Blogs from Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 5

10th November It rained all night. Another lesson learnt; push the fold up table further under the van at night. I slid it out this morning in preparation for breakfast so it was full of water as it was upside down and is has a lip running all around it. Bacon butties for breakfast; always a good start to the day. After I tidied up I was not sure where to head to, then I overheard a couple talking about a local farmer's market which I seen advertised. I have something approaching a plan for the day, farmers market then Tawharanui Regional Park for lunch and a walk. Ending up parking about half a mile out of town for the farmer’s market, it is very popular. Bought some supplies for lunch and beyond. On the way ... read more

Right I am almost up to date. Here are my antics for 7th November. I have no idea what time I woke, made tea and had breakfast, then washed a few clothes by hand and made lunch in preparation for my walk to Lookout Point. More tea and settled to reading the book I bought an eternity ago a Heathrow. Left for my walk about 10.30. The first 30 minutes was on a flat piece of road. No problem; the next section was more of a problem, all up hill. I stopped severely times to take in the view or catch my breath. I was beginning to realize that I am VERY unfit. The next section was a much gentler gradient, got to the lookout and took well needed sit down. The walk up had not ... read more

If you of a certain generation you will know all about Frank Spencer's mishaps and DIY disasters. Well last night was a little like an episode of Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em. Where to start after picking up food and toiletries en route I get the camp site all well and good. Finally, time to put kettle on for a cuppa. The first one was wet and not very warm. I had left the kettle on for ages but the flame was losing its battle against the wind.The second cuppa was much more succesful, I improvised a windbreak by laying the fold up table on its side. I had bite to eat, washed up and went for a wonder, it was starting get dark on my way back. I know BAD planning, it won't happen again. ... read more

We awaken on our first day surprisingly early, around 6.30 am. Although we probably could have gone back to sleep, we decide to get up, as we have many things to sort out today. Luckily, our to-do-list is now one job shorter, as we set our phone number up at the airport. Breakfast is our priority, we haven’t yet done a food shop, and so grab ourselves a McMuffin Meal, complete with proper Barista Coffee! Stomachs full, we start our mission, first stop - the bank, so we can set up a New Zealand bank account. Upon arrival at the bank however, we realise that none of them open until 9 am, and it’s not even 8 yet. Even with just walking around for this small period, we are sensing how relaxed everybody seems to be ... read more

Kia Ora NZ! Kia Ora, a Maori greeting used in place of 'hello', literally meaning 'have life be well'. Arriving in Auckland we were greeted with 22C, and very unexpectedly, 100% humidity! It's Autumn here, others are in jumpers and boots, feeling the cold of 'Winter' as they're terming it already. There is no Spring or Autumn as such, Summer runs into Winter with a sudden switch - except it's late this year and hasn't yet reached North Island. Collecting Hermie, our motorhome, went very smoothly we're pleased to say thanks to a great job of importing by McCullough Ltd here in Auckland. So with the bank account activated and NZ sim cards in hand, our next job was to have Hermie certified self-contained. To freedom camp - ie use permitted overnight stops outside of paid ... read more