New Zealand meets the Goonobago

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island
January 9th 2006

Published: January 10th 2006

I know it's been a while since my last blog, where should I start... Been in New Zealand since the 27th of December and it's been a blast. We got to Auckland in the late afternoon and it was great to be in civilization again. I was close to never leaving Fiji and I would have changed my ticket to stay longer but that would have just snowballed and I would have kept changing my ticket every time... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 38, Displayed: 21

Other boats in the Harbor

What a great day this turned out to be. Definetley a highlight of the trip.

Sailboat meet the king goon

I don't think I've ever got a picture of Moskowitz with a normal pose...you gotta love him!!!

Finally out of Bay of Islands

We stayed three nights in Paihia, and it was enough...too many meat heads. It's still beautiful, but we were happy to leave, and weren't afraid to show it...

Oh Goonobago...I love you.

Get a room guys...

I think the Goonobago is pissed at me...

the mechanic said the brakes on this think worked...but I'm not so sure I believe him.

View from the car on the drive North...

Look at those rolling green hills. Just imagine what it looks like in real life...almost unbelievable.

Sunset at the farm in Pukenui

This is the sunset on the farm we stayed at for two nights...simply breath-taking.

Our tents at sunset

This is the opposite side of the farm at sunset. Can't beat this tent site...

Fishing...

Do you have to catch something for it to be considered fishing...either way it was fun.

Fishing...

What a great day sitting on a dock in the warm sunshine. Nice breeze, cold beers and stinky salted mullet fish for bait...does life get any better.

Lighthouse at Cape Reinga.

This is Cape Reinga, the northern most tip of NZ. You can see the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific ocean. Not the best place to go swimming, and a nice lighthouse aswell.

Sunset at the Beach at Spirits Bay

At the end of a 19KM gravel road lies Spirts Bay...We were basically the only ones on the beach...Once again I use the word PARADISE in my blog. And we camped for the night here aswell.

Sunset at the Beach at Spirits Bay

The mountains that surround Spirts bay in the setting sun...I'm so glad I decided to travel.

Another farmstay

So another night in NZ, and a different farm. This time in Broadwood, what a great location, can you see the Hot Tub?

Nice place to set our tents

We basically stayed in these people's house, cooked dinner in their kitchen, used their hot tub and played with their pet sheep Timmy, five dogs and three cats...

Goonobago meets the car ferry to Rawena

So the Goonobago is no normal van, but it's floating abaility is like all other vans...it needs to take the car ferry.

View from Oponoi

Another great view in NZ, it's almost hard to believe people say the South Island is nicer than the North Island. I might just faint...

10th January 2006

Betty
non-member comment

Looking good
It's beautiful on the other side of the world. Goonabago is cute, I love her too. I guess you're not applying for jobs as fishermen! unless you want to starve. Keep up the good work, you've got alot of people living vicariously through your blog.

10th January 2006

Pamela
non-member comment

the goonobago is great
Hi Alan! Nice blog entry. Yes it was quite the novel, but everything sounds great. Its cool that you guys made some new friends; Dave and the Goonobago. NZ looks awesome, and im happy you got your coffee fix, i understand totally and am impressed by your determination. Also, it sounds like you have eaten better than i have in the past week, good stuff chef. Ok, gotta go i will comment more later. Love you, have fun, Pamela

10th January 2006

Dave
non-member comment

Awesome
Wow awesome, wish I could be there with you... oh hang on a minute I am!!!

13th January 2006

charlotte
non-member comment

This is the greatest!
Hey Dude, Just start tracking you this week. Great Pictures, enjoy and keep up the good work. I love the novel. Angie sends her love.

15th January 2006

Toby
non-member comment

hey cuz, so happy for you- keep up the blog. I am totally living vicariously through you. Wear lots of sunblock in NZ, it must be razy over there.

17th January 2006

Betty
non-member comment

Hot pools in NZ
In Iceland we were warned to keep toes, fingers out of the natural hot springs, steam vents, etc., they're really-really hot! Same in NZ? Love you.

17th January 2006

uncle bobby
non-member comment

wish
wish I were that age again. following the blog. enjoy and stay safe.

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New Zealand meets the Goonobago

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