Days 4 - 6

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Day 4 Saturday

Woke at 5.30 - not like me but I guess a bit of jet lag has kicked in. Lovely day, the sun is shining on Auckland so it was time to explore.
Walked up to the Sky Tower entrance, 328m, (1,076 feet). Not sure I was brave enough, too high, too thin, too many windows and a floor made of glass!!!! But I did go up and after a few trembly minutes ... wow what a view! 360o view of Auckland in all its glory, well worth the wobbly knees and sweaty palms. Stayed up there for ages and watched several jumpers who fell passed the window at regular intervals.
Quiet afternoon in a park, early night methinks!
Thought for the day: Why is Auckland full of decorated Christmas trees at the beginning of November??

Day 5 Sunday

Up, breakfast and packing. No hot water so a very quick shower! The up side to this is we had a complimentary breakfast ($28 each!) Picked up our hire car which just happens to be a Mondeo but not with the extras we have on ours. [Mike comments: and an automatic as well - not the same having no clutch pedal, and it seemed strange being in a different country but with them driving on the left. Rules of the road are about the same but you have to watch out to give way when turning left].
Headed north to the Bay of Islands. We are staying in a chalet tucked in a hill with a balcony overlooking the bay - check out the picture.
Exploratory drive round the island in the afternoon. Main town is Russell which can only be described as a hamlet of wooden bungalows with wooden porches in the front. There is a small wooden jetty which looks like the one out of ‘Flipper’ for those of you old enough to remember. Found a beach for a paddle. Great meal of fish in a beachside restaurant and an early night. Big day tomorrow. .

Day 6 Monday

Up at 5.45 and on the car ferry at 7am. Drove to Kerikeri to get on an 8 seater plane to fly right up to the most northern point of NZ. The outward trip took an hour taking in some amazing views of the countryside and coast including the 90 mile beach (which is actually only 64miles long!). Then got on a mini bus and went up to Cape Reinga and saw where the Pacific meets the Tasman Sea. This area has sand dunes like mountains caused by the exposed elements so our next stop was by some of these dunes. We were each given a sleigh to slide down one - great fun. Stuart, the driver provided tea and muffins and showed us our extra passenger, a baby possum he had with him. The return flight took us down the east coast, equally spectacular, and right over the Bay of Islands before landing. .

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Comments

[Ginny McKee]

Days 4 - 6
Can't access any photos. Weather terrible here. Rain and wind, rain and wind, rain and more wind! We envy you and it sounds like you are having a fantastic time. I'm getting really excited because tomorrow is 'scrabulous day' (my once a week - one go, one game)! That way all the games will last until you get home. Spoke to Sam yesterday, they are settled in to Perry Street and everything is fine. She is having a problem getting your blog - but she will try again today. Lots of love R & Gxxx