23rd-24th August 2008: Matakana region

Forecast was for rain and more rain, so we had a driving and sightseeing weekend north from Auckland with Kate Moses.

Whangaparaoa Regional Park - pretty. Moist. Reasonable waterfall and a pleasant amble. Saw a sheep giving birth and later saw her with the new lamb.

Waiwera thermal pools were good - natural hot swimming pools ranging from 31 to 48C, and some good water slides to keep Tim amused. Slightly funny place - was definitely in need of doing up. Even just surfacing the ground with something less pointy than tarmac would have been good. Very chilled out by the time we had spent a couple of hours there.

Stayed the night in Warkworth at Walton Park Motor Lodge. Two-bedroom unit for Kate and us was affordable and comfortable. Not stylish but we weren't expecting that. Enjoyed a good beer selection and knowledgeable landlord in a bar called Tahi, followed by tasty Thai dinner.

Started this morning with coffee in Matakana and looked round some crafty shops in the village (Sophie narrowly avoiding spending many dollars on cool jewellery). Back to Tahi to pick up my phone which had, er, wandered, then off to Ascension winery to taste and buy some delicious things. Tim enjoyed the Old Tawny (can't call it port because it's not from Portugal) but resisted buying any. Ascension have a concert in Feb which Kate wants to go back to.

Headed south to Puhoi, via the Honey Centre which had, well, some bees and some honey. Puhoi is an interesting historic village founded by Bohemians, with some pretty houses and well-preserved buildings like the general store and local school. Museum was interesting and attended by a knowledgeable and chatty local lady who gave us a personal tour.

Finished up with a brief visit to the Puhoi Art of Cheese Cafe. Sadly it was closing but we brought home a selection to try.

Home via a serious downpour, with Sophie struggling to see the road markings at times. We really appreciated being able to go from car to flat without leaving the building :)