Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012

Wednesday 8th February

Cape Reinga to Hamilton

Camped at Waitiki Landing, near Reinga Point, the most northerly settlement location of mainland New Zealand. Camp site had power hook-up, but had to pay a further $1 for a cold shower. Site very run down. Early start (8am) south so didn't have time to complain about shower. Shame, I can hear the aaahhhhs from here.

Waitiki Landing Camp Site, near Cape Reinga

Long steady drive south down the finger of North Island, in direction of Auckland, towards south end of '90 mile Beach', at Ahipapa, by Wairoa Stream. First attempt to take photos meant a long walk in wet grass, but short drive to second site gave great photos in good weather. Two piglets spotted amongst the flowers.

Piglets and Flowers in Ahipara, South End of
Ninety Mile Beach

South End of Ninety Mile Beach from Ahipara

Tauroa Peninsular, South End of Ninety Mile Beach

Drove on through Kawakawa again and imagined the steam train chugging down the centre of Commercial Street. Soon after Whangurei, we past the Uretiti Beach Camping Area again, where we stopped the night before last. Enjoyed seeing the Bream Point Mountains once more as we drove over the Brynderwyn Mountains. Didn't return along State Highway 1 Toll road, but drove through Orewa instead.

Commercial Street Toilets, Kawakawa

Bream Head Mountains from Brynderwyn Mountains

Stopped at view point at north end of Orewa Beach and looked towards Whangaparpada Peninsula and in distance, Coromandel Peninsula. After Orewa returned to State Highway 1 towards Auckland before turning off on State Highway 16 towards Piha. Passed a motorway fence painted in bright orange, just before being overtaken by a gold car with registration of 'GOLF IN'. Watched the car, with golf clubs on the back seat, pull into the entrance to a golf course, there's a surprise.

Waiwera and Waiwera River Mouth

Orange Wall, Highway 18

Car, 'Golfin' near Henderson

As we were leaving Auckland towards Piha, we passed several typical power poles covered with wires and connections. Common in New Zealand. Very twisty road into Piha, but views over Lion Rock are spectacular, not to be missed. Steep descent into Piha to beach with black sand due to the sand containing a large amount of iron. I saw the steps up Lion Rock, but unfortunately no time, so I enjoyed a milk shake instead. Rocks at the base of Lion Rock looks like a hand with a pointed first finger.

Power Pole near Henderson

Beach & Lion Rock, Piha

Piha Beach

Lion Rock, Piha

Pointing Finger, Lion Rock, Piha Beach

Drove through Auckland to 'One Tree Hill', for photos of the views over Auckland. The only tree on the summit was chopped down by a Mouri activist, so it was replaced by a very large stone needle monument at the same location, on the pinnacle of the hill. Continued through 'Newmarket' and 'Khyber Pass' to Mount Eden for more photos and closer views of Sky Tower in the City Centre. Interesting to see a volcano from the rim, even if it is no longer active. Asked lady to take a photo of me, she once lived in Liverpool, but has returned to New Zealand after living in Australia for a while. Chris contacted his old friend, John, so we called round for a beer. Lovely house near the centre of Auckland with good views over the city. After a long natter we continued south towards Hamilton, and stopped in a picnic area off the State Highway 1.

Traffic Island near Glen Eden, Auckland

City Centre from One Tree Hill, Auckland

Rangitoto Island from One Tree Hill, Auckland

Derek on One Tree Hill, Auckland

Chris contacted his old friend, John, so we called round for a beer. Lovely house near the centre of Auckland with good views over the city. After a long natter we continued south towards Hamilton, and stopped in a picnic area off the State Highway 1.