Breeze though the North Island/NZ , Sydney and on to Christmas Island..

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After a little over a week in Christchurch, sorting my post Antarctic work stuff and seeing what I could in Christchurch, off to Auckland, where by rent a car I headed SE through the amazing countryside to Mt Manganui, 'The Mount' the picturesque and trendy beach town across the bay from busy port city Tauranga. I was there to visit Kiwi friends Sheryl and Tony-whom I met many years ago while volunteering in Thailand after the Tsunami. Hoping to get some surf, the region was recovering from a major oil spill, the worst in NZ's history, so I stayed on the beach. After a too short stay, Im off across the North Island to Raglan, the cool little west coast town famous for its surf and physical beauty. Ive been to Raglan many times and never tire of it, although this time it rained for 3 days straight. I usually camp but opted to stay in the historic Harbourview Hotel and Pub-a good move on my part. From there back to Auckland and my flight to Sydney where 4 days of hanging out at Manly Beach and Royal Nat park and of course the harbour bridge area (Circular Quay) these are all places Ive visited before, Ive just put in a few pics this time, as i will be returning to Hawaii and Australia in a month or so. So its off to hawaii and then Christmas Island (Republic of Kiribati)

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Photos

Raglan NZ
right-go surfing, left-dead fish? I know which way Im heading....

stormy N island coast
no visit to the west coast of the north island is complete without storms rolling in, here in Raglan the surf is small and blown out for the next few days.

Raglan town view
surfers head to the points of scenic little Raglan, from my balcony at the historic old harbourview Hotel, just above the pub!

how true!
Sign along a north island beach, 'feet kill plants' couldnt say it any better.

Hmmm? whats this?
yep, photographed 20 billion times, i took it from the habour bridge-just as impressive as the opera house-but its still a cool piece of architechure no matter what.

Sydney Ferry sign
On the sydney ferrys, you see some funny things, but this sign was a new one for me. wish they enforced these rules on the trains!

Royal Nat Park
south of Sydney is the Royal N Park, great place for a day trip out of the city, some great day hikes along the very rugged coastline.

Waikiki sunset
the evening gathering for the sunset at Waikiki. yes its touristy and cliche but its still great to see.