New Zealand

Woke up feeling refreshed  and excited for our first proper day in New Zealand. Made breakfast in the hostel and sat outside on the balcony. We then wondered to viaduct basin a harbour near where we are staying. Next we got a ferry over to Devonport, a beautiful bayside village. We then walked up a volcano called Maungauika and explored the military tunnels. Breathtaking views overlooking Auckland and Mount Victoria.

We then went to Cheltenham beach to relax and went for a swim. The sea was surprising warm! On the way back to the ferry we saw a dog on her own. We managed to catch her in the end and asked a local to try and call the number on her collar. Unfortunately no one answered. The woman put it on the local Facebook page and called the lost and found number. We looked after her on the beach for a little while then the lady we met took over. We then had fish and chips overlooking the sea and Auckland . We have just arrived to our hostel and had a message from the lady we were with to say Tilly had been reunited with her owner and they were very greatful that we took care of her. We are both tired after a long day so relaxing in the hostel this evening.Leia mais

Today we met Ashleigh's dads friend Leanne who lives in New Zealand. She picked us up and we went over to Piha on the West coast. It was a beautiful drive up high windy roads, stunning views from the top. We had brunch at Piha cafe then stolled down to the beach. Piha beach is a black sand beach and is popular with surfers . Lion rock which you can see in the pictures is a natural formation dividing North and South Piha beaches. It is an eroded 16-million-year-old, volcanic neck named for its similarity to a lying male lion when viewed from the rear (shore side).

After a walk on the beach we headed to kitkite waterfalls. We walked a long a wooden trail surrounded by rainforest. When approaching the view of the waterfall it was spectacular and so beautiful. We climbed down a rocky path and went for a swim under the waterfall. It was actually very cold, but we soon dried off in the sun. We then had a long hilly climb to the top of the waterfall. There were a few rockpools which we jumped in. The view from the top was stunning you could see for miles. I could of stayed there all day! After that we headed to elevation cafe piha for a cold beer with a view. We headed back to our hostel then for the evening.Leia mais

Today we got up bright and early to go on a kayak trip. We arrived at the canoe and Kayak Taupo shop. We got a bus to the lake and kayaked over to the ancient Māori carvings. We had a two person kayak with a rudder which made it easier to stear. The guide told us the Lake is a super volcano. It erupted 26,000 years ago. The ash cloud caused dark days as far as Rome. The volcano lake is as big as Singapore. When it erupted the crater filled with water known as a caldera.

The Māori carvings in the rock were an impressive 14 metres high. While the carvings look like they have been in place for centuries they were in fact carved in the 70s by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell. These carvings depict tupuna (ancestors) and kaitiaki (guardians) that are pivotal to the history of the local Maori tribe.

We then paddled over to the beach for a coffee and biscuits. The sun came out just in time for a swim in the clear lake. We got back for lunch. In the evening we went to the world famous Tuesday night quiz at Mulligans!! with a few people we met in the hostel. We came 2nd which was not bad!Leia mais

We saw the hostel we are staying at, Haka Lodge are hiring for housekeeping and reception work. We spoke to the manager this morning and he's offered us both housekeeping and reception work. Easiest interview I've been to. Paperwork filled out and we start tomorrow. I am starting at 7 tomorrow morning doing housekeeping training and Ashleigh starts at 8 doing reception training.

We thought we would have a more chilled afternoon. Did a food shop then went for a walk down the harbour and went to hide in a coffee shop as its been raining here today. We are going to have a relaxing evening in before an early start tomorow.Leia mais