New Zealand See You Again

New Zealand.

Rugby World Cup Final and a visit to friends olive grove, before we fly out to Sydney.
It is great being in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup, right result for the final, fantastic atmosphere, New Zealand really put on a great show and the people of this fine land supported it all the way to the final.
I only hope hope the World cup in England 2015 is supported in the same way and the people of the UK make all visitors welcome.

Monday 24th October travelling north or Northland to Whangarei, we will be spending a couple of days with Bidget and Dave, in their new home and olive grove, arrived mid afternoon the drive up to Whangarei Heads very scenic looking out over the bay, the directions up to the house took us along side the harbour, passed the Parua bay Tavern along a windy road, we then turned off on to an unsealed road with instructions to look for the house on the hill with a red roof and a big front verandah, and sure enough we found it. The drive way is very steep, as Bridget says " if you have made it over the southern alps passes you will manage."

Made it up the drive way to be met by Bridget, Dave and the dogs Tessa & Tui, 2 adorable labradors.
We spent a great couple of days getting to know all about olives and olive oil. We also had our very first sea fishing experience out in the Bay in their boat, it was great also to see the bay from the water.
It will be nice to visit for the olive picking season which is around April May, we will also be able to see the olive pressing process as well.

Olive Trees


 We were on are way to Bay of Islands and a town called Russel. We stopped at a coffee shop come art gallery, with a view to die for, then the drive to Russel took us along the cost and some breath taking views of the bay. 1 night in Russel we were unable to plan in a  boat trip to the islands, may be next time.

Russel

Onwards and upwards, towards the cape approx 3 hours if you use the ferry, but if you followed the GPS (satnav) 4.5 hours taking you 68k away from the actual direction you really want to go, safely across the river and on are way to Cape Reinga remember a full tank of fuel is a necessary as there are not any fuel stops for the full length of the 90 mile beach.

"Cape Reinga"

 A very spiritual place to be, I'll leave it to you to find out why you will need to make the trip for yourselves.

                                                                                                                             Two Seas


We are coming to the end of our trip to New Zealand, having arrived in Auckland spent a week here, then 2 months in a camper van, travelled down to the south island as far as Millford Sound then a far north as Cape Reinga, we will still need to come back.


If you are planning your travels to New Zealand remember the following.

• Talk to friends who have been or friends that live in New Zealand.
• Although small it takes time to travel from one place to another.
• You cannot take in all that's on offer in 2 weeks.
• Give yourself time in each region take an extra day slow down you can also plan to come back.
• Talk to the local people they are so friendly and helpful.
• Use your feet and walk you will be amazed at what you will see.
• Keep an open mind and a flexible plan be prepared to change your arrangements, remember do not add extra tours unless you also add time.
• Take photos, keep a journal.