Kawaui, Motutapu, & Waiheke Islands....

Welcome to our Blog. Our latest entry always comes up first... 
Click this link if you want to start at the beginning:
FIRST BLOG ENTRY
If you want to start at the beginning of our trip:
START OF TRIP
If you want to see the story of our trip from South Carolina
(where we bought the boat)
 to Lake Ontario Click this link:
  SOUTH CAROLINA

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In just under two weeks we have explored 7 different anchorages on 4 different islands!  There is so much to see and do, after all that we only experienced a fraction if what this area has to offer...

The theme that has laced its way through every stop has been, beauty and nature at its best.  

After we left Jamison Bay, we headed Kawaui Island (for you cruisers, the "home" of Lyn and Larry Pardy).  After getting some laundry done in Bonaccord Bay, we motored the short distance to Mansion Bay.  

Mansion House on Kawau Island was originally the residence for the mine superintendent on the island. In 1862 the island and home were purchased by Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand’s most influential and controversial political figures. Sir George brought many exotic plants and animals to this island and some still remain today, not the least of which are Wallabies.

During the day we hiked to an abandoned copper mine.  The folks here have done a good job preserving its remains.  We learned a lot.

Wallabies are nocturnal by nature, so Shelley and I set out just before sunset to find some. Fortunately, we found one!  After a VERY brief encounter, we had what we came for.  A photo.  Not very good, but....

Our next stop was Motuora Island.  It turns out the exposure was not too good here so just day anchored and explored the island.     Not our favorite hike, but some of the scenery was spectacular.

Our next fun stop was Motutapu Island.  We anchored in two different bays and did some of the best hiking in New Zealand so far!  On our first hike, Shelley photographed some very rare birds, so was pretty darn happy.

Our second hike took us to some of the New Zealand (Auckland City) defense structures from WW2.  in great (original) condition we could really get a feel for what men and women experienced in that time...  If you were at all claustrophobic, this was not a job for you...

After moving to Islington Bay, we hiked to the top of Rangitoto Volcano. Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. We hike over 17 kilometers and climbed the equivalent of over 150 flights of stairs. The views were amazing!

Today we are anchored in Oneroa Bay at Waiheke Island.  Famous for over 20 wineries, Whaiheke Island is a BUSY place for boaters! Yesterday we counted almost 100 boats in the bay!  None the less, our time here has be productive and fun.  We bought some groceries and visited a couple of wineries so far...  We also had a chance this weekend to meet up wit our friends, James and Jessie (s/v Adamastor) and their kids, Rocket and Indie, who we first met many months ago when we first arrived in New Zealand...

Chelsey from Chicago.... Served us some great wine!

If you ever find yourself in New Zealand, some of these places are simply unforgettable!

Cheers!