Awkward Auckland and the Day trips-a-plenty

It’s been a week, and we’ve seen everything Auckland has to offer. Everything. The port, and overpriced port-side food, the trendy neighbourhoods and the mostly closed shops (though it was the holidays), and the construction-filled hilly streets. Needless to say, we’ve adjusted to the Timezone and have started our post-auckland experiences.

Waiheke Island (a 40 minute ferry from Auckland) was amazing. Like Toronto island x10. Beauty across the bay. We opted for the bus and used it for an awesome wine tour. Wild on Waiheke was the definite winner, with a great NZ pale ale (we’ll be going back to grab some for the road – don’t tell Miranda), and adult-sized connect 4 (which I’ll attempt to construct for our backyard when we’re back). Casita Mira was a close second which had awesome food with a view! But the server didn’t understand that there are different kinds of beer, so I opted for tapas and water (I foolishly asked about the 1 beer they had on tap – it wasn’t a delicious IPA, but obviously a lager). The noteworthy worst of the island was Obsidian. The server was rude and gave us one sample from our flight before disappearing for 35 minutes to give sample after sample to the tour bus that rolled in 20 mins after we arrived. We walked out without paying (quite the “start the car” moment) but felt justified in doing so because he wasted our time, and time is money. If he wants to come after us for the $2, he now knows where to find us.

After Waiheke, and more closed shops (some places are closed for a month over the holidays!) we opted to pick up a car and start our road trip 2 days early! On driving on the left, generally I’m pretty good. There has been a couple drifts into the left lane lines and near misses of overgrown bushes and one small curb jump on day 1, but no collisions or bumps. That being said it’s still really weird, and I still have to think about where, as the driver, I should be every time I turn. I always need to be on the inside of traffic. Left turn, you end up in the left-most lane (the closest lane). Right turn, you end up in the left-most lane (the furthest lane). I also struggle with the turn signal, which is on the right, and the windshield wiper, which is on the left. It pains me every time I get it wrong. Everything is in the wrong place, the middle mirror (on the left), the gear shift (also to the left), the window controls (on the right). At the very least, the gas and break are in the normal spots, but in totality driving on the left hurts my brain.

Anyways, day trip #2: Waitakere Ranges. This area is the most amazing and easily-accessed thing close to Auckland. A 40 minute drive and you’re in spectacular forest, wonderful waterfalls, speechless views, epic beaches and incredible nature. Words can’t do it justice, perhaps photos can start to…

Related, after visiting the Gannet colony and experiencing the nature channel up close and personal, Miranda seemed to have temporarily conquered her fear of birds. The Gannet colony was simply and truly, life, nature, and beauty. Alas, much like bird migration, her irrational fear has returned, and with it, my renewed drive to help her face (and overcome?) her fear, or die trying! #lifegoals #teachingmoment

Day trip #3: The Coromandel. I’d heard and read that this is the busiest place in NZ, and we’re here in the busiest time of year (summer break), but wow. To make a long story short, we tried, and failed, to avoid the crowd, then opted to skip over anything remotely touristy (no Cathedral Cove, no Hot Water Beach). Instead, we opted for a hair raising drive through the mountains followed by relaxed seaside food and drink, followed by more mountainous driving! Combine crazy curves, 1.5 lane roads around blind corners, no set speed limit, 1-way bridges, pass anywhere you like and dirt roads, and that’s what passes for mountain roads here. I can only imagine what it’s like for the brave soul next to me. After 2 days of driving I am starting to develop driving calluses from all the white knuckling. That being said, it’s also super fun, partially for the driving itself, and partially for the sounds coming from the passenger seat 😀 Here are a few snaps…