Doing well here in New Zealand! Weather has been great and the people are really nice as everyone said before we came. Working our way north from auckland along the east coast.
Sitting 3-wide when riding in the van
Stayed in orewa on thursday night at a campground. Drove on friday along the coast thru waipu for lunch then east of wangerie to check out abby caves and some glow worms. Cindy’s hiking boot broke, so we drove back to town and found a sport store to get a new pair.
Drew considered adopting some Japanese kids at the caves
Survived our first cave exploration at Abbey Caves
Stopped at the local DOC office and got info on a free camp spot near mount manaia. Parked the van around 5pm and hiked up to the peak. What great views! Hiked back down and grabbed some beers and food at a club next door. Friendly folks, good food and cold beer. Headed back to the van to cook dinner and called it a night.
Conquered Mount Manaia
Quite a view!
Friendly “private club” next to our free camping lot
Lovely sunset behind the mountain and bay
Woke up on saturday and drove further east out to ocean beach. More amazing views and watched some surfers catch some swell. Headed towards the bay of islands today.
More amazing views at Ocean Beach
Cindy’s barefoot hiking method learned from her brother Michael
Sleeping and cooking in the van has been working out well so far. Nights have been cool making for good sleeping. Planning to head south on Sunday towards Hamilton. Possibly surf near that area or continue south into the mountains.
Chris, Cindy, Charlie and Cecily’s Adventure Blog 