New Zealand: Hot Water Beach Home Our FAVORITE!!

New Zealand: Hot Water Beach

Although it was difficult to tear ourselves away from our gorgeous accommodation, we did take advantage of some local activities.

 The goal is to find a spot with very hot water, dig a hole and let the right amount of fresh seawater into your personal "spa."  Too hot and you will be scalded and too cool is just not pleasant.

Steep walk to the Beach

Ferry to Whitianga for lunch and supplies

 Hike to Cathedral Cove 

New Zealand: Karangahake Gorge and Windows Walk

We had such fun exploring the old Talisman gold mining tunnels. 

 Starting our Windows Walk

 Suspension Bridge over the Waitawheta River.

 "Window" where waste was tipped into the gorge

Modern mining operation

New Zealand: Waitakere Ranges Regional Park & Muriwai Gannet Colony

Piha is a famous black sand beach on the Tasman Sea near Auckland.  It is also a treacherous beach where lifeguards constantly monitor the surf and adjust positions of the "safe swimming cones." 

Lion Rock and The Gap 

 Some visitors created spirals in the sand with a rake while others flew drones. 

 

 A life ring in case we misjudged the tide and our escape velocity.

Richard can never resist a cold swim and Kite Kite Falls delivered!

We were lucky to visit the Muriwai Gannet Colony during nesting season.  Not much real estate for 1200 couples and their chicks (one per family).  In about one month, the young gannets will be ready to cross the Tasman Sea (2000 km) to Australia.  

Survivors will return in 2 - 6 years to nest.

New Zealand: Fly to Auckland for Drive to Howick, Musick Point and Golf

Flew to Auckland on the North Island, stopping in for a short visit to Graham's mom in Howick (Graham and Julie returned to spend a week with family after the main trip)

Musick Point overlooking the Tamaki River

 Some people photograph stately homes. We photograph golf greens

New Zealand: Marlborough Food and Wine Festival

 We left our "home" early because we were eager to get to the Annual Marlborough Wine and Food Festival.  Heather (in the red hat) steered us through the process and got us in quickly.

 So many wines and so little time!

 Had to get our picture in front of the Kim Crawford booth!

 Everyone walked around with clever wine glass holder necklaces which made it complicated to share a taste with anyone else

It wasn't long before the "dancing" started

New Zealand: Bay of Many Coves Catamaran Cruise and Biking Through the Marlborough Vineyards

 We took a catamaran from Picton to the Bay of Many Coves Resort in the Marlborough Sounds for brunch.

 Others were leaving the resort by seaplane.

Marlborough Vineyards

 Biking through the vineyards was initially a good idea but after a number of "tastings" our group looked a bit ????