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.Baca lagi

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.Baca lagi