Disc Golf

After lunch 5 of us hired some discs for disc golf to play the 18 hole free course in Queenstown Gardens. After being 4 shots clear through the front 9 I absolutely capitulated on the back 9, fishingLeer más
Queenstown Gondola

No rest for the wicked as we headed up the Queenstown Gondola! This was a mission with a purpose as we bought a combined ticket for the gondola and 6 goes on the luge (more on this in the next post).
Luge

At the top of the gondola is a whole host of activities including a gravity powered luge/go kart track. You're transported from the bottom of the track up to the top each time by a ski lift. This wasLeer más
Final Night in Queenstown

For my final night in Queenstown I finished off my bottle of wine from the night before with dinner! We then headed to play some pool and were delighted to find Margaritas being the special offer forLeer más
Leaving Queenstown

It's been a very wet morning, the first one in a long time, but thankfully I've spent it in the airport departure lounge. Its starting to clear up a bit now but regardless I'm heading to sunnyLeer más
Auckland Coast to Coast - Start Point

After landing in Auckland a little late I took the 40 minute bus to my hostel in the heart of the city. After checking in I then got back on the bus and headed back towards the airport (but not asLeer más
Jellicoe Park

The walk doesn't follow the most direct route but instead includes a number of slight detours to take the most scenic route including the likes of Jellicoe Park here!
One Tree Hill

Next up on the hike was a winding ascent up to the monument atop of One Tree Hill. Panoramic views around the city including out to the coast and the city centre!
Cornwall Park

Cornwall Park proved to be the longest stint on the walk. However as I progressed through the park it started to rain an unfavourable amount with the forecast indicating this would likely remain forLeer más
An Enthralling Morning!

I had a few jobs to do that I'd been putting of for a while till I reached the capital city where I knew resources would be aplenty! It was also on and off rain all morning so there's wasn't loadsLeer más
Auckland Free Walking Tour

This afternoon I'd booked myself onto a free walking tour. Despite the big crowd I was the only Brit in the group!
It was super interesting to learn more about the history of the city and many of theLeer más
Auckland Free Walking Tour Pt.2

The tour lasted over 2.5 hours in total so it offered great value for money for the $10NZD I gave to the guide (and definitely better value than my morning).
Mt. Eden

This morning I decided I would sort of carry on the coast to coast walk so took the bus to the next stop on the walk which was Mt Eden! Mt Eden is a dormant volcano with a very visible crater,Leer más
Auckland Domain

Next up was the Auckland Domain, said to be the 'heart of the city' as many mass gatherings have taken place here over the years from concerts to protests, with set up for some sort of even takingLeer más
Auckland War Memorial Museum

The final stop within Auckland Domain was the war memorial museum. Although I didn't pay to see the exhibitions I took the time to stop and marvel at the great architecture!
Auckland Art Gallery

My final stop of the morning was the art gallery. Free entry! Whilst some of the paintings and art were very impressive, it's fair to say that, as ever, some of the 'art' was absolute 🐎💩.
Arataki Visitors Centre

From the art gallery, I was picked up by Raani, a local to Auckland friend I'd made at the New Zealand Scout Jamboree. Despite being only 24 years old, she is the New Zealand Scouts NationalLeer más
Piha Beach

We then headed to Piha Beach for some boogie boarding! The waves were merciless as we often found ourselves getting tossed around uncontrollably despite our best efforts and Raani's experience. ILeer más
Mission Bay

We then went for a drive along the coast, stopping off at a former war memorial gunsite along the way. We then enjoyed a takeaway burger and chips on the beach in Mission Bay before we said ourLeer más
Rangitoto Island

Today I took the ferry across to Rangitoto Island. The island was formed of volcanic rock that had erupted from the crater in the centre of the island. It is uninhabited by humans and has very fewLeer más
Rangitoto Lighthouse

Out on the west coast of the island is Rangitoto Lighthouse with a beach to enjoy the views back across to the city suburbs! After stopping for lunch here I continued my ascent.
Rangitoto Crater and Summit

In the first two images you can see the volcano crater, which is now covered in vegetation. Just beyond this point is the summit which was also used as a former war gunpoint.
Lava Caves

Close to the summit are a series of naturally formed lava caves. There is one cave in particular that you can walk all of the way through (with a good torch)!
Descending and Leaving Rangitoto Island

The descent from the summit offered a strong representation of the islands volcanic beginnings. I eventually descended down back to the beautiful blue water to board the ferry back to the city.
Viaduct Harbour & Happy Hours

After making it back to the city I wasn't ready to call it a day just yet whilst the sun was still going strong! I therefore took a stroll through Viaduct Harbour and took advantage of a couple ofLeer más