Arrival in Auckland

I arrived at Auckland airport on 5th December, which also happened to be my beautiful nieces 21st birthday.  Happy birthday Fay sweetheart, how did you get to be sooo grown up? I was met my my couch surf hosty Noel and his long term surfer Luisa. Luisa and her boyfriend Julius rent a room from Noel, they are in their early twenties, German, just finished school and doing shite jobs to save money for travelations. Also living at Noel's place is Charmaine, a twenty year old kiwi with a heart of gold and an infectious laugh.

Friday I caught the bus into Auckland to wander the streets, visit the touristo office and plan my next few days. My first impressions of Auckland weren't overly positive, it seems a bit run down and the buildings are ugly. Still I guess I have been spoilt by the amazing cities I have already visited, I am in NZ to explore it's natural beauty.

In the evening Noel took me to One Tree Hill. Auckland is built on a volcanic field and OTH is one of many cone shaped volcanoes offering impressive views over the city.

There is a monument at the summit which was commissioned by Sir Logan Campbell (who?) as a mark of respect to the Maori people and all they have achieved. I hadn't realised until Noel told me that the Maoris signed a treaty with the British, the land wasn't taken by force. As a consequence their history is a lot less bloody than that of other colonies.

We also went to the area of the city where the rich folk live but I can't remember the name. I took these nightscapes there.

The following day Noel, crazy dog Rigsby and I went for trampingtons in the Waitekere Ranges which are not far from his house (Noel's not the dog's). It was raining dogs and cats so I decided to leave my camera at home so no pictures I'm afraid. It was very beautiful and Noel's special place. Although it was misty there were still some views over the wetlands and coastline. The forest was stunning, I love the smell of foliage in the rainfall and the indigenous trees are very alien compared to the ones back in blighty. Apparently the kauri tree can live to over 2000 years old! That means if Jesus had been crucified by Maoris, the tree he was nailed to could still be thriving today, now that would be a prime pilgrimage site. I will get some photos of kauris to include in future bloggingtons later on in my NZ adventure. 

In the evening we had a pizza party (Julius was in charge, he makes great pizza) and many of Noel's family and friends came over. They were a friendly bunch, I particularly enjoyed talking to Noel's brother Ken and his son's girlfriend Sarah. Ken basically told me that my outlook and philosophy are products of my charmed life; maybe he is right but I also like to think my decisions and choices have played their part. One thing he did make me realise is that I totally take my health and youth for granted (42 is not old!) I'm gonna start appreciating them more from now on.

After everybody had left Noel and Luisa had a screaming argument which made me very uncomfortable indeedy. Julius and I sloped off and drank beeros outside and had a really nice chat. He is so grounded, mature and confident at such a young age. I was a complete dick when I was in my early twenties; I still am sometimes ha ha.

Sunday was a day for chillaxing. We cleaned up after the party and I went to buy a tent which will be my house when Kirstypops has gone. The sales are on so I got it half price, hurrah for me! We all watched a video called 'searching for Sugarman', it was a documentary about an American musician called Rodriguez. It was fascinating and the music fantastic, I can highly recommend it. I cooked a roast dinner and it was early to beddingtons for everybody.

Yesterday I caught the ferry to Waiheke Island, it is only 30 minutes from the mainland and is famed for its beaches and wineries. I spent a happy, solitary day walking the trails, exploring the villages and reading bookingtons on the beach. I've nearly finished 'Cloud Atlas' a book recommended by Hardy all that time ago in Vietnam; I've really enjoyed it so I should let him know.

Photo of vineyards...

Yet another coastal view.

I really liked these crazy flowers.

The beach, I wondered what the yellow speck was so zoomed in....

I think she has great character, would you agree?

More beach shots...

And views from the ferry on my return journey to the mainland.

Today Noel dropped me off at the hotel where I will be staying with Maureen aka Machatarn and lovely, lovely Kirsypops, YIPPEE. I must say Noel was decidedly frosty, maybe he hoped something might happen between us? He did mention the young ones were speculating about it before my arrival because I am older than the average bear and therefore the average couch surfer. Still it was never on the agenda, I hope he doesn't write me a negative CS reference for being a pricktease as I certainly gave no encouragement in that department!

Currently I am sitting in the art gallery awaiting my free guided tour and then tonight the girls hit the town, although I think KP will be fooking shaggerooed after her epic journey. I will compose bloggages about both at a later date although decent internet access is again as rare as rocking horse shite here in NZ so bloggingtons could be sporadic. Must dash, my tour is about to leave. Much love and over and out xxxx