New Zealand - North Island

 29th January 20102 - 5th February 2012
 

Auckland

On 29^th Jan 2012 we flew into Auckland, hired a car and stayed for a few days with our wonderful friends Ian and Jacqui in Helensville.  They recently emigrated and bought a “do-up” with an acre of fantastic garden……all in the middle of a kiwifruit farm………..quite a project!  Help yourself to avos and grapefruit........We talked so much we didn’t take any photos but we’ll get them on the way back before flying out of Auckland!

We spent a day in Auckland and also took a ferry across to Waiheke Island….very nice.

Auckland City

Old Volcanoes everywhere....

Oneroa Beach - Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island

On 3^rd Feb we picked up our next van from Fiona’s friend Alison just south of Auckland.  She’s called Wanda (the van that is!) and off we went to Miranda where they have hot springs.  Actually, they have hot springs a lot on the coast in North Island……is that worrying?

Wonderful Wanda

Coromandel

Going to Coromandel for the first time we had to pay a visit to some friends who we had not seen for 16 years – David and Marie Keeves.  These guys are very active and enthusiastic – something that keeps them looking much younger than they actually are.  Their garden of several hectares is a full time job in itself but they do a wonderful job and give super guided tours!  Thanks for letting us stay in your lovely cottage – and for the plums from the garden!

Coromandel Town:

The view from Dave and Marie's deck

 Views of the garden.......:

This is for you Michele......a WETA - your favourite!!

Marie, Karen, Malc and Dave.

We visited Driving Creek Railway owned by  Barry Brickell – a local potter and railway enthusiast.  He took 32 years to build 2.6km of narrow-gauge railway on his 60 acre land.  Last year this little railway carried its millionth passenger.  Apparently Barry still potters (usually in the nude apparently!) and is a colourful local character.  The place retains maximum quirkiness. 

View from the top - Named "The Eyefull Tower" - Ouch!

Whangapoua and New Chum’s Beach

A short but mountainous drive from Coromandel is Whangapoa Beach – lovely in itself.  From there you can make the short walk to New Chums Beach – reputed to one of the best 20 beaches on the World. A little more sun might have helped that day!