Walking in the Waitakere Ranges

On a splendid late autumn 20c day we took ourselves off for a long tramp through the glorious
'Waitaks'

Lookout over Mercer Bay, only accessible by the sea.

In case we were in any doubt...

The rugged west coast and Tasman sea meet

Inspired by the spectacular landscape Jo got creative and made some beach art

We had our picnic on the sand dunes at KareKare, this contends with Whitley Bay as Jo's most favourite beach in the whole world!

We bumped into this Māori chap from the Te Kawerau a Maki tribe by the beach...nice arse!

Local Sights

Our local Marina on the way to the beach.

Flowering cactus on cliff edge.

Joanne amongst a volcanic rocky patch along Milford beach.

Mike and the sparrows getting a double scoop ice cream treat at Takapuna beach.

Chess championships live

Wednesday night live chess action, as it happens from Michael and Nicholas!

With Craig at Daikoku

Last night we met up with Craig, a friend from our last visit to New Zealand. Michael first encounterd him while working in a warehouse, where they lugged around aluminium and discussed literature.

He now lives in Wanganui working for the Dept. of Corrections and we took the opportunity to catch up over some delicious Japanese cuisine whilst he was in Auckland.

Okura Scenic Reserve

What started out as a Sunday morning stroll turned into a 5 Hr tramp through the Okura bush and beaches!

ferntastic!...

giving some big trees in the forest a little love...

After about 2 hrs tramping through the bush we find water and a dead tree.Michael has taken to informing me on all things Geological!

Moonrise over Rangitoto

View from our deck this evening of the Moon rising over Rangitoto Island.