We headed off to Auckland from Pukenui in pouring rain, thankful that the weather held for our time in the northlands of the North island. Rained all the way down to Opinoni where we stayed the night in a very nice little hotel called The Sands. It had a pool and a great beach literally 50 metres from our bedroom. Problem is that it didn’t stop raining so unfortunately we could only enjoy our room and the hotel bar!
We both agree however that for the last 4 months we have been very lucky with the weather, so can’t complain too much. Enjoyed a nice meal at the hotel in the evening and then headed off next morning to Auckland. Again it was pouring with rain, but didn’t stop us from visiting the amazing Waipoua forest which is beautiful and full of ancient Kauri trees. Went on a couple of walks through the forest to see a 2500 year old Kauri and then an amazing 3500 years old specimen. It was actually quite nice to do this in the rain to be honest.
After that we stopped in a place called Dargaville for lunch. Some of these New Zealand country towns have got such an old fashioned retro look and feel to them. Had some lunch in a great little cafe/bar called Blah, Blah, Blah
Our airbnb in Auckland is a lovely modern apartment on the 5th floor of a block with a great westerly view. Problem is the view was non existent due to the blanket of low cloud and rain. Woke up on day 1 of our stop here and yet again it was grey and wet, and stayed like this all day. I managed to get out for a haircut just across the road (much needed). Lovely little indian guy did the cut and then gave me an indian head massage for good measure afterwards. First time I’ve experienced that in a barbers. We did manage to get out for a bit to explore the local area, but gave up after 30 mins or so as it was too wet and windy, had a beer and then hunkered down in the apartment, watched a film and basically chilled out with some food treats.
On day 2 the weather finally came good, so went on our prebooked walking tour of Auckland, which was good fun and quite informative, as they always are. In the afternoon we got a ferry over to the suburb of Devenport and climbed the old volcano of Mount Victoria where there are great views to be had of the whole Auckland area. In the evening we decided to eat out in the local area near to where we are staying on Ponsonby Rd, plenty of food and drink choices, but we decided on a Thai.
So last day in Auckland and last day in New Zealand, difficult to believe this part of our adventure is over, but we’ve still got the Cook islands to look forward to.
It was a nice warm autumnal morning so we went to have a look at Auckland Domain park and Winter Gardens. A really beautiful large outdoor space with an abundance of native trees and fauna. The winter gardens were a very well presented collection of beautiful exotic plants, and a fernery which was very nice. After we had our fill there we decided to go and check out one of the city beaches, Mission bay. Bit unfortunate to get caught up in a local half marathon event, but managed to find a park and enjoy a bit of autumn sun on a relatively busy small beach.
Although we had a couple of write off days due to the weather we really enjoyed Auckland, nice attractive city with plenty to offer. Would happily come back and spend more time here if we get the chance.
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