My Auckland Home (Ponsonby)

My lovely Airbnb in Ponsonby. Hosts Peter and Judy are fantastic.The houses in this area are adorable. Wooden with little front porches you can sit on. Lots of cafes, restaurants and shops on the mainLes mer
Mission Bay, Auckland

A 20 mins drive from Auckland on a road that takes you all along the coast. For the best views of Auckland stop at the car park of the Sea Life Aquarium in Orakei and then drive on to Mission Bay. AllLes mer
One Tree Hill, Auckland

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill is a 182-metre (597 ft) volcanic peak in Auckland. It is an important memorial place for both Māori and other New Zealanders.The summit provides views across theLes mer
Going North (Auckland to Paihia)

So this is it. My first proper road trip. It will take me up North to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. It's an approximately 250km drive which should take about 3.5 hours. Knowing me and how often I stopLes mer
On my way North (Hatfields Beach)

Windswept and wild beach. Only came past because I avoided the toll road. Looked through the trees and there it was. It's amazing that these beaches are just dotted around the coastline. One moreLes mer
On my way North (Waiwera Beach)

This one is a little gem! A little beach with lots of atmosphere. Completely deserted apart from a lovely local lady and her dog Harley who told me all about the area and the beach itself. 🐕😊🌊
On my way North (Waipu)

The landscapes are changing from beaches to green mountains with sheep and cattle to lush rainforests to beaches again.
Coming over one steep hill, I saw the majestic Whangarei Heads in theLes mer
On my way North (Tamaterau)

Stopped here for a little break after driving for about 3 hours. 😊
Paihia, New Zealand

The 1st stop of my road trip and my home for the next 2 days. After arriving at the hostel 'Cap'n Bobs' (http://www.capnbobs.co.nz/) and checking into my room, I made my way to the Waitangi TreatyLes mer
Day trip (Motuarohia Island)

It is safe to say that today I am feeling like the luckiest little German on the planet and I think I found paradise 😊.
I had an incredible day exploring the Bay of Islands with the crew fromLes mer
Sunrise (Paihia, New Zealand)

I got up early today to see the sunrise. It was quite something to see the new day being born in such a beautiful setting. 😊
Paihia to Warkworth (Tane Mahuta)

I was lucky enough to arrive when nearly nobody else was here and had the chance to sit with this magnificent Kauri tree for a while and enjoy its presence. It was quite humbling and I left feelingLes mer
Paihia to Warkworth (Snells Beach)

My home for the night and 5 mins walk from the beach. Went for a swim for the first time and it was like sitting in a bathtub, so warm was the water. I just sat in the water and enjoyed the views. 🌊
Tawharanui Peninsula

Took a drive just before sunset to enjoy the deserted beaches of the park. Gravelly, unpaved, windy roads make for adventurous driving. Loved being the only one on the beach. 😊
Sunset (Snells Beach)

Managed to see the sunset on my way home from the Regional Park. I don't have the words or a good enough camera to describe all the beautiful colours that were on display. 🌅
Paihia to Warkworth (Opononi)

This is a place where you can go sand boarding, bouldering etc. It was a bit weird to drive around in lush greenery and to suddenly see sand dunes.
Paihia to Warkworth (Omapere)

I stumbled across this little walk by accident. There were signs saying there is a 'scenic lookout' so I thought I'd have a look. There is the Waimamaku Coastal Track and the Signal Station Track,Les mer
Warkworth to Hahei (Tairoua)

The drive down to Hahei went relatively quick (around 3 hours). I guess it helps that a lot of the route was on State Highway 😊.
Only stopped once to sit down by the beach in Tairoua. As you canLes mer
Hahei

My home for the day and I'm staying at the lovely Tatahi Lodge (www.tatahilodge.co.nz). The hostel is 5 - 10 mins away from Hahei beach from where you can reach Cathedral Cove (by kayak, by foot or byLes mer
Cathedral Cove

You can reach Cathedral Cove by kayak, by foot or by water taxi. I walked there and took the taxi back. The walk is about 1 hour long and you need good footwear. Having said that I saw a lot of peopleLes mer
Hot Water Beach

Early morning walk on Hot Water Beach. Nearly deserted apart from dog walkers, surfers and people with shovels who are keen to dig their own personal hot water hole.
It is amazing, you walk down theLes mer
Whangamata

A quick stop to stretch my legs at Whangamata beach. Lots of SUPs around. Surf seems to be great. Also picked up two German hitchhikers who kept me company from just after Hahei to Mount Maunganui.Les mer
Mount Maunganui

My home for the night in a lovely Airbnb close to the beach. Went for a walk and collected lots of beautiful shells as presents for people at home. 🌊 Spending the afternoon with my wonderful friendLes mer
Rotorua

I'm in Rotorua for the next 2 nights in a lively hostel called Funky Green Voyager (http://funkygreenvoyager.co.nz/). The drive from Mount Maunganui only took an hour so I had enough time to exploreLes mer
Whakarawerawera

Whakarewarewa (reduced version of Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao, meaning The gathering place for the war parties of Wahiao, often abbreviated to Whaka by locals) is a geothermal areaLes mer
Elaine Webb
:)