It all started with plans to do Coromandel and Rotorua however we were not really prepared and it was booked solid. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Cyclone Cook was looming and the country was put on alert with Auckland and the Coromandel set to be in its path. The biggest storm in a generation they tell us.
A bit nervous about what to expect and a bit excited having never seen anything more than the windy Scottish weather we buckled in for the ride. Everyone was sent home early from work to be safe and told to stay off the roads, buy tinned food and stay home for Easter. We had already booked the car so we needed to do something...
NOTHING happened the cyclone missed us however still hit the poor people of Coromandel who had no power and closed roads. So we went north to Northland on our first adventure outside of Auckland. It was worth it.
My first experience in an automatic car and New Zealand roads. Turns out that there is not a straight road in New Zealand and most of them twist and turn over beautiful mountains it was pretty cool. Also an introduction to gravel unsealed roads (more of a dirt track than a road) that Google insists is the best route surely not Google!
Our first stop was Maungaturoto a small village with a cool hostel not the most glamorous but nice people. In most villages the lights go out at 7pm so there was not much to do at night but we did see the falls which were pretty cool
Then up with the sun and back on the road for a full activity day up towards Whangarei. We stopped off at Waipu for a nice breakfast and found a Scottish cafe but no haggis or square sausage however tartan cups a plenty ha ha. So with full bellies it was off to Langs Beach which was beautiful followed by Mangawhai Heads.
From there we set off for Whangarei Quarry Gardens which is a must see for anyone passing through we trekked to the top for the best views saw some awesome local wild life and chilled out in the the picturesque surroundings
Then it was off to Whangarei falls another must see when passing through taking a nice short walk across the falls, to the bottom where you are surrounded by mist from the power of the falls
With the light against us we went to our Motel and were welcomed by a little cat who didn't seem too happy to be moved whilst we checked in. After getting settled we went into town for some drinks and dinner again really quiet but busy compared to Maungaturoto.
Another raising with the sun and we were back on the road to Paihia, we were really excited to see it and spent a whole day on a boat around the Bay of Islands. WOW its stunning. We were lucky enough to see a huge pod of dolphins but couldn't swim with them as they had babies. Then off to the islands themselves there are so many, all with interesting stories of Captain Cook and the first explorers.
We had the chance to stop off in one of the bays and roam around we trekked to the lookout point and got a great view. The water hear is just like a Thomas Cook brochure crystal clear and so warm.
David Attenborough would be proud we saw so much wildlife, the smallest Penguin in the world super cute and fast, Stingrays and thousands of tropical fish in huge schools.
We finally got to witness a bit of Cyclone Cook with some left over choppy seas. The waves came over the boat and we held on for dear life and go totally soaked but it was really fun. We also went out to the open ocean to the hole in the rock and the lighthouse.
Then it was back on the road through Russell Forest (never trust Google this is not a real road) We had to drive over small fallen trees, navigate the twisting cliff edge gravel road and only saw one other driver that was as crazy as us. When the locals laugh at your route you know there was an easier way. ha ha. I do recommend it though it makes you feel like you are a million miles from anywhere.
Loosing the light and feeling very lost we eventually arrived at our B&B it was so worth it. Set on a hill top overlooking a lake and with nothing for miles around it was everything we had hoped for and more. Star gazing by night country walks by day and the best butter, milk, cheese and eggs ever thanks to their farm.
And then it was over Easter break was done so with sunburned faces we took the three or so hour drive back to Auckland and normal life can't wait to get back to adventuring and out of the city again soon.
