New Zealand - North Island

Over the next few days we hope to update the blog with our New Zealand activities. This will be in several instalments of which this is the first.

North Island Trip

Once we were safely moored in Whangarei we started our next round of boat projects. This included being lifted out of the water and having the hull bottom 'copper coated'. This is a hard anti-foul which is supposed to last 10 years. In theory we should not need to spend time out of the water other than to grease the prop and change anodes. The downside was that we were out of the water for longer as the application is fairly slow compared to the usual anti-foul paints. While this was being done we installed a new galley sink and did a number of other repairs.

After a few days back in the water we left the boat and went on our first trip by car. We had purchased a car as this was much cheaper than a long term rental. Our first stop was Auckland to catch up with friends Cameron and Catherine and then on to Hamilton where we stayed with another friend, Brenna. We had a lovely visit to the Hamilton gardens which have individual gardens for different countries. After an overnight stop on the way south and a visit to Huka falls near Taupo, we arrived in Wellington to stay with Steve and Jackie. We had a few days looking around Wellington. It had changed a lot since I (Karen) was there 22 years ago and the waterfront was unrecognisable. Jackie came with us for a visit to Zealandia. This is an area which has been surrounded by a predator proof fence and native species of birds introduced. We saw lots of different species and most were very unafraid of humans which probably explains why they need protection from animals such as cats and rats.

After Wellington we headed to the east coast and to the art deco town of Napier. It was the art deco festival while we were there and we had a great time. The whole town was dressed up in period costume, even the local children and there were hundreds of vintage cars, motorcycles and bikes. There were lots of events including 3 air displays, a parade, concerts and a big picnic. This was not a usual picnic! People had gazebos with carpets, sofas, table and chairs and the best china! We felt very under dressed in our casual clothes and picnic blanket!

On the way back to Whangarei we stayed in Rotorua. We visited a thermal area but as there had been very little rain it was very dry. Our motel overlooked another thermal area and from our balcony we could watch a geyser exploding into the air and listen to bubbling mud. After a walk around the blue and green lakes the next morning, we headed back to the boat.