Island Paradise Again
Trip Start
Nov 20, 2006
1
45
85
Trip End
Aug 08, 2007
Waiheke, New Zealand
Monday, April 9, 2007
Saturday 7th April
We went for a walk that was supposed to take 2 hours but took 4 due to some entertaining distractions on the way. First of all we stumbled across a dirt track where the locals were tanking their old souped-up bangers like mad things. It looked like excellent fun, and petrolheads had quite a bit of support. We headed off on a bayside walk which rose and dropped a few times into people-less but far from empty bays; all were green, banked with trees and rocks. We stumbled into a vineyard restaurant at the top of a hill and did a bit of tasting, but refused purchase of the wine, 'twas a bit pricey. The place was a bit snooty to be honest, quite surprising for NZ. After more cliff walks, we completed our walk and headed back for a barbie. This time we had salmon, deep sea of course, and it was delicious.
That evening we were invited up to a multi-million dollar mansion with private beach, jetty, separate gym and art studio and a mere 8 bedrooms. It was through a friend of a friend of Mat's and although hesitant at first, we decided we don't get that many options to check out a big pad so headed up. Boy it was big, looked like a colonial-style white wood mansion. The hosts were a young couple, the girl's family owned the place, but as we're not experienced in such situations we were a little uncomfortable. However it was a good laugh and a nice comfy bed for the evening. En-suite! Dubious highlight of the evening was being driven about the estate by the extremely intoxicated male host, although on a six wheel caterpillar truck. I'm so glad I'm not 20 anymore.
Sunday 8th April
After a quick tour of the vineyard (yes, they have one, and it produces 2500 litres yearly) we headed off and had Easter lunch back at our pad. A brief swim and run later and it was time for a evening meal at the local restaurant. It was bloody good food, the calamari in particular was excellent. However the highlight was 'La Boracha' (Spanish for alcoholic), the drunk owner (we assume - the staff couldn't possibly put up with it otherwise) providing almost caberet style entertainment. We asked her to take a photograph of us, and 3 failed attempts later gave up. As we left she was singing along at the top of her voice to the acoustic guitarist playing in the corner - not classy, but funny.
Monday 9th April
Another walk today, looking back over the Coromandel penisular, and did some swimming and running. The water is a good temperature, cold at first but when you get swimming keeps you cool. The bay we're at has a few boats, so we've been looping around them, trying to avoid any blue water... The weather has been spectacular, sunny and warm, bathing the island in yellow sunshine. Today was our last day on the island, and in summary it's been great.
Tuesday 10th April
Got the ferry back then wandered up to Auckland to replace our lost guidebook (curse those airplane cleaners) and have a wee look about. Not much to say about Auckland, seems a pleasant enough city but nothing too remarkable. One thing that is really cool is the bungee jumping available off the Sky Tower, an extremely tall building in the centre of the city - we saw a lassie do it and the screams were a testament to her enjoyment. That night we stayed with Mat's folks again, they've been really hospitable, like everyone in NZ - it just isn't a hassle for them and the warmth and hospitality is great.
