Waiheke Island to Perth Australia

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As we finalized our trip in New Zealand we opted for a vacation from our vacation on the lovely Waiheke Island which is about a half an hour ferry ride from Auckland. Our hostel was an old army barracks which overlooked the beautiful 2km Onetangi Beach.

We relaxed and took the bus into town to wonder around this gorgeous island which is riddled with wineries and wild flowers. And of course spent much time on the beaches which are lined with the famous Pohutakawa Trees, which are known as New Zealands Christmas trees as they bloom for about 4 weeks around Christmas. We even got lucky and adopted the nudy beach as our own. Luckily we were the only ones there.

On Christmas Eve Day we rented a car to see a little more of the island, and to drive on the other side of the road of course! So Clay, Joseph and I all had a turn at the wheel, although my turn was short cuz I was scaring the passengers...getting a little too close to that left curb!

After our driving adventure we had a fabulous Christmas Eve dinner together, with all the fixens and way too much wine. We ended up in the ocean just after midnight so we could properly claim that we went swimming on Christmas! And then I passed out in the sand for a while...so I'm told. Then Christmas Day we were off back to Auckland to catch our many planes to Perth. We spent the night in the airport, and boarded our first plane to Australia early on boxing day.

After two connecting flights, we almost missed our last plane to Perth by minutes as we had absolutely no concept of time after being awake for so many hours and going through so many time changes...the whole plane was waiting for us..oops!

We finally arrived to Perth to a lovely 30 degree day and were picked up by our lovely friends Kristin and Gareth! We've arrived to Australia in "silly season" as the winter holidays are often referred to here. Basically we've been on the drink ever since we've gotten here, as everyone is on holidays. So we're getting to know everyone here and getting to see some of Perth's beautiful beaches and sights. We've had a wine and cheese picnic while enjoying the views in the famous Kings Park, and spent some time lounging poolside! The other day we were lucky enough to be invited on a friends barge to watch some of Gareth's friends race in the Cherub National Sailing competition. What an experience, very exciting. Clay even gave cricket a go later that day, which is quite difficult by the looks of it.

And before you know it, it's New Years Eve! So we pick up some vodka and redbulls and fruit for some cocktails and keep on truckin. We had a bbq here and then headed over to a friends to bring in the new year.

We are still successfully avoiding working, although I don't think it will last much longer, but for now we're enjoying the relaxed lifestyle that is Australia!

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