When we planned a month in Auckland, we thought we would have plenty of time to explore the region and surrounding areas — with some day trips included! Now nearly two weeks into the stay, we realize that is not enough time.
Over the weekend we took a day trip to Piha and Piha Beach, a black sand beach. It is one of the favorite surfing beaches and the location of Lion Rock. Magnificent scenery! I have always thought conceptually of my top 10 most beautiful sites in the world and this would probably break into that top 10. I have a feeling that my top 10 list is going to be very challenged on this New Zealand trip! 
One of the few but good restaurants in the area is Adey’s Place where we indulged in an early lunch…fish and chips!
This entire region, Waitikere Ranges is beautiful. It includes the Hillary Trail which is a challenging 75km trek. We managed all of 4.2km of it by hiking to the KiteKite falls. We intend on coming back to this area for a trip to Bethell’s Beach.
The next road trip this week…to the very northern tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga…the “Top of New Zealand”. Phenomenal! This will compete for the top 10! It is located 100 km north from the nearest small town. A very spiritual place and important in Maori mythology as the place where the “spirits of the dead leave the earth” for their “Hawaiki”, or homeland. It is also a place where two powerful seas meet…the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Another highlight of this area, among others, is 90 mile beach. Yes, miles and miles of extraordinary beach with the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea. It is officially listed as a public highway. This beach can be driven by 4 wheel drive and buses…yes tour buses, well equipped actually drive on this beach. We chose to walk the beach :).
We based ourselves near this area in Paihia, a seaside village that is part of this 140+ island area – the most popular area in New Zealand for sailing and big game fishing.
On the way back to Auckland, we stopped at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves. The Glow Worm is apparently indigenous to only New Zealand and Australia. A remarkable site…it looks as if you are looking up into a clear starry night, but you are inside the cave. This particular cave is still owned by the original Kawiti family, direct descendants of the Chieftaness Hineamaru of the Ngati Hine tribe (photo borrowed from their site)
The whole area is gorgeous. So many beautiful shades of green, rolling hills and mountains, pine forest and dome-like mountains. Until we hit the gorgeous bays and amazing Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, it reminded me somewhat of the countryside of Kentucky. The rolling hills and two lane country roads I grew up driving certainly helped provide the skills on this trip!
I must say after driving 17 years in Chicago and through Italy, France and Spain, the drivers here are the most courteous and respectful I have seen. Nice to see given we are learning to drive on the opposite side of the road that we are used to! Tracey did drive a bit. I sat in the passenger seat, which of course we normally see as the drivers seat. That felt REALLY strange…felt like I needed to be reaching for the controls.
Very nice paved roads and infrastructure here. There are many unpaved/gravel roads here though if you get off the beaten path. I am thinking our rental car is going to look like Clark Griswold’s car at the end of vacation! Glad we have the total coverage for insurance!
