In New Zealand, the rain often brings rainbows and a brilliant blue sky filled with puffy white clouds. I didn’t mind the rain in New Zealand although the temperatures did start dropping as the days moved closer to winter.
I enjoyed my time on the North Island. I flew from Christchruch, on the South Island, to Auckland. My friend, Nicky, whom I met in Takaka at the yoga retreat, picked me up and took me to her home in Titirangi. Titirangi is on the west side of Auckland and in the Waitakere Ranges and close to forests and beautiful beaches.
Titirangi was my home base as I explored north of Auckland. I spent a couple of days on Waiheke Island which is a 40-minutes ferry ride from Auckland and a wonderful place to have some adventures and relax. I enjoyed the local vineyards, walks and an ocean excursion aboard a “SeaLegs” boat. One of the highlights was a pod of dolphins that followed us for quite some time. There must have been about forty dolphins and it was amazing to watch them play, jump and frolic in the water.
After Waiheke Island I headed to the Bay of Island and stayed in Paihia. It is situated on the east coast and the sunsets were spectacular. I did a costal walk from Paihia to Russell, which is an island off of Paihia. The walk was about 12 miles and consisted of two short ferry rides to eventually get me back to Paihia. Another day I took a bus tour to Cape Reinga which ventured into the Northlands and to the tip of the north island where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea merge.
Often you can see a distinct line where the these two bodies of water meet but on the day I was there it was too windy to distinguish between them. I wasn’t disappointed by the views…they were stunning. We also did some sand boarding which involved hiking up sand dunes and riding down at fast speeds on boogie boards. What a blast! We drove along 90-miles beach right on the hard-packed sand and I was amazed that our big bus didn’t sink….happily!
I loved Waiheke Island so much, I decided to head back for another short visit. I spent another couple of beautiful days on Onetangi Beach in a wonderful Airbnb with the most amazing views. No dolphin sightings this time but I was non-the-less disappointed.
My grand finale was attending a 3-day Vipassana course in Kaukapakapa, about an hour north of Auckland. While a silent meditation retreat is never easy, it was a good re-boot for me and I felt rested and ready to go…….here I come Australia!
Hi Lovie! Love all the photos and your beautiful stories of all the places you have visited. We need to have a phone call soon. Think of you often and miss you so much. Hope your days continue to be filled with adventure, joy and much happiness. Love always, Debra
Thank you for sharing your adventure with me. I know Valerie ( our messenger of kindness, love and compassion) has been with you in spirit. Stay safe!
Amazing photos as always!!! I think you’re going to be doing perfect handstands when you’re 100!! Your photos are amazing and you are even more amazing! Safe travels.
Love, Alice
Thank you Alice. You have always been an inspiration to me ever since Sylmar High physical education classes! I do hope I’m doing many things when I’m 100 🙂
Breathtaking pictures, Antoinette! Safe travels to you.
Thank you Ed. It has been breathtaking to say the least! Thanks for staying in touch!
So happy and proud of you, my gypsy friend! Stay sage and enjoy.
It all sounds fantastic Antoinette. Good for you, make the most of it and keep safe,
Love from Jenny x