Blog – Bridge the Travel Gap

The land of Devils and more – Tasmania!

‘Don’t let the year of striking out hold you back.’ – Babe Ruth

Hobart

What an awesome time we’ve had in the beautiful island state of Tasmania! Once again, we feel there’s not been enough time, but I can definitely say I’ve fallen in love with this place and it’s a real high-light for me.

Our week started with a short flight back to Melbourne for one night and the even shorter flight to Hobart. What a gorgeous city, with very friendly people, excellent food, drink and beautiful views.

Hobart

Old house on Battery Point in Hobart

We were lucky to stay near Elizabeth Street for our first 2 nights, as nothing seems very far away – not only in Hobart, but all of Tasmania. The real problem is, there is so much to see and do! We got lucky, as the Fringe Festival was starting, so we went to their opening evening,

Hobart Fringe Festival – opening night act

which is in the heart of the Salamanca Market – a great place for food and drink.

Salamanca Market

Here we learned about the new and quickly growing industry of whiskey – very tasty.

Whiskey Tasting

Our first day out of Hobart got us to the Tahune AirWalk

Tahune Air Walk

and learning about the Huon trees – they are no longer logged – a beautiful spot. Then we had an awesome day on Bruny Island

Wallabey on Bruny Island

– we walked the fluted Cape,

Fluted Cape Walk

tasted oysters and finished with an award-winning whiskey.

Trappers Hut

Then it was off to the penal colony of Port Arthur,

Port Arthur

but first we hiked Mount Nelson,

Mount Nelson Lookout

went to the look out at Mount Wellington,

Mount Wellington

tasted Cascade beer (Darwin tasted it, too!) and more oysters.

Cascade Beer

Now, its our last day and I saw the Tessellated Pavement,

Tessellated Pavement

went to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park to see the Tasmanian Devils up close

Tasmanian Devil

and the beautiful Tasmanian Arch.

Tasmanian Arch

Running out of room and time! What places have you missed and really want to get back to?

Love
Debx

Debbie BridgeMarch 12, 2015December 22, 2023 Australasia, Australia, Travel No Comments

A visit to Tokaanu Thermal Springs, Rotorua and Tauranga

This post is about a visit to Tokaanu Thermal Springs, Rotorua and Tauranga. We spent a few days exploring these areas and having a great time.

Tokaanu Hot Springs and Huka Falls

Our next stop after walking the Tongariro Crossing was a place to ease the aches in our muscles. The Tokaanu Hot Pools are near Turangi and an ideal place to relax for a few hours. We had a lovely hot soak in a private pool. The cost for a private pool is NZ$10 each for a generous 30 minutes. There are also cooling showers outside the private pools. Afterwards we went for a lovely free leisurely 15 minute walk around the back seeing bubbling mud, hot springs and the thermal area where the hot springs originate. There also is a public pool included in the price of admission for the private pool. I like this hot springs as it is not trying to overcharge you like some of the hot springs around Taupo and Rotorua.

After visiting Taupo we stopped on our way to Rotorua at the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls are the beginning of the Waikato River which originates from Lake Taupo. Around 220,000 litres of litre go by every second at the base of the falls. The Falls are free to see by taking a short walk over the bridge and channel with views of the thundering water. Across the bridge you walk along a path for a few minutes to get a view and photo of the falls. The best view is a few minutes away by car up the road from a lookout overlooking the falls.

: Entrance to Hot Springs

: Our private pool

: Public Pool at Tokaanu

: Huka Falls from road lookout

Rotorua

We spent three days at Rotorua exploring the area from nearby Blue Lake. We camped at the Blue Lake Top 10 Camping and motel site for two nights. The camp is beside Blue Lake where you can do a lovely walk around the lake or go for a kayak or swim. Facilities at the campsite are excellent with hot showers, kitchen (you can get cutlery, pots and pans as well if you ask), recreation room and a small shop. It cost us NZ$42 per night for a non powered tent site. If you have a camper van then this is the ideal place to stopover. We had a lovely leisurely hour and a half walk around the lake in the morning listening to the bellbirds and watching the water skiers on the lake practicing.

: View from our walk around the lake

: Blue lake where we camped for two days

If you go to Rotorua make sure you visit the stand of Californian Redwoods. We went twice during our visit to Rotorua. In 1901, a 6 hectare stand of Californian Redwoods was planted and is called the Redwood Memorial Grove. It is a magical experience walking among these giants of the forest listening to the chorus of cicada’s. Unlike every other experience in Rotorua this one is completely free. There is nowhere to eat at the Redwoods, however, nearby on the main road before you turn into the road leading to the Redwoods is the Office Cafe. We stopped here before visiting the Redwoods. The barista won a prize in 2014 and made an excellent flat white. I decided to have porridge and enjoyed it. My wife had the full works. It was also nice to have good free wi-fi.

We had previously visited the thermal pools and a Maori Hangi Concert so did not do those this time. Instead we wandered around the beautiful Government Gardens and went for a swim at the Blue Baths. We went to the Polynesian Spa first but the long queues put us off. So a short walk to the Blue Baths and wow. We paid NZ$11 each and had the baths to ourselves. The two side pools were the hottest I have ever experienced in NZ. We had a very relaxing few hours enjoying the pool.

: Government Gardens

: Amongst the Redwoods

: I felt small

: Pool to myself

: Maori dancing

: Hot mud pools at Hells gate

Tauranga

Our next stop was Tauranga where we spent a lovely few days with some friends and enjoyed a walk around Mount Manganui. Our friends took us to Phils Place, The restaurant is owned by Phil Rudd the drummer for AC/DC. It is one of only two restaurant actually beside the water in Tauranga. There is a great view of the marina and of planes landing at the airport. We ate on a balcony outside. I had mussels for a starter and for a main the pork belly. Both delicious. Service was good and a highlight was seeing a large stingray swim alongside the restaurant.

Swam past the restaurant verandah

I only wished we could have stayed longer at Al and Julia’s and the two days went to quickly. We also introduced Debbie to the wonderful Australian film ‘The Castle’. Then it was back to Auckland before flying down to Wellington for a week.

Debbie BridgeMarch 11, 2015December 27, 2022 Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Rotorua, Travel 5 Comments

Visiting Wellington the windy City

‘I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I need to be.’ – Douglas Adams

Bye Neil and Yvonne!

This week started with good-byes, again, to the Kiwi rellies and to Auckland, which, I can now say, I’ve formed a very good opinion of, as beautiful. So this week has mainly centred on the city of Wellington – the windy city and, also, the middle of Middle Earth for Hobbit fans.

Ork at Te Papa museum, Wellington

This was John’s last city of habitation, so we’ve been able to catch up with a lot of friends

Party at Joanne’s

and I’ve got to know this beautiful capital city that little bit better.

Wellington Harbour

It’s great to walk around, but be prepared to go up a lot of hills. Last time I was here, I wanted to walk the Trelissick Park Gorge, so I managed to do it this trip – really nice walk to or from the downtown –

Trelissick Park

just remember your sun lotion, as weather changes quickly and, needless to say, I got very burnt! (New Zealand and Australia sun is much stronger than the Northern hemisphere countries, due to less ozone layer here) A place I can recommend highly for a visit is Zealandia

Zealandia

– great trails, lovely birds and a good cause all rolled into one. Our ticket allowed us to come back the next day, so we did and weren’t disappointed.

We had a quick stop at the Otari Native Botanic Gardens. Next time, I hope to spend more time here, as it’s another beautiful urban park with trails.

Otari Native Gardens

Due to its many hills, Wellington affords some pretty stunning vistas

Wellington

and the food and culture are tops here.

Embassy Cinema – Lounge, just a beautiful building and still intact!

People even say thank-you to the bus drivers!

I love going to cinemas all over the world, where are some of your favourite places to watch a movie, besides your living-room?

Love Debx

Debbie BridgeMarch 6, 2015October 25, 2023 Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Travel, Wellington No Comments

Video Blog on USA

Below is the link to a video blog on you-tube from USA:

Debbie BridgeMarch 5, 2015December 19, 2015 Travel, Video Blogs No Comments

Exploring a bit of the North Island

‘The world is my backyard.’

Tongariro hike

This week we went off on adventures outside Auckland, as John’s brother lends us his Ute (4-wheel drive truck.)

Neil’s Ute we borrowed

Our 1st stop is the National Park and hiking Tongariro – an active volcano. It’s a 19km (11.8 miles) hike with some difficult bits, but beautiful. Well worth the effort to see. (Some extra photos of the walk are at the bottom of the blog!)

After that, we deserve sometime in the thermal pools in Tokaamu – a very nice soak in our own private pool,

Tokaamu hot pools

then, a lovely drive through the countryside to see Huka Falls

Huka Falls

before arriving in Rotorua

Roturua Museum

for 2 nights camping by Blue Lake.

Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its hot sulfur baths and Maori culture evenings. The later I’d done on a previous trip and the former found us trying out the Art Deco ‘Blue Baths’, where we had the pools to ourselves.

Blue Baths – Rotorua

We did some shorter hikes in this area around Blue Lake,

Blue Lake

the Government Gardens

Government Park

and, the #1 attraction there, the Redwoods. They planted this forest in the mid-1800’s as an experiment, but found the trees grow too slowly, so these are the only ones you’ll find here.

Redwood Park – Rotorua

Then, our week ends, at a friend’s in Tauranga where we celebrate Julia’s 21st/30th/? Birthday and see a stingray by the restaurant,

Stingray

we swim in their beautiful pool,

John and Al swimming in the pool

love their cats – Cocoa and Leila

Burmese Beauties

and walk the Mount.

Walking the Mount

Then a drive back to Auckland with a quick stop at Karangahake Gorge

Karangahake Gorge

and Miranda hot pools.

Miranda Hot Pools

More photos of our Tongariro crossing hike:

: Don’t say they don’t warn you!

: Halfway there!

: Peak

: Red Sand

: Emerald Lakes – great place to have lunch!

: Fancy a swim?

: Hazard Zone

: Active Volcano – looks just like the picture!

Debbie BridgeFebruary 26, 2015March 18, 2018 Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Rotorua, South Island, Tongariro, Travel No Comments

How to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

How to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best one day walks in the world through volcanic landscape. This blog post explains how you can do it in a day, where to stay on a budget and how to organise transport to and from the mountain.

The Tongariro Crossing passes by Mt Nguarahoe, famous as being used as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movie Trilogy. The hike is in New Zealand’s oldest National Park and in the centre of the North Island. Over the years the walk has gotten more and more popular. In 2015 we were lucky to walk the track in glorious weather all 19.4 kilometres. Considering up to 3000 people walk the crossing on some days we were lucky to share it with a mere thousand other hikers. My wife has wanted to walk the Tongariro Crossing for years, since I told her about it. I have walked it several times in all seasons. I remember during the 1980’s when I camped up at the Blue Lake Crater how quiet and magical it was to wake up in the morning and see Mount Nguarahoe and Emerald lakes. I was curious how the experience would be with so many people, in the end, it was still a magical walk and the only thing I did not like was the periodic flying planes above doing scenic flights.

: Mount Nguarahoe at the beginning

: Top of the Devils staircase or more like the Angels now

Where we stayed?

I decided we should stay at National Park as it is not too far from the kick off point at Mangatepopo car park. We stayed at the Manowhenua Lodge at National Park for two nights. It was perfect. It is a hostel and not luxury accommodation. The room was clean as were the bathrooms, lounge and kitchen. Our room cost NZ$68 per night. It is a lot cheaper if you share one of the bunk rooms. The kitchen had cutlery and pots and pans so you can cook meals during your stay. The hostel was not busy unlike the nearby Youth Hostel which was packed with people and where we picked up the next morning on the bus 20 people for the crossing. My only niggle was having to pay for wi-fi at the hostel although we found a nearby cafe with good free wi-fi.

The night before looked ominous

Getting to the mountain

The hostel organised transport to and from the crossing for a cost of NZ$30 each. The bus was on time at 7am and after picking up a few other hikers at other accommodation had us at the start of the track by 7.45am. We immediately started the walk and had till 4pm to get to the end and be picked up by the bus. The driver also gave us a card for emergencies with a number to ring if your delayed.

The Crossing

Since I last walked the crossing the track has improved. There are board walks in places up to Soda Springs from Mangatepopo car park. The devils staircase now actually has steps which it never had in the old days and was a scramble up. Now, it is more like the angels staircase. At the top, you have the choice of climbing Mt Nguarahoe but you need to give yourself at least 2-3 hours. We walked across the plateau then climbed up to Red Crater. To assist people there is now a steel cable in one place which is worn away a bit. We enjoyed the views of Red Crater, Emerald lakes and Blue lake crater from the top and had lunch near one of the Emerald Lakes.

: So it begins

: Last toilet stop till Ketahihi Shelter

: South Crater

: Red Crater

: Red crater

: Emerald lakes below

: Busy coming down from Red Crater

: Not so Blue Lake Crater

After a small climb up to Blue Lake Crater it is a downhill track to Ketahihi shelter. The hut deceptively looks closer than it is when you see it and before arriving you must embark on a switch back hell. Walking down from Blue Lake Crater you get views of the steam arising from the Te Maari crater which erupted a few years ago. From the shelter you walk for a couple of hours to the car park with views of Lake Taupo along the way.

: Busy Ketahihi Shelter

: The busy carpark at the end

As long as you are reasonably fit the walk is fine. Take at least 2 litres of water, decent boots, suntan lotion, snacks for energy and enjoy the scenery. We paced the walk to turn up at the car park at 3.40pm. I am glad we did as the car park resembled Dunkirk in 1940 with everyone waiting for their ride. There are lots of people but the scenery is still incredible, volcano’s, red crater, plateau, emerald lakes and the desolate landscape is spectacular.

Debbie BridgeFebruary 23, 2015January 7, 2020 Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Tongariro, Travel 6 Comments

Gorgeous City of Auckland and surrounding region

‘It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.’ – Aristotle

This week we caught up with our Kiwi family, as we split our time between John’s brother and niece’s homes.

Howick Village House

We started out with a place called: Howick Village – it’s an historic village of ‘how things’ were in New Zealand, mainly from the mid-1800’s onwards. That same day, we headed off to a memorial to Savage – a Prime Minister who, we believe, brought social reforms to New Zealand, but the park lacked any confirmation of this. (I’ve since looked into it and it is true, it is meant to be a memorial to this very philanthropic Prime Minister).

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Gardens

Also, the same day, we went up to the top of Mt Eden which has, what I believe, are the best views of the city.

Mt Eden

The next day, we headed out to Hunua Falls – a beautiful location. Strangely, on the day we were there, they were surveying the pond below the falls, as the water is very murky and full of rocks that dead bodies get trapped under, when people jump from the top!

Hunua Falls

Then we were off to a New Zealand hobby farm, to see how it works and visit all the cute piglets.

Piglets!

After that, it was off to black sands beach– beautiful!

Black Sands Beach

Our last day with our niece, her partner and our nephew, we went for a walk up Rangitoto which is a dormant volcanic island near downtown Auckland.

Rangitoto Island

Next day, we went to the bird island of Tiritiri, where they have managed to clear any species which are not indigenous. We stayed the night here, so we could see the night birds – Kiwi and hear the dawn chorus of birds. I love the sound of bird song, anytime of day, do you have any that you like best? Would love to know, so I can check them out on the internet.

Saddleback

Our week ended with dinner at a friends

Nigel and Sue’s

and seeing Pokeno Market. It’s been a jam-packed time!

Pokeno Market

Debx

Debbie BridgeFebruary 21, 2015November 2, 2024 Auckland, Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Travel No Comments

How to stay overnight at Tiritiri Matangi

How to stay overnight at Tiritiri Matangi?

Tiritiri Matangi is a wildlife project established in 1980s. The island and its wildlife was established by the hard work of thousands of volunteers. There are still volunteers working for the benefit of the island today. The island is 30 km east of central Auckland. The overnight accomodation a comfortable bunkhouse has magnificient views of the Hauraki Gulf and of Auckland in the distance. There is also a visitor centre where you can learn more about he history and wildlife of the island.

TiritiriMatangi was once farmland and now the 220 hectare island is 60% bush and 40% grassland. The Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most endangered bird species. There are Takahe which number only 250 in the wild. There are also the rare North Island Kokako, stitchbirds, Saddleback and iconic kiwi which can only be seen at night.

If you are like me and check tripadvisor then you will know the top rated attraction to visit in Auckland is Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf. The Island is around 5 miles from Whangaparoa Peninsula. The only way to get there if you do not have your own boat is by a ferry operated by 360 Degrees a subsidiary of Fullers. On our arrival in Auckland one of our first stop was the Viaduct Tourist Information Office in downtown Auckland. There also is a Department of Conservation (DOC) office where you can book Great Walks and an overnight stay on Tiritiri Matangi.

: Well sign posted tracks

: View through up to the bunk house in the bush

: Grassland on the island

How do you book an overnight stay?

Another option is to book an overnight stay on the island through the DOC website. However, they seem to have a lot of problems with it as when I tried to book an overnight stay it was impossible to work. On the off-chance there was a place free I asked the DOC officer and there was a week later so I immediately booked it. The price to stay overnight is NZ$30 each in a bunk house which houses 15 people a night in three rooms. There are also volunteers at the bunk house who have their own room. After booking the overnight stay you need to immediately book your ferry ticket. There is a limit of 160 visitors each day on the island. The booking office is a few minutes down from the Tourism office. It cost us NZ$70 for a return ticket. Later we found a coupon that would have saved us 10% off the ticket in the A-Z Auckland book handed out by the tourism office.

: The ferry transport

: Tiritiri Matangi Bunk house in background and view of Rangitoto Island

: The island

: The Tiritiri Matangi lighthouse which still operates automatically

You do have to fill out a biosecurity form on the DOC website for collection at arrival and be aware that any food must be in rodent free sealed boxes or in your pack. There are no fires on Tiritiri Matangi and the weather can cause ferry cancellations. The list of other things to do can be seen at the link above on book an overnight stay.

What do you bring?

We packed light. In the end we brought with us a couple of sleeping bags, towel, change of clothes, a good torch (imperative if you want to see kiwi at night), food for the dinner, breakfast and lunch as there is no food to be bought on the island. The bunk house has cutlery, plates, fridge and freezer for food, a gas barbecue in the courtyard, pillow and mattress on the bunks, hot showers, flush toilets and everything you would need for an overnight stay or longer. I wish we had stayed an extra night.

Staying on the Island

On arrival you are met by the ranger and volunteer guides. The ranger briefs you on the do’s and don’ts of visiting the island and how the accommodation. He also transports your pack up to the bunk house and down again when you leave. This allows you the opportunity to do a guided walk with the guides, well worth doing. There are several tracks on the island and the most difficult bird to find was the North Island Kokako. We managed to find one a few hours before we left in one of their territories near the Kawerau track. The bunk house was in my view brilliant. We spent hours walking the many tracks of the island just looking and listening at the birds and at night we easily found kiwi as they rustle in the leaves looking for dinner. The Takahe were around the lighthouse and easy to find. The dawn chorus is not worth doing unless it is sunny as we found out on an overcast morning and no dawn chorus. The great thing about the island is at 3.30 you have it to yourself as the day visitors return on the 75 minute ferry ride back to Auckland.

I hope you get a chance to visit this wonderful bird paradise and enjoy the chorus of native birds.

: Tui feeding station

: Takahe

: Sunset at the Tiritiri Matangi wharf

Debbie BridgeFebruary 15, 2015March 18, 2018 Auckland, Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Travel 6 Comments

Things to do in Auckland

Another busy week in Auckland. We left my brother’s place to stay with my niece and her partner in Howick a suburb of Auckland. There are a lot of things to do in Auckland some touristy and others a bit more local.

Howick Historical Village

Our 1st day we visited the Howick Historical Village and met 1 of Auckland’s celebrities – the Mad Butcher – who was doing some filming for a documentary at the village.

The village itself is charming and like stepping back into the past without the smells of people living in tents and using outdoor latrines.

: Map of the village

: What the settlers arrived too

: What the settlers eventually built. A kauri house

: Dinner setting in the main house

History

Howick Historical Village was established in 1980 as a recreated colonial village in New Zealand. The era it recreates is between 1840-1880 and covers 7 acres.

They have lots of original restored kauri buildings. On the day we visited, there was filming for a documentary.

It was interesting finding out the history of Auckland and how Britain feared France may try to take over New Zealand. The Government of the day made all sorts of Pollyanna promises to 2500 ex-military men and their families if they moved to New Zealand, such as new houses awaiting them. Settlers were known as the Royal NZ Fencible Corps.

Boy, did they get a surprise on arriving at their new home! The houses promised turned out to be tents.

Extra Details

You can spend a pleasant few hours here exploring the village and about the history and day-to-day activities of a New Zealand colonial village.

It cost $15 each entry, however we had a 2 for 1 coupon from a book we picked up at tourist information. If you have small children there are lots of things for them to do.

: Debbie meets the famous mad butcher of Auckland

Next…

In the afternoon we drove around the bays of Auckland.

We spent some time visiting Michael Savage’s Memorial near Bastion Point and drove up to the summit of Mt Eden to enjoy some more views of the Auckland city skyline and surrounding countryside.

: View from top of Mt Eden

: Dan and Courtney on top of Mt Eden

: PM Michael Joseph Memorial and burial place

Visit to Hunua Falls, Black Sand Beach & a Farm

The next day we drove out to Hunua Ranges to look at Hunua Falls.

It was a bit odd as there was a group of surveyors there mapping the bottom of the falls. They were doing this as people sometimes jump off the falls and get sucked down under the falls and the police divers have problems finding the bodies. This is due to the muddiness of the water.

Afterwards we drove to Daniel’s parents farm where Debbie got to do a bit of a chicken whisperer and see some pigs.

After that, we drove to Karioitahi beach which is a black sand beach and enjoyed a walk along it. Then a drive back through the countryside and a stop at Waiuki for a nice meat pie.

: Debbie and Courtney at Hunua Falls

: Debbie, Dan and Courtney on Karioitahi Beach

: Debbie the chicken whisperer

Trip to Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island is 700 years old and a result of a volcanic eruption. The island is circular with the summit 260 metres high and covers 2311 hectares. Best time to visit the island, which has the largest Pohutukawa forest in the world, is between November and January. You can see the tree’s in bloom. They are known as the New Zealand Xmas tree.

How to get there…

To get to Rangitoto we took the metro into Auckland’s Britomart Station. From there it is a short walk to the ferry terminal. Cost of an adult ticket to Rangitoto Island is NZ$30 return, we did have a coupon from the tourist A-Z of Auckland which saved NZ$3 for one adult. The ferry goes 1st to Devonport to pick up other passengers and then to the island. It takes around 45 minutes. We left at 9.15 am enjoying a nice ride across the harbour.

On arrival we immediately headed up to the summit of the volcano. There are some lovely views going up to the top and the track is easy. It takes a leisurely hour to reach the summit. From the summit there are views of Auckland and you can also do a short walk around the rim of the volcano.

Afterwards we took a detour on our way back to the wharf to explore the lava caves which you can walk through 1 and scramble through the other. Well worth the detour.

We were lucky in seeing a saddleback bird near the summit.

There is no food or drink on the island so we brought a picnic which we ate at the wharf while waiting for the 2.30 ferry back to Auckland.

It’s a great day out and a nice way to spend 4 and a half hours out of the city centre.

: Made it to the Island

: Map of Rangitoto Island

: Sean, Dan and Courtney before the walk

: We begin

: Debbie emerges from one of the lava caves

: Lots of lava leftover from the eruption

: Made it to the top

: View from the top

Next Day…

The next day we went to Tiritiri Matangi which I am going to write in a separate blog explaining how to book an overnight stay on this Bird Sanctuary. Tiritiri Matangi is the only place in Auckland where you can see a wild kiwi in its natural habitat plus a plethora of other wild New Zealand native birds.

Debbie BridgeFebruary 14, 2015March 18, 2018 Auckland, Australasia, New Zealand, North Island, Travel 3 Comments

2 Beautiful Harbour Cities – Sydney & Auckland

‘Reach for the sky.’

Sydney Opera House

We are halfway through and safely ‘down under’ in Australia and New Zealand this week.

We started this week with our last few days in Sydney and, after a 12 hour sleep, no real jet lag! Awesome!

We went to Manly Beach,

Manly Bay

Shelly Beach

and a walk around the North Heads,

North Heads Park

affording us excellent views of the Sydney Harbour on the ferry ride to Manly.

Downtown Sydney

Then, we had a short flight over to John’s home town of Auckland, New Zealand where we are staying at John’s brother.

On this trip, I asked to see more of this beautiful city and, so far, I’ve not been disappointed with this stellar and green city.

Auckland Downtown

Our first day, we went to the viaduct area

Viaduct Auckland

in the downtown which houses many restaurants and is the launching point for most of the ferry’s to the out lying islands. We were, also, lucky to be here on Waitangi Day – the New Zealand national holiday.