Thursday 6th
The flight to Auckland with Aerolineas Argantinas was basic, plane was a bit rattly, and there was no music or movies. But, there was a cheese and onion roll and a slice of cake for lunch, and free wine, soft drink and coffee, so can't complain. The fun began at Auckland airport, where we queued with the other arrivals (about 5 planeloads), as the alarms were sounding in parts of the airport. After about an hour, (alarms still going off), they decided to process us all, and immigration and customs were swamped. On the bus into town, the driver told us that a workman had cut through a gas main. They are building a big hotel at the airport.
Our hotel in Auckland located near the ferry terminal. It was an older style hotel, but the room had a harbour view. wotif makes life so easy for the traveller. Across the road from the hotel was Viaduct Wharf, which was redeveloped as the home base for the America's Cup syndicates. Only the NZ team there now. There are 2 ex NZ America Cuo yachts (which you can go out on). Also lots of other large yachts and boats and the largest gin palace we have ever seen. There is also a huge marina.
Lots of cafes and bars at Viaduct wharf as well.
Friday 7th
Took the free city loop bus around town for a bit of an orientation tour. Walked through the park neast Auckland University, which was holding graduation, and there were lots of graduands in academic dress. Bit like Sydney, lots of up and down when walking. Walked back through the city down to the wharf. After lunch, we took a harbour cruise, Auckland has a magnificent harbour, sun shining.
Later that afternoon we went to the rally. WRC (World rally championship) were holding the Rally of NZ. Their cars were parked on Queen's wharf near our hotel, but the special stage was at the domain (a big park in Auckland). Caught a shuttle bus out there, peak hour traffic was horrendous, so the driver let us out on the far side of the park, and we walked up and over a couple of hills to get to the track. It was a single lap, timed stage, starting with WRC cars, then moving on down to local raly drivers.
Back in town, we ate at a Chinese barbecue restaurant. Excellent value at $20 for 2.
Saturday 8th.
Jucy rentals picked us up at our hotel, and drove us to their depot where we picked up our Suzuki Swift, our car for the rest of the holiday. We headed north, to our destination of Paihia, Bay of Islands. Our accomodation is good, one bed apartment high on the hill. The scenery is lovely here, and Paihia is a tourist town, with lots of accommodation and cafes. They had a Country Rock festival on, so we had some free entertainment while we checked out the shops, and had a pizza for dinner. Unfortunately it also started to drizzle.
Sunday 9th.
The drought has broken, apparenly they have not had rain for months, but it is forecast for most of the week. Checked out the tours, and got ideas about where to go. Water based activities definitely off the schedule for a few days. Went for a drive for a look around, decided to stay on bitumen roads only, and ended up at Kawakawa, a town famous for its public toilets, the only southern hemisphere building designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasswer.
Monday 10th.
Weather still coming from the east, so headed west to the Wairere Boulders, basalt boulders which have flutes etched into them by the acid in the kauri trees. water drips off the trees onto the boulders. Apparently the only place in the world where fluted basalt boulders exist. Next stops were on the Hokianga harbour, at Rawene, Oponini and Omapere (huge sandhills on the northern banks) before heading to the Waipoua forest to see Tane Mahuta, the tallest kauri tree in NZ. Truly magnificent, very Avatar. Much bigger than any we have seen before. Also walked to the Four Sisters, 4 kauri trees growing from one base. Weather Ok, the odd drizzle, but some sunshine. Drove home via Dargaville. About 300km for the day.
Tuesday 11th.
More rain, planned an easy day today. Drove to Kerikeri, the nearby "big town". Stopped at the Stone Store, an old mission building. Lots of old mission buildings around here, heavily Maori country. Drove out to Kerikeri inlet, but disappointed there was no public access to the water, which is lined with mangroves. Bought lamb shanks from the butcher, and fresh veges from a roadside stall. Had to borrow an electric frypan from the resort, as none of the pots supplied were big enough to cook them in. Peter bought some sashimi. He is forcing himself to eat smoked salmon and sashimi, as they are plentiful and reasonably priced.
