Blogs from Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 6

Waitangi .............and because Kiwis do so love their holidays this weekend was another long one in celebration of the Waitangi Treaty being signed. the Treaty marked a "peaceful" agreement between the Brits and the Maoris regarding land rights. Well that was the aim anyway. Apparently there is alot of confusion over the translated version and it would appear that both sides may have signed up to a different agreement and its still causing problems today - but hey lets celebrate anyway! I celebrated by getting mucho sun burned walking up the North Head (an old volcano) in Devonport. I got some great views - especially of Rangitoto - another big volcano. there are alot of them in Auckland!!! Devonport is a very nice little seaside town 10 minutes from the city on a ferry. My walk ... read more

Since I got to NZ and met the family we've been doing a whole host of outdoor-sy stuff including; walking, horse riding, jet boating, tall ship journeys, sea kayaking, kiwi spotting and dolphin watching. We did pass through some cities but the way dad worked the itinery out it was on Sundays or public holidays when everything was closed. We're pretty sure he did it on purpose. The family flew home a few days ago so right now I'm on Waiheke for a few days, relaxing before I head to Auckland. There's a cinema and a smattering of cool arty shops, as well as some beautiful beaches but I'm a little impatient to get to Auckland and meet some Ozbus friends who may be in the area. ... read more

Who needs debauchery when you can wake up with the sun in your own little caravan, walk 5 minutes down the road to the beach and have a half an hour hoop followed by a skinny dip and all before breakfast? Not me it seems. Waiheke is a small island a 45 minute ferry ride away from Auckland and feels almost like it's own little country. It is full of idyllic little beaches, mangrove swamps, bush, and lots of holiday homes...almost 75% of the population disappear after the summer holidays. There is a real sense of community here though amongst the residents and most people from my experience are people who arrived here when they were my age 10 or 20 years ago and so are now a little bit older. My fist stop was at ... read more

Hello again! Yesterday was a great day! Sunny and blue sky again, I made sure to wear sunscreen so that I wouldn't burn again....oh my little sunburn was a nice tan the next morning! Its funny cause I wake up early at 7am each day....tried to watch a movie the night before but I fell asleep! So Sunday morning I woke up and was reading my book then signed into MSN and got to chat with Mom, Dad, Ry and D!!!! That was real nice, I hear there is lots of snow back home....I definitely don't miss that! It is 24 degrees here! :) sorry for rubbing it in! During the morning Mark and I just tanned and relaxed at the cottage, went for a little walk....Mark has been buying all kinds of treats lol! They ... read more

21st September 2008 - Waiheke Island: Winery tour In September Becky's parents came for a quick visit so we took the opportunity to explore a little bit of paradise close to home. Waiheke Island is just a short ferry ride from the big city but feels like a million miles away. Sunshine, gorgeous waters with dolphins playing near the shore, wineries around every corner - what more could a girl need???... read more