Day 4 – Waitakere Ranges
Today,
we ventured out west in our rental car to explore the Waitakere Ranges
on the southwestern corner of the North Island of New Zealand.
Driving
on the left side of the road was definitely an interesting experience
as was sitting on the right side of the car. Picking up the driving was
pretty quick but getting used to the turn signals being on the
right-side of the steering column was not! (I kept hitting the
windshield wipers each time I wanted to signal! Easily fixed by driving
with just my right hand whereas I usually drive with my left!)
Since
our tourist maps were not very detailed, we wound up taking a slightly
roundabout route to get out to the Waitakere Ranges but we managed to
arrive in one piece!
Our first stop was the Arataki Information
Centre coming in from the south on Scenic Drive. There, the helpful
information centre guide informed us of the hikes and trails we should
check out.
We drove further towards the coast to arrive at the
sprawling, silky black sand beaches at Karekare. We spent about 2.5
hours walking out and back along the beach to explore the coastline
including the steep cliffs and marshes beneath.
Reflections along the shoreline during low tide
Looking out across the vast beaches and marshes beneath the cliffs
Seashells on the silky black sand
Next,
we continued towards Piha and spent about an hour trekking up to
Kitekite Falls before continuing to North Piha and Te Waha Point, where
we would spend some time marveling at God’s creation and enjoy the
sunset.
Kitekite Falls
The lower falls
Reflections along the vast beach at North Piha
View of the western New Zealand coastline from Te Waha Point
With my brother at Te Waha Point
Afterwards,
we drove back to Auckland and over the Auckland Bay Bridge to arrive
across the water at Devonport where we were able to take some neat
photos of the evening Auckland skyline.
Auckland by night
Day 5 – Waiheke Island
On
our final day in New Zealand, we returned the rental car that had
allowed for marvelous explorations on Day 4 and headed back to the
docks to board a 10AM ferry to Waiheke Island.
Once on the island, we took a 1.5 hour bus tour that canvassed most of the island.
Matiatia Harbor with ferry departing towards Auckland
One of numerous coves and beaches along the northern coast of the island
Sailboats in the bay with vineyards dotting the landscape
After
a quick lunch of fish and chips, we took the local bus (#2) all the way
to Rocky Bay and Whakanewha Regional Park where we spent a few hours
exploring and enjoying the spectacular sights around the island.
Andrew at Omiha Bay (entrance to Rocky Bay)
Along the shores of Rocky Bay
Leaping fish at Rocky Bay
One of only 1,500 New Zealand dotterels
Sculpture marking the entry point to the nesting site of the rare NZ dotterel
Hiking through the dense forest of Whakanewha Regional Park
Overall, the past
two days were beautiful opportunities to explore just a small corner of
God’s amazing landscapes here in Auckland/New Zealand and makes me
definitely want to come back one day to explore everything else that
New Zealand may have to offer!
love the pictures!
BEAUTIFUL!