New Zealand

Arrived in Auckland, the start of the next leg of our journey a few days ago after an 11 hour night flight.

We really enjoyed ourselves here in the "city of sails". Had a lovely day across the harbour in Devonport, (drove past a Birkenhead yesterday too!) Walked along the coast and climbed a couple of dormant volcanoes for fab views all around the bays. Very good fish and chips/pie and chips in the evening! While we were there a round the world boat race was completing a leg in Auckland so we stayed out to cheer them in. Went to a couple of info sessions- displays, quizzes etc about it all too. It's quite amazing what these guys put themselves through; for some, long bouts of sea sickness (waves can be 30 metres high!), 4 hours on 4 off ( if they're lucky) for up to 30 days at a time, no shower, cramped conditions (we climbed into a boat for a look).

After a couple of days there we picked up the car and headed for Paihia, in the Bay of Islands area, about 3 and a half hours north. What struck me on the journey and in Auckland are the number of trees everywhere. It's very green.

Today we took a picnic and got on another boat to one of the islands and followed a few tracks round the island. Again, lovely views, with lots of upping and downing! Have decided I am out of shape; N tells me this long hike we have booked in a few days time is "strenuous" and I am finding the hills we've done recently hard! Not sure how much I'm looking forward to that!
 

A scallop shell hello from NZ!

 

Devonport with Auckland city in the background

 

 

 

 

Bay of islands