Tuesday 8th February

Tuesday 8^th February

Today was a lie in.  We were not due to leave until 9.15 am.  Hurray!!

Our first stop was within walking distance of the hotel but the coach took us there.  It was the Waitangi Treaty Ground where the Maoris and the English had signed a treaty 151 years ago on February 6^th which was the founding document of the nation.  Here we visited the Treaty House, the house of James Busby (no Bryony, not Hal!) who was the Governor at the time the treaty was signed and walked through the lovely grounds overlooking the bay, seeing a Maori meeting house and Wakas (war canoes).

We then said our farewells to the Bay of Islands and headed South for Whangarei for our lunch stop at this charming City.  At the so called Town Basin there were hundreds of small cruisers, lot of bars, cafes and restaurants, not to mention the numerous gift shops.

After lunch we drove further south to the Parry Kauri Park in Wellsford.  The township was originally called Albertstown but after the First World War the locals wanted to remove any trace of the Germans and so balloted the town’s people for a name.  The family name Wells was chosen as they had been one of the first settlers in the region.  The park is an area of woodland preserved for the people.  We had a walk around the tropical rainforest and that gave us quite a work out as it was up and down steep walkways.  We hadn’t been given long at the stop and only just made it back to the coach for the designated departure time and did not have time to read the notes about the trees.  We did hear a cacophony of sound from crickets and birds including the difficult to see Tui or parson bird.

Then it was back to Auckland to the Mercure Hotel.  A walk around the town to buy a charger, with a USB end, for the video camera and then into dinner.

Many of the group are leaving us tomorrow, including our Square Dancing friends, Mervyn and Jeannie, and we will have 25 new faces joining us.

While we have been here we have learnt some useful facts. 

One is that one of the native trees to New Zealand is the Manuka Tree.  It is reported that Captain Cook observed the Maoris boiling up the leaves of this tree to make a drink.  He tried it and declared that it was a good substitute for tea, although a little sweeter, and so he called it the Tea Tree.  It is from this tree that we now get the fantastic Tea Tree Oil that is known to have so many healing properties.  Also in the summer the bees love the flowers on the tree and they produce the famous Manuka Honey.

Another is that the New Zealanders have managed to breed some new sheep.  One breed is such that they do not have to dye the wool after it is sheared!

Another breed, pictured below, produces incredible wool.  Can you guess what it is?

Of course, it is Steel Wool! 

Monday 7th February

Well today was supposed to be a free day but we could not resist taking the “optional extra” tour to the most northerly point of New Zealand.

We were picked up by coach at 0720hrs (yes I know that it is almost unbelievable for us to be ready at that time) and after a few stops to pick other people up, we set off for the Puketi Kauri Forest.  We were given a fifteen minute stop to go for a walk around the tropical rain forest at Manginangina on a board walk.  The area has a large number of the ancient Kauri trees which are huge; not as big as the Giant Redwoods in Canada but still very impressive, and cycads from the age of the dinosaurs

Following the Pacific Ocean coast line we drove past Whangaroa Harbour and on to Mangonui.  From there we headed inland to Awanui and our coffee break at The Ancient Kauri Kingdom.  Here the craftsmen carve the finest range of furniture, arts and crafts from the stumps and boles of ancient Kauri Trees that have been dug out of the swamp.  There were some stunning pieces to buy but at a stunning price.  The centre piece of the show room is a 50-tonne trunk of Kauri which has been internally carved to form a staircase to the second floor of the showroom.

We drove north from there to Houhora, which is a beautiful sheltered harbour and only a half hour drive from Awanui.  Because of the tidal conditions we had to have an early lunch here, well we don’t normally eat lunch at 11am!  The coach company had organised a Barbecue for our lunch, and even though the steak was good it was not a patch on Paul’s. 

North again skirting the edge of Parengarenga Harbour where the white silica sand bar which forms the southern peninsula of the harbour was particularly dazzling.

Finally we reached Cape Reinga, the most northerly point of New Zealand.

 We were given 40 minutes at the Cape and advised to walk down to the Light House and not stop to take photos but to take the photos on the way back up which would give us excuses to stop and catch our breath.  Excellent advice and we all managed to get back to the coach on time.  The Maoris regard Cape Reinga (or Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori) as the departing place of the Maori spirits as it is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.  The original lighthouse, which was manned, was at Cape Maria Van Dieman which is slightly south west of Cape Reinga.  The new light house is an automatically operated one, operated from Wellington, and can be seen 50km away.

From the Cape we drove South on the Tasman Sea Coast to the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream.  The stream has to be negotiated with caution by the drivers.  It was here that we stopped and Ian had the experience of sand boarding, like tobogganing but on very high sand dunes.  The climb to the top of the dune was very daunting and Linda resisted the urge to have a go!!

After that we experienced the highlight of the day when the coach drove onto Ninety Mile Beach.  When we were told that the coach would actually drive along the beach and the beach is recognised as a highway we thought that we would be driving along the dry sand.  No way, we were driving through the ocean.  The driver had to time his journey on the beach to get around one headland which can only be negotiated when the tide has gone out, hence the very early lunch!

After the headland the driver stopped the coach and we had time on the beach and time to paddle in the Tasman Ocean.  We took photos for a group of three profoundly deaf people who were on the trip and they took photos of us.  They were thrilled that we tried to communicate with them. 

Finally off the beach and back to Awanui for the driver to wash the salt off the coach and for us to experience our first New Zealand Ice cream.  At the recommendation of the driver Ian had Hokey Pokey, which is like an ice cream version of a crunchie bar and Linda had boysenberry.  The ice creams were huge and very much appreciated after such a wonderful afternoon.  The driver told us that there were only two kinds of ice cream, good and better!  When I asked which Hokey Pokey was he said both as you had to have one in each hand!!

The driver, Wally, was incredible.  He kept up a running commentary all day, describing geographical and historical features as well as pointing out wildlife (including rhea and wild turkey); he also sang Maori songs to us and even demonstrated the sand boarding techniques.  He was fantastic on his and came down the dune so fast that he shot off the end and into the quick sand stream!  One soggy driver but he dried out very quickly in this heat.

Back to the hotel at 1800hrs for Linda to write the blog and for Ian to go off taking MORE photos.  He is in seventh heaven!!  Back now with some bird photos!!

On our journey today we crossed a bridge called “miti miti bridge”, pronounced meety meety and it was where two streams met!

Ian also saw an establishment with a sign outside.  The sign said “whantawhiwhi”.  We can only guess what the building was!

Sunday 6th February

Many apologies to those of you who read our blog that it finished abruptly yesterday.

We had a limit on our upload and the photos were in too high a resolution so we were timed out.

Ian has reduced the resolution and we are trying again. 

We have finished off yesterday’s so there may be more for you to read and see.

We had a 6.15am wake up call this morning.  Breakfast was at 7am and we were in the coach leaving the hotel by 7.45 am.

This was lovely as it meant that we missed all of the commuter traffic. 

We crossed Auckland Harbour Bridge which had been originally built as a four lane bridge.  When the traffic became too much the Government put it out to tender for someone to increase it to an eight lane bridge.  A Japanese firm won the contract and they constructed the extra four lanes in Japan and then shipped them over.  The design was such that they clipped the four lanes, tow on either side on to the original bridge.  With typical NZ humour the locals call it the Nippon Clip-on.

After a brief coffee stop we drove to Kawakawa to look at their toilets!  Yes you read that correctly.  An Austrian Architect had designed them, the local students made the tiles etc, and they have become a tourist attraction.

The plan had been to have a snack lunch in Kawakawa but many of the small eating places were closed because it is 151 years ago today that the Waitangi Treaty was signed.  It is a holiday weekend and thousands of Maoris descend on the Bay of Islands to celebrate the signing. 

 It was decided to drive on to Paihia early.  By arriving early it gave us time to look around this lovely little township before catching our boat to go Dolphin Watching, Visit the Hole in the Rock and then visit one of the Islands.  The dolphin watching was successful and we saw many dolphins playing around the boat in the region of Moturoa Island.  From there we visited the famous Hole in the Rock and as the weather conditions were favourable we were able to sail right through it.

  From there we went to Urupukapuka where we disembarked and were able to have a beer at the café before going for a walk along a wonderful beach.  Ian took lots of photos of strange looking trees and Linda managed a paddle in the beautifully clear water which was very warm.

Back to Paihia to be greeted by the rep and driven to our hotel.   On leaving the boat we wsaw them wiehing a Marlin,96.4kg.

We had to go on quite a long diversion as the Waitangi Reservation was closed to motorised vehicles.

The Hotel is absolutely gorgeous.  The room opens out onto a patio and there are beautiful gardens to sit and enjoy.  This is very much the “holiday” part of the tour as tomorrow is a free day although we have decided to join a tour to drive up 90 mile beach to the most northerly point of New Zealand.  The weather has been fantastic and it looks set for another glorious day again tomorrow.  Apparently this is such an improvement as they have been having torrential rain and lots of land slips.

Dinner was a buffet style meal and it was delicious.

Must have an early night as we are leaving the hotel at 7-30 am for the tour!!!!!  Who said that holidays are restful?

Saturday 5th February

Well we are one day nearer to Christmas!

We lost a day when we crossed the date line and because we are returning home via Hong Kong we will never catch it up again!

The flight from San Francisco to Auckland with Air New Zealand was great.  The seats in Premium were not as good as Virgin Atlantic but the food was incredible.  Champagne when we boarded.  Then a choice of wine and the red wine was not cold!  The food came on beautiful trays with tray cloths, beautiful crockery, proper napkins and metal cutlery.  A starter of five spiced chicken with cucumber spaghetti, daikon, papaya salsa and sesame ginger dressing. Yummy!  Main course was a choice of New Zealand lamb loin with shank ravioli, roast potatoes, ratatouille and sweet pea butter (Linda’s choice); Tomato, ginger and lemongrass braised cod with baby potatoes and cherry tomatoes; or Confit of duck leg with red coconut curry sauce, steamed basmati rice, bok choy and red pepper (Ian’s choice).  The lamb was cooked to perfection, still pink inside and so tender.  The duck was also beautifully cooked.  Dessert was a caramelised pineapple carrot cake with cinnamon mascarpone cream.  This was followed by a lovely plate of grapes, dried apricots, camembert cheese and crackers.  English airlines could learn a thing or two about catering.  Passengers were served their choice of main course after they had eaten their starter and not given to them all at the same time.

Not a particularly good night’s sleep for Linda, Ian fared a little better but we were still tired when the lights came on and breakfast was served.  A choice of Orange Juice or Strawberry Smoothie was followed by a lovely bowl of fresh fruit and yoghurt, then a choice of cereals, followed by a croissant and boisenberry jam or marmalade.  (Linda thought that the Air Steward said “poison berry”)  After that we were given a choice of three cheese and chive omelette with chicken coriander sausage and spiced tomato chutney or Belgian Waffles, strawberries, manuka honey apple syrup and freshly whipped banana cream.

After all that we probably shouldn’t eat again all day.

We came off the plane and were second at passport control, then very quickly through baggage collection and on to customs.  All went smoothly and Linda was not attacked by the fruit sniffing dog as she was in Toronto.

The AAT King Tour operator was surprised to see us through formalities so quickly.

Our bags were wheeled out to the concourse and we were picked up by a courtesy shuttle bus for the two of us to the hotel.  We were in the hotel just after 6am.  We hadn’t requested an early check in but the duty clerk found us a room and we were in bed by 6.30am.

Slept until 10.30am and then showered, dressed and all electrical items charged up before going out into Auckland at noon.  We had a stroll down to the water front and then we were off to the Sky Tower.

It is not as high as the Toronto Tower but it still affords a great view of the city.  There are over a million inhabitants of Auckland which is just over a quarter of the total number of inhabitants of New Zealand.  Once at the top many photos were taken, including some through kaleidoscopic lenses.  Then we went for coffee and sticky cake (well it would have been rude not to!). 

On the way down Linda videoed the workings of the lift through the glass floor!  Getting very brave.

We watched and photoed some brave folk throwing themselves off or taking a sky walk round the tower.

Leaving the Sky Tower we went back to the waterfront to take a photo of a giant rubber duck we had spotted from the tower!

Then back to the room to have a cup of tea, look at the photos and write the blog.

We are meeting with the tour rep at 6pm, then dinner and we are back to the Sky Tower to look at Auckland at night.  Apparently the Tower will be illuminated in red and gold lights to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

The reception was just a drink and a little chat from the Rep.  No problems about extra bags so we can relax about our luggage.  While we were in the bar a couple came into dinner and we realised that it was Mervyn and Jeannie who we Square Dance with in Morecombe and Llandudno.  Small world!!

They were going into the restaurant for a farewell dinner with some of their fellow passengers but will be with us for the next two days in the Bay of Islands, travelling back to Auckland with us before flying home.

We went back to the hotel and went to a Chinese Restaurant in the tower and then watched the Chinese Lion dance and a demonstration of Chinese Drumming.

Then we went up the tower again to take pictures of Auckland by night.  Not many of the huge office blocks were lit up which is obviously good for the environment, perhaps England could learn a little form the New Zealanders. 

Back to the hotel and attempted to publish the blog!!!

Thursday 3rd February

We woke to another beautiful day.  After breakfast at The Cannery we walked towards the tram stop but were diverted into a camera/phone shop. We had brought a lead with us that we thought would charge the phone through a USB connector but when we got here we realised that it was the down load cable!  (Idiots!!!)  Phone was desperate for a charge and we had asked at the Hotel Reception if they had a charger, they gave us a huge box of cables left behind by guests to look through but none were compatible.  We bought a travel charger and although that wasn't too expensive Ian bought a wide angle/macro adaptor for his camera!!! ( The lens that had fallen out of the bag yesterday appears to be OK today although having a few issues on automatic focussing)  The people in the camera shop couldn't have been more helpful and even offered to put our phone on charge while we were around the town.  We declined the offer as we were worried that we might forget to call for it before leaving for the airport.  We caught the San Francisco Tram up to Nob Hill.  Sitting facing out was quite something.  Only disappointed that we didn’t need to hang on!!  Ian can't work out how the cable, that the trams clamp onto, is driven, goes round corners, across other tram tracks and through points, over steep hills for a mile or two. 

From there we walked back down to the bay.  I say down, but at times we had to walk up hill and then down again.  Some streets had steps on just so that you could manage.  At one street we watched a young lady run the whole way up the flight of stairs, some feat.

Linda says that she is walking around with a big grin on her face as she is so happy in the sunshine.

We stood at the bottom of one section of Lombard Street, which is the crookedest street in the world, and stopped to take photos and videos of the cars coming down.  We saw some wild parrots.  Apparently many years ago some had been let loose and they have bred.

Back at The Wharf we went to Pier 39 where we watched a Californian Brown Pelican swooping around above us.  After that Linda tried on some Harry Mason earrings that have no backs and you have to twist them into the ears, they were very elegant but very expensive.  Decided not to buy them so went and had coffee/clam chowder while we watched the sea lions.

We walked back along the wharf and stopped to watch the girl moulding the sour dough bread into animal shapes in the famous Sour Dough Factory.

Further along we sat and watched the sea, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and wishing that Spring in England could be so warm.

Back to the hotel to retrieve our baggage and then board the shuttle bus to the airport.  Sitting in the departure lounge at 6.10pm (SF time) waiting for our Air New Zealand flight to board.

There should be a glass of champagne waiting for us when we board, as there was on the Virgin Atlantic flight.

Will add photos when we get to New Zealand

Wednesday 2nd February

We woke up to the most beautiful day, bright blue sky and sunshine.  After another breakfast at The Cannery we took the Hop on Hop off bus up to The Golden Gate Bridge, actually bright orange.  Apparently it was originally going to be painted black and yellow!  Leaving the bus, we walked to the centre of the bridge, taking many, many photos. 

After spending an hour and a half at the bridge we jumped back on to the tour bus, but not before Linda picked up the camera bag and one lens and the video camera fell out!!  No problem with the video camera as it landed on the seat but the lens hit the ground.  Ian tried it and it appeared that the automatic focussing had broken! you can imagine Linda was not popular.
A short trip on the bus brought us into the Golden Gate Park.  The bus driver had told us to go up the Art Museum tower to get some fantastic views of the bay (and it is free he told us at least 3 times).  He was not wrong!  The views were stunning.
From the tower we walked through the park, seeing a very good statue of Robert Burns.  Leaving the park we walked along colourful Haight Street which is the centre of the Hippy Community.  Lots of  down and outs many looking very stoned!  The shops were a very eclectic mix.
We were both more comfortable when we finally left this area.
Walking North towards Alamo Square we were directed by a policeman onto the other side of the road.  There was some filming going on, but they did not need us as extras.  One of the crew let Linda look at what had been filmed.  There were three of the San Francisco Giants in the back of a car!  Not too sure what that was all about.

We both enjoyed a sit down in the Square, which is actually a park, and then Ian took some photos of an American Robin.  Linda saw a hummingbird but it was too quick for her to take a photo.

Leaving the Square we took a lot of photos of the Painted Ladies.  These are a few of the beautiful Victorian and Queen Anne Houses that we had enjoyed seeing yesterday.

Down a very steep hill to Fillmore street which we followed  into an area called Japan Town; actually it now a predominantly Black area and we were conscious of being in a small minority of white faces.  We found the Fillmore Hall where many famous bands, including The Who, Cream and other great names of the 60s had performed.  

We then walked in the sunshine, noting that the blossom was already much in evidence at the beginning of February, towards the city civic centre admiring the grand buildings and sculptures.  We took some photos at the memorial for the '49 gold rush and spotted an open air market where we could have purchased sugar cane but instead bought some apples from a stall manned by a very hippy-looking character - much appreciated nourishment after our walk. A short distance later was a hop-on point for the tour bus and as we walked across the road, Ian spotted one coming so hailed him down mid-traffic (a good move as the next one would have been 40 minutes later).  We took the tour (same driver as in the morning - very humourous commentary) for a while into Union Square where all the designer shops are located.  We alighted again and resisted Victoria's Secret (in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building), opting for Border's Bookshop (they have'nt gone bust!) where we had a sit down for a welcome coffee.    Refreshed, we walked through Chinatown to the next hop-on stop at The Hilton.  We guess we had just missed a bus as we had to wait some time.  Although it was now 5.00pm the sun was below the buildings and the temperature was starting to drop.  The bus finally appeared with our second driver of the day (pleasant African-American who again repeated everything 3 times - Welcome everybody, welcome everybody, welcome everybody!.....at least we could not complain we did not hear what he said) who took us back to our start point. 

We walked wearily back to the hotel where we downloaded memory cards before going out to a local seafood restaurant for a very enjoyable seafood platter.  It will now take all night to recharge camera batteries with a dodgy adapter!

We both

Tuesday 1st February

We didn't sleep as well as we had hoped so we were up and about early (for us).  Actually, we were showered,dressed and down on the waterfront before 8am.  San Francisco shrouded in fog today.  We breakfasted at The Cannery which was originally the factory for canning fruits for Del Monte.
After a cooked breakfast and some delicious coffee we boarded the hop on hop off bus for a tour of SF.  It was an open topped bus and although the weather was warm we were pleased that we had our fur hats with us as it was very chilly at times.  We decided not to jump off at any of the stops but to enjoy the round trip as we needed to be back at Fisherman's Wharf to catch the ferry to Alcatraz.  The driver of the coach did not stop talking for the full two hours that we were on it.  He pointed out the homes of the famous including many of the stars from Woodstock, the best places to eat and told us all the street names that we were on/crossing as well as the information about the famous sights. We went up to the Golden Gate Bridge but the fog was still thick although the sun was trying to burn it off.  We are definitely going back to the bridge tomorrow and also to The Golden Gate Park.  China Town looks fascinating and it is decorated up to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  We are also hoping to see The Fillmore which is a world-famous music venue which was used for Jazz Concerts.  We fell in love with the architecture of the Victorian Houses which were so lovely but at a minimum of $1 000 000 they should be.
When we left the coach we walked down to Pier 39 where the sea lions congregate.  We didn't think that we would be lucky enough to see many but there were at least two dozen and they were very noisy.  They were also huge, a male sea lion can be as heavy as 850lbs.
Went for a snack before our trip over to the island.  Ian had Clam Chowder Soup which was excellent.  Linda had the biggest Chocolate Croissant that we have ever seen, it was delicious.
In the afternoon we had our trip to Alcatraz.  It was fascinating to hear how the building had evolved and grown from it being a fort to a military prison to a federal prison and now a part of the National Park.  The audio tape for the cell block was extremely well done.  The commentary was given by ex warders and also ex prisoners which gave an insight into life on The Rock.  We hadn't realised that the families of some of the warders lived on the island and the children had to travel over to SF for school. when the weather permitted.  The sun was shining for the whole afternoon and we had some fantastic views of The Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and SF. As to be expected we both took lots of photographs.
After calling in a supermarket on the way back to the hotel to buy a bottle of beer for Ian and some Grape Juice for Linda we decided that we were too tired to bother going far for a meal so just went round the corner to the local Denny's.  Denny's are open 24hours a day and serve American food.  Linda had an over 55 meal which comprised of wonderful Beef and Vegetable Soup followed by Chopped Steak cooked in breadcrumbs, french fries and dipping vegetables  Ian had the Chopped Steak from the ordinary menu which didn't come with the soup, so he shared mine, but he had two steaks, fries and corn.  He couldn't finish his helping and even turned down dessert.

Back to the hotel after our meal to download photos and write the blog.  Early night needed to catch up on some sleep.