Auckland

A view of Auckland from the ferry
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After a 24 hour journey from Singapore to Auckland, we finally arrived in New Zealand on January 2nd with no problems although we were quite tired...

We had two full days in Auckland which was plenty as we spent the first day checking out the first tier suburbs such as Ponsonby, Parnell and Newmarket which meant more shopping. If we don’t get out and get some physical activity, I think Scott is going to go insane. Finally, on the second day we decided to check out Waiheke Island which is only a 35-45 minute ferry ride from downtown. The island is very laidback and quiet but has some very good wineries, so we hit two wineries and the one brewery and then had a great lunch overlooking the bay. Highly recommend the Te Motu winery. Great reds.

Are we house sitters or is this a B&B???

Nothing like a view while eating some nibbles for lunch on Waiheke
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We were also able to meet for a cocktail with one of the friends we made on our Lao trip. Leslie is from Toronto and is spending some time in New Zealand and Australia before she heads home. We might cross paths with her again once we get to Tasmania.

The most entertaining portion of our stay was at our B&B. Usually at B&B’s the hosts are very accommodating and make the stay for you. In this case, neither of our hosts greeted us, but left us a note and the key at the door and told us to make ourselves at home. No big deal really, but then at breakfast the next morning, he informs us that he’s going diving for the weekend so we’ll be on our own for the next two mornings. The other host was nowhere to be found. Very odd indeed. Although it was no big deal, I’m sure some folks would find this to be a problem as this is why you stay at a B&B in the first place and not a hotel. The house itself was lovely, but wouldn’t stay again. Moana Vista is the place.

Beautiful stroll up to Te Motu winery
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Tidbit of the day:

The Maori people were the original people that made New Zealand home as they migrated from Polynesia.  The named it Aotearoa or "Land of the Long White Cloud" as that is what they saw when they discovered it.