Ben and I were able to go to New Zealand early this year and had such a blast. I honestly think New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We flew into Auckland (the North island), rented a car and drove all around the island. We went to Rotorua, Hamilton, Lake Taupo and tons of tiny towns in between. I hope you enjoy some of our pics.
Ben was so excited to drive again, despite the fact that it was on the opposite side of the road, he did great.
A few hours after landing we made our way to a beautiful black sand beach.
Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple
Ben and I were able to go to church and have lunch with a wonderful Maori woman named Rangi Parker. Although Rangi and I have never met; her work and mission in life means a lot to me, my family, the LDS church, and the people of New Zealand. Rangi has spent thousands of hours gathering stories, journals, and pictures from LDS missionaries to help the Maori people better understand and document their heritage. My grandfather Joseph Hale, was one of those missionaries who, through his detailed journal and historical photographs, helped Rangi finalize legal certificates (birth, baptismal and wedding), give correct historical accounts, etc. It was an honor to meet this extraordinary woman.
For more information on Rangi Parker, follow the link. http://lds.org/ensign/2011/01/so-they-will-know-their-heritage?lang=eng
Some of the pictures from the many LDS missionaries who served in the New Zealand mission; including those from my grandfather who served a two year missions around 1925.
The beautiful town of Hamilton, New Zealand.
We thought it was absolutely insane that hundreds of cars just like this would tow trailers this size.
