NZ - Weeks 2 & 3 - Part 1

We enjoyed a few days of rest and relaxation and catching up on some well earned sleep following the hectic 100km walk weekend – except Jonno who had to return to work. Blake and I went shopping, had a flat tyre, visited Huckleberry Farm – an organic wholefood store with lots of delicious goodies – all in all a very relaxing few days.

Good Friday
We caught a ferry over to Auckland from Pine Harbor. We met George on the ferry - he and his wife live in NZ for 6 months of the year and in Queensland for the other 6 months – sounded like a perfect way of life to me so I’ve put it out there….! We visited the Victoria markets and had lunch on the Viaduct with Wayne F (an EDN workmate). That night we enjoyed dinner with Ann & Bernie who had spent the day at Blake & Jonno’s helping Jonno in the garden – they are exceptional gardeners.

................................................................................................................ Easter Saturday
Blake, Jonno, John & I wandered down the road to the local market. They live in a little town and it was fun seeing all the local produce and craft on sale. On the way back we checked out some open inspections – nice homes but exceptionally expensive, seems real estate in NZ is quite exorbitant.
One of Blake’s closest friends, Rachael and her husband Paul, were arriving from Adelaide to stay for the next 10 days – so it was an exciting day and we made sure the house was shining like the ‘top of the Chrysler building’! It was even more exciting to see them as Rachael and Paul are expecting their first child later this year – so we had a great night of congratulating the happy couple, catching up and reminiscing - Blake & Rachael have been friends since they were 9 years old!

................................................................................................................. Easter Sunday
After the excitement of finding Easter eggs kindly left by the Easter bunny (aka Rachael) and some wonderful raw chocolate Easter treats for us (thankyou Blake), John and I took Power for a walk to the nearby beach and had a great time playing ball with her at the nearby lookout (which has spectacular views across the bay to Mt Rangitoto). The 6 of us then headed up to Mt Eden, a dormant volcano (hasn’t erupted for over 60,000 years) giving us a magnificent view over the city of Auckland. From there we headed over to the North Shore driving through Takapuna and onto Devonport where we had lunch in a great pub overlooking the coast and where we watched the NZ America’s Cup boat sail by.

Easter Monday

We started the day by stretching our legs on a very scenic walk from Blake & Jonno’s house to Omana Beach and then onto Maraetai Beach. The views over the bay were stunning and we walked past goats, sheep, pigs & rabbits and chatted to people net fishing from the shore – it was a really picturesque outing.

Early afternoon saw us all in the boat motoring over to Pine Harbour where we sat outside the pub overlooking the marina and enjoying a quiet drink – very pleasant.

That night Mike & Shelley from next door came in for a Barbie tea – another wonderful night sitting out on the deck enjoying good food and great company. Of course there was a lot of ‘walk’ talk – infact I think the entire 100km event was rewalked!!