A refresher: We had a slight delay because Qantas disembarked us into an evacuated Auckland airport terminal ( some sort of fire emergency which was never explained 🤷) we cleared Immigration, Customs and quarantine and got a speedy Uber to the Ferry Terminal downtown.
Waiheke Island was a great spot to ‘unwind’ into the holiday. Whilst the Island itself was crowded with holiday makers the beaches weren’t. A highlight was the number of Pohutukawa (NZ Christmas trees) in bloom – simply stunning. Fun fact: even though they are no longer native to Australia, it’s believed the Pohutukawa originated in Australia. This is based on fossil evidence found in Tasmania that predates the geological formation of NZ. The Māori accord special significance to the tree, it forms part of the story about departed soul’s journey to the next life.
We wound up our stay on Waiheke with awesome pizza on the beach on the last evening from a little container trading as ‘Dragonfire’ . Highly recommended for both the pizza and the serenity- but get in early because they do sell out!
On the 29th we left Waiheke and overnighted in Auckland. Highlights were a great lunch at Al Brown’s ‘Depot’ restaurant ( for Aussie readers, he’s a Kiwi ‘celebrity chef’ something like a cross between Neil Perry and Maggie Beer…) and a great walk. After ‘resting’ after lunch we went on an evening stroll , dodging the construction that is going on all over Auckland and heading up through the Domain ( Lover’s Lane !) and back through Parnell.
On Friday the 30th it was off to the South Island . Eventually. A quick Uber ride to the Airport was followed by a delay at the Airport. The place was heaving with holiday traffic, and not really coping . Probably not helped by the fact the regional airport hub in Auckland Airport would have made Canberra Airport circa 1987 look modern and well-organised. What was novel as the complete absence of any form of security screening- that was a real blast from the past.
Eventually underway and it was a pleasant Air NZ flight through to Marlborough Airport (Blenheim) . Great views of Mt Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe out the port side and Mt Taranaki for those on the starboard side.
Once in Blenheim it was a quick pickup and transfer by Marlborough Shuttles to our overnight digs in Picton. Quick walk around Town (nice) and then prep for the start of the Queen Charlotte Track on New Year’s Eve.
Ness’ and Mark’s Wandering 