On the third day, we drove to the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington. We were going to return the car to the rental, meet another friend (which later became my boyfriend), and take the earliest ferry to South Island. 

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, but I feel it less crowded than Auckland. Indeed, there are a lot of shops, big buildings, and the transportation is more friendly than Auckland. But still, I prefer Auckland. The wind in Wellington is super duper not friendly. When I was there, I couldn't stand the wind, so freaking strong! 

It started around a month ago from a post on Facebook. The content of the post was looking for someone to help small batik workshop event in Rotorua in the end of September and I volunteered myself to participate. All the bus fare from Auckland to Rotorua was being paid, so I didn't need to pay for it and we're going to stay in Gugi's house during the weekend. The event was held on Saturday from the morning. Since it takes three hours by bus from Auckland to Rotorua, so me and my senior, Ita took a bus on Friday noon. Yet unfortunately, there were some accidents on the way there and it took longer until we reached Rotorua. However after five hours on the bus, we reached Rotorua safely and Gugi and Gifar (Gugi's brother) already there, in the bus stop to pick up us. 

On Saturday morning we left their house to the event place, prepared everything, and held the event. Gratefully it went well. After the event, Gugi's parents brought us to take around the event place. Turns out there is a beautiful garden near. It's called Government Garden and there is also a museum that we can enter, where it's free for citizens.

Unfortunately I forgot whose house is that. 

It's spring, when the flowers bloom beautifully. 

Me and my senior, Ita would stay until Sunday and since the day was still long, Gugi's family brought us to the next destination. 

The Gate