the nickname “Disneyland of Hawaii”, and we had to agree: a monorail train within the hotel complex? Ok, fits the cliché of Americans who can barely walk anymore. 🙂 But then, a boat on a canal to your hotel wing? Flamingos in one corner, turtles in the marina, dolphin shows just next to the restaurant? Swing bridge over the pool with an artificial waterfall? Playstations in each room? It’s just huge, it’s… American.

Well, it all comes with a (hidden) price tag. $30 / day for the parking space, $40 / day resort fees, $25 / person if you want to sit outside in the restaurant during sunset.

(Not) Wellington

Leaving South Island. It was a nice ride on the Interislander ferry through the sounds of the South Islands to Wellington.

We could also spot (but not photograph) two dolphins along the way.

Unfortunately, the capital of New Zealand is not very campervan friendly. It was not easy to find a legal parking place for a van requiring a clearance of 3.2m. In the end we gave up and left the city without having seen much of it. Maybe next time. We drove till Paraparamau Beach and comforted us with a good early dinner.

Dolphins and Emus

We got up early to be at Monkey Mia before 8 AM to view the dolphin feeding. We had mixed feelings about this touristic attraction, but the dolphins are fed with just about 10% of their daily need, so they don’t lose their natural instincts for fish hunting.

On our way back almost crashed into an Emu family walking on the street. They were, well, pissed, and expressed it likewise… .

As Carnarvon didn’t offer much more than a Woolsworths shopping center we continued our drive and got a camp site at Coral Bay, where we also did a quick swim to cool down – again, we had almost the entire beach for ourselves.