New Zealand

Monday (6 November) we finally arrived in Auckland, 2pm local time (1am Monday UK time).

Through passport control and bio security, then the airport bus straight to our hotel, we managed to have an early dinner, and kill some time, before an ‘early’ night.

Tuesday, woke up early, got an Uber to pick up our hire car from “Bargain Car Rental”, the only issue we had was when the chap tried to find the hire car we’d just filled in the paper work for, he came back to the desk three times to check the registration number as he couldn’t find the car, he eventually gave us a different car, a small hybrid thing with 142,000 kms on the clock. All that can be said about it was that it goes, and stops, so all good.

We had a 3hr 30 min drive up to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. We stopped at the Omeru Reserve for coffee and a walk to the Waitangi waterfall. Checked into our AirBnB, an easy check in, the door was open and the key on the table. Our hosts turned out the best from the North East of England, they were very welcoming, and the accommodation was great.

Wednesday, we drove to the Waitangi treaty grounds, where a treaty was signed in 1840, so it is seen as the birthplace of the country of New Zealand. The experience was very well done, including a tour, a Māori cultural ‘show’ and a couple of museums.

Thursday, we walked along the river in Kerikeri to the Rainbow falls, a beautiful forest walk and an impressive waterfall. We then visited Kerikeri mission station, which is the first permanent western settlement in New Zealand.

Friday, we checked out of the AirBnB and drove back south towards Auckland, stopping for coffee in Cafler park, Whangārei, and lunch at One Tree Point. Where we watched a chap launch a boat from a slipway, then leave a 5 yr old holding it against the wind, whilst he dealt with and finally drove off with a 2yr old, all while the 5yr old held the boat, until he retuned 5mins later.

We stopped at Brick Bay Wines in Matakana to get supplies for friends we were visiting for the weekend in Auckland. We spent the evening eating, drinking and catching up, as we have not seen them for far too long.

Saturday, we walked from the house to Long Bay beach, with the family dog. In the late afternoon, early evening we headed in to Auckland for drinks and dinner. A lovely meal in “White & Wong” an Asian fusion restaurant

Sunday, we drove across the island to the west coast, Muriwai Beach, for another beach walk, a black sand beach, with lots of surfers. Followed by coffee and cake.