Travelling around "Middle Earth"

As most of you already know, I am now traveling around New Zealand and thus any comments about Hong Kong and final notes on Chinese culture will be posted after my return. Anyway this is the best way as I can compare Hong Kong with something at least equally beautiful because there is nothing remotely as beautiful as HK in China. Furthermore this will allow me to compare two distinctive cultures (one of happy and smiling New Zealanders with grumpy Chinese :) ). Bellow follow quick notes.

Travel plan:
In two weeks I plan two travel down and up the coasts of New Zealand which usually takes 5 weeks up to four years (timeframe taken from my fellow travelers I met). There is no exact plan as flexibility is needed. I hired a car and travel basically between the National Parks and places I was recommended to visit (with further recommendations gathered along my way). After that I will go to Sydney (2 days), Perth (one day), Singapor (2 days) Kuala Lumpur (one day altogether), Kina Balu (3 days) and Hong Kong (2 days for half marathon - if I'll be up to it).

Driving on the wrong side:
New Zealand as other Commonwealth countries uses "wrong side" of the road (best argument for this was that right hand is more sensitive and precise therefore you should use this one for steering the wheel and not shifting the gear). So far it does not caused any problems for me (also thanks to big big arrow on my wheel saying "Keep left"). Speed limit is 100km per hour and drivers are very careful (probably bad experience with tourists) and thus I am gaining confidence with myself. So far I did 600km and plan to do altogether c. 4,000km during the whole trip - we will see.

Auckland:
The biggest city of New Zealand. I spend there only one day and basically feel confident that I saw the essence of the city. You do not need to spend there too much time and you should get out of the city to the nature which is much more enjoyable. Harbor and city centre are all within walking distance. Views from the Auckland tower are nice but you can see mostly suburbs spread around (Auckland does not have many highrises). My friend from studies in China who recently returned home showed me on the northern shore and offered me accommodation for the first night. After what I have seen I kept him asking; how and why did he picked China for Master program (anyway he is back in New Zealand after four months - I guess he come to his senses :D ).

Rotorua and thermal discovery highway:
Shortly - Rotorua and surrounding area is Southern Hemisphere Yellowstone National Park. Many streams and hot pools with geysers all over the place. My bad was that I spent too much time walking around Rotorua (very nice SPA city) and thus missed other attractions (which I would not take anyway as they are too expensive) along the highway (no. 1 from Auckland down to the south).

So far I travelled also to Tongariro and coastal area but I will write more when I have time. Next plan is to spent a day in Wellington and transfer myself to Southern island. Enjoy!