Adventuring on the North Island

 Monday 12th February

We left Denise and Sandie in Oarama as they were heading south.  The rest of us went with Rick in the bus to Christchurch where Tim and Catherine took off in a hire car, Chris and Kerry flew back to Melbourne, Sue flew to Wellington and we flew to Auckland.  While in the airport Rick was about to get cross with someone pushing their trolley into him, when he finally looked up to find it was Steph and Graham trying to get his attention!!  They, together with Steph's brother John, had been in NZ visiting Steph's daughter and were on their way home!!

In Auckland we picked up a tiny hybrid Toyota car and headed for our niece Vanessa's house.  We got tangled up in peak hour traffic, made some bad navigational decisions but finally picked up ingredients for dinner and enjoyed a few ciders and a catch up with Vanessa and her partner Andreis.

Tuesday 13th February

The workers headed out early and we left about 8.  Stupid time to leave.  Auckland peak hour traffic again. for the fairly short trip into the centre before heading north and away from the traffic.  How badly Auckland needs some sort of transport shake up.

We traded the fast toll road for a scenic trip along the east coast before heading west across the island then northwards again. 

East coast beach, Orewa.  Hibiscus Coast

Rolling agricultual hills and some rivers, inlets and roadworks were the features of the drive until we reached the Kauri Forests.  



Huge trees, tree ferns and lush greenery. We did a couple of walks to see the 2 biggest living Kauri trees.  So impressive.  
Second biggest Kauri

Classy walking track

Biggest Kauri

We farewelled the west coast at the beautiful Hokianga harbour

Hokianga harbour

 and in the middle of the island ended up at a rural AirBnB with really friendly hosts, fresh eggs, home cooked chocolate biscuits, coffee machine...and the cutest pigs you've ever seen!!




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