So much of the best of NZ is free and accessible, I wondered if we felt it was about time we paid to see something, hence the Hobbit Trip, but it wasn't a contribution to NZ, just a contribution to some outrageously extortionate business. 

Back to the real New Zealand. DOC, the Department of Conservation does a brilliant job at providing access and information on NZ's  natural history.

Our next stop is the Karangahake Gorge, a spectacular mining area. The 4.5km walkway is peppered with DOC information boards describing the history of  gold mining era  .

 The constant drizzle added to the experience!

Part of the spectacular walkway

The 1km train tunnel built to work the goldmines

beautiful!