With only limited time for our trip we had had to be selective about which countries we chose to visit. However, in choosing where to go there was one place that was always at the top of both of our lists; New Zealand!
We touched down in the largest city, Auckland in late afternoon and headed to our Airbnb to check in. We were disappointed to learn that the advertised dog was away for the weekend (probably after a busy week digging up bones and having its belly rubbed). As we have done in many of the cities we have visited we then found the nearest hill and climbed it. In Auckland’s case this was Mount Eden an extinct volcano with a crater sacred to the Maori, which was the place to go at sunset for locals and tourists alike – some of whom had brought a picnic or a few drinks up with them. Claire admired the sunset, whilst Gareth pointed out the cricket pitches and rugby stadiums (and admired the sunset as well).
Following tips from some Cornish expats that noticed Gareth Wales shirt, we headed to Citizen Park Bar in the Kingsland area of Auckland for a bite to eat and spot of Rugby (Wales v South Africa), one of which ended successfully!
The next day was New Zealand’s Labour Day, which we took advantage of in the form of free coffees with brunch whilst we plotted our self-guided tour of the city. Let’s be honest, Auckland is known for its beautiful location rather than its architecture. However, the city parks and historically (by New Zealand standards) significant buildings made for an interesting walk through the city, reaching our ultimate goal of the city wharf at midday. Here, we bordered a Ferry, and set off on the 30min journey across the Hauraki Gulf to the more rural Waiheke Island (did we mention we aren’t really city people).
We’d been drawn to Waiheke Island for two reasons: a stunning coastline with a footpath the whole way round and buckets of wineries. After a really windy crossing (we were the last two to leave the outside deck once we were exposed to the full force of the wind), we decided to combine the two with a sunny afternoon walk around the most westerly peninsular that ended at the Cable Bay winery (so named due to the massive power cable which runs under that part of the island and across to Auckland). On the way we passed beautiful bays, ‘hobbit style’ rolling hills and the houses of the millionaires who get to enjoy the view (and the wine) when everyone else has gone home!
As we turned away from the coast in search of wine, the rolling fields turned into rolling vineyards and we arrived at Cable Bay tasting rooms ready for our first sample of their harvest. We elected the taste the white wines and were given a selection of four wines from Waiheke and the sister vineyard on the south island in Marlborough.
We spent the rest of the late afternoon sampling some of Cable Bay’s delicious food (and more wine) in a restaurant which had a beautiful view across the ocean, before heading back to Auckland for the evening. The ferry back to Auckland was full of dogs and somehow a few of them managed to find there ways over to Claire, who was very obliging and gave them the attention they required. And you thought we never relaxed!
If our blogs are giving you itchy feet and Peru is on your bucket list then please check out our friend Erick’s website who has set up his own tour company IncasPath in Cusco, Peru. He’s a really friendly guy and probaly the best tour guide we’ve ever had. We completed the Salkantay pass with him to Machu Picchu four years ago and have had the travel bug ever since!!!! http://www.incaspath.com
Claire and Gareth go travelling! 