Blogs from Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 342

We like Auckland much better than the brief first visit we had a few years ago. It is a very vibrant city on a beautiful harbor. We have spent several days exploring the city and getting information. We took a ferry across the harbor for our first over night hike. We hiked to the summit of Rangitoto Island, which was formed by a volcano 600 years ago. Then across a causeway to Motutapu Island were we camped out overlooking Home Bay. There were only two other tents within site on the island. Hike to the summit was strenuous but rewarding with views back across the harbor to Auckland. We took the Coastal Track on the way back to the ferry. It is a misleading name. It was mostly a rough hike through lava fields and only ... read more

Spent most of the day planning what we would do the next few weeks. Now we have extra food to deal with as well! We are working on getting ourselves together to live out of one bag and backpack each for the next four months. It is a definite learning experience. We decide to go to Rangitoto Island, just a ferry ride away in the bay. There is a day hike up to the crater and a hike to the neighboring island of Motutapu with a camp ground at Home Bay. It will be a one night hike and we can check out all of our equipment before we get further in the bush. Scaling down is not going too well and we decide to come back to Auckland and spend a few days dealing with ... read more

Well, I think I’ve had about all the time I need in Auckland now (tonight will be my fifth night) and so I’ve booked a coach to travel north to a place called Paihia, which is near the Bay of Islands for three nights in a chalet by the beach. The Youth Hostel that I have been staying in in Auckland is great with excellent cooking facilities and lots of friendly travellers . I wasn’t expecting to be eating beans on toast,( I bought the beans as someone else had a loaf) and playing Boggle within my first day of being here, and what a fab introduction to New Zealand to go to a rugby game, start chatting to a local and be given 2 tickets for another game!! It feels very damp in this city ... read more

Greetings from Auckland! After what seemed like days on airplanes and in airports (in reality only 30 hours plus one crossing of the date line) we're here in New Zealand. Not much to report yet. The people here are all very nice and efficient, and everything is very clean. And apparently they don't have fat people here. More news later, after we've had an adventure or two. xoxo Geri and Brian ... read more

Had a fairly chilled day yesteday, walked out to the harbour bridge and out across to the middle of it (Don't think I need to do Cromer Pier now Dad!) Then went up the Sky Tower in the afternoon for some wicked 360 views of the city. Then sat in the highest cafe in the Southern Hemisphere and watched Liverpool v. Man utd. Wish I'd known it was nil nil before I started watching! Last day today :( But I do get to come back and see everyone :) and then go to uni! :) Going to take a ferry out to Waiheke Island today because it's meant be really pretty and nice beaches etc! Flying at 23.50 tonight or 12.50 for all you people in the UK!... read more