To the North We Go

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Just in time to be behind again, we are catching up on our blog! With about two weeks remaining until we depart New Zealand, we embarked on a journey North of Auckland to the farthest North tip.

Our travels took us through one of the larger Northern cities of Whangarei, where you can see some photos of below. We stopped at "the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand" just minutes from town and had a picnic lunch before continuing north to Whale's Bay and Matapouri Beach. Here we stopped for a sunny break and met some locals, a five year-old boy and his father splashing in the waves.

The locals were friendly and one bloke even brought by some fresh Snapper he had just caught and cooked on the beach. Eating a fish with eyes watching us was a bit much for us prairie chickens but it was amazing and fresh; a delicacy that would cost a pretty penny in a restaurant.

Whananaki's longest foot bridge was a sight we almost didn't make it to as floods in the previous weeks had caused landslides over the tiny dirt road. Crews were busy cleaning up the mess as we made our way there. The bridge was quite long, although more impressive when the tide is in!

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Photos

Beach Near Orewa
Just North of Auckland, we spent a night here listening to the waves.

Birds of a Feather
Flocking together in Orewa

More Good Advice
We loved the road signs and tried taking most of their advice.

The Most Photographed Waterfall
This notable waterfall is only minutes out of town and a beautiful place to picnic.

Candid Camera
Kirby hid behind a tree and caught this one on the waterfall path

We Picked A Rest Stop
This beach was by a spot marked "Mermaid Pods" on our map. We didn't meet any mermaids but did meet a nice five year old boy and his dad enjoying the waves.

Fun in the Sun!
Our new little buddy on the beach

Fresh Snapper
A young fisherman came to our window and offered to share his catch of the day - a Snapper cooked fresh on the beach. We were brave and ate it even though we could see its eyes...

Footbridge View
Sun shining on the rolling green hills

Cattle Droving
We enjoyed watching the dogs move these cattle past us, on and off the road, they did a great job!