4th - 15th July 2008 - around Auckland

Sophie arrived 4th July.

5th July - ferry to Waiheke Island with Steve Saxon. Went for a short wander & a beer overlooking Oneroa Bay.
Lovely peaceful bay. Must go back and spend longer, walking and/or wineries.

6th July - ferry to Devonport with Steve Saxon. Tea in a lovely tea shop on left side of Victoria Road, with conservatory & jazz-themed room at the back. Climbed Mt. Victoria.
Pretty village-like feel with older, more pleasing buildings. Must go back for a longer walk around the place, though suspect we saw about half of it in 45 mins.

12th July - day sail on Spirit of New Zealand tall ship (http://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/). $60 each, well worth it. Sailed round Rangitoto & Motutapu, came home through a yacht race.

13th July - drove to Waitakere Ranges park. Saw Piha & Karekare beaches, an hour from Auckland.
Beaches beautiful - must go back to Piha for picnic & surfer-watching when the weather is warmer.
Walked Zion Hill Track, Buck Taylor Track, Zion Ridge Track from Karekare - all forested with occasional stunning views. 3 hours round trip.
More walks in Waitakere Ranges definitely worth doing.