Auckland to L.A

We are trying to adjust to a rapid change of scene and pace of life. Starting with today, we gently said farewell to the Bay of islands, feasting out eyes on the boats, mountains, vibrant greenery heading for the big city. Bren managed the motorways and spaghetti junctions like a dream, arriving at our hotel mid afternoon. Only it wasn’t the right hotel only one that sounded like it. So we had a tense journey to the real hotel, which was in a closed street right in the heart of the city. The next test was parking the car which had to be driven into the lift – the car lift, a feat which took 3 men to advise. We were somewhat hysterical at this extreme turn of events, only mollified by a glass of pinot noir while we finally appreciated the facilities of this newly opened hotel/apartments. Pity about the car park.

We are now resting after viewing the city from Sky Tower, and having a meal down by the harbour.

We are looking forward to meeting Mick and Holly although it will be hard to say goodbye to Bren and this part of our trip. This country is so beautiful. it is not hard to see why people keep coming back. We spent Sunday sailing round the islands and watching loads of dolphins swimming in the slip stream. It was so exciting, we could have swum with dolphins but will have to save that for next time. The hotel, the Copthorne was in a great spot, just next to the Waitangi treaty grounds, so we visited the site and the centre, saw the video, and have a much better idea about the Maori /settler history. The long boats are amazing, hard to imagine them canoing from the Polynesian islands 100 at a time, men that is…..Hope to continue from Mick’s all for now folks