We're on our way... Choice Bro!
Trip Start
Sep 01, 2012
1
2
35
Trip End
Oct 05, 2012
Where I stayed
Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Sunday, September 2, 2012
After our overnight flight I was met by a smiling immigration official who told me "welcome back". Australia really is part of NZ, they think I'm a citizen. hahaha
Picked up our hire car and headed into Parnell for some breakfast. Not much open as still really early but we finally found a place and were able to refuel and perk ourselves up a bit. Jeff had a scary blender drink that looked like green algae to me... but he said it was good.
Next up, up, up the Domain for a great view over Auckland and then on the road to Piha to show Charlene those black sand beaches that fascinate her so. Charlene & Jeff had a giggle fit over "Titiranga", "route" and "Khyber Pass". Also anal bleaching wtf?? Meanwhile I just sat there shaking my head at them in the back. Kids are meant to be in the back of the car, not the adult! - lol. :)
Piha beach was lots of fun and Charlene was in raptures over the black sand. It really sparkles in the sunlight - must be a vampire beach! Time for more food so we had lunch by the beach, and then the most exciting thing... a jelly tip icecream! Haven't seen those in years in Perth. Charlene and I were very excited.
Next off down more twisty and windy roads to Karekare beach where some scenes from "The Piano" were filmed. What a desolate but awe inspiring stretch of sand! After a bit of a misdirection (ahem Jeff..) we found Kitekite waterfall (and the sign post to same right next to where we came out from Karekare beach... ) and took some more photos.
Still some light around so we also drove further up the coast and made a brief stop at Bethells beach before the rain rolled in. Back to Parnell for showers and then up to the village for a yummy Thai dinner - thanks Charlene!
Felt re-energised after some food so we were off up the skytower to dare ourselves to stand on the freaky glass panels and ooooh and ahhhhh over the night view over Auckland. Such a pretty city.
Made an attempt to visit Neil Finn's bar Tabac for a nightcap but damn it, was closed.
Finally ran out of beans and back to the bat cave for some much needed zzzzzz
Comments
Finally getting around to blogging and hence, reading your blog. Great pictures, awesome memories and the hand pictures still crack me up :D
You were so funny with the black sand! Good memories :)