Auckland to Rotorua

Day 1 of Road Trip 2. 
We picked the car up and set off on State Highway 1. There were signs on the road showing we were on the first bit of the Thermal Explorer Highway.  We had a pit stop at Hamilton Gardens for brunch and a wander round. A lovely place with lots to look at. We got back on the road and made good time to Rotorua. Once checked in ( upgraded to lake view room…nice ) we had quick visit to the Tourist Info, where we got a few ideas for exploring tomorrow .
My blips are all from the Gardens