Moving on

So, as this adventure was not turning out quite the way I planned it, even though I was having a lovely time, I decided to cut it short and after a BIG night out in Mount Maunganui I drove to Auckland airport, dropped off the rental car and eventually checked in my 40kgs of luggage – whoops 10kgs over but thank you to the lovely check in lady who ignored this fact – after scrabbling through the bags to find the lighter and matches that are not allowed in checked in luggage, yes I know that really I was just having a bad morning!! I did read the inflight magazine – nothing inspirational in this time – 12 hours later I was back in Bangkok in the 35C heat and humidity.
So that’s the end of this blog for now, not sure when I’ll start it up again….or even, if. Hope you’ve enjoyed travelling with me…..see you all on Skype or facebook or email or, even better, in the flesh, soon xx

Safe Haven

So after two lovely days and nights in Paihia in the Bay of Islands I hopped on a bus to Hikurangi, the nearest bus stop to my friend’s bach in Teal Bay. As they were running a little late to pick me up I sat myself down by the side of the road leaning against my backpack and listened to some more Desert Island Disc podcasts, James Cordon and Johnny Vegas, both very entertaining and interesting. I think I was probably an amusing sight as most car occupants were staring at me!
I had two more days and nights at the beautiful Teal Bay enjoying wonderful hospitality (again), dipping in the sea, playing garden Jenga, Articulate and Draw Something, being entertained by three young boys, oh and of course wining and dining.
So now I find myself back at the beginning in Auckland and planning the next stage of my adventure. The weather has turned decidedly wet so I am extremely pleased not to be tramping and camping anymore. I have booked a rental car and will collect it in the next hour or so and I have booked tonight’s accommodation in Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula……….be back soon

Scary times

Well, it”s almost time. Everything has been bought. It’s nearly all in my backpack, which is VERY heavy! The bus is booked, the last night motel is booked and the transfer to the starting point Cape Reinga lighthouse is booked. So one more night in Auckland, one night in Teal Bay, Bay of Islands then I’ll be off………….

Auckland

So after 2 10+ hour flights and a 5 hour layover in Hong Kong I’m finally in New Zealand. I’m going to have a few days with my good friends in Auckland shopping for last minute items and then I’ll be heading north to the starting point of the walk, Cape Reinga. I’m very excited today as I finally have a copy of the Walking Guide to New Zealand’s Long Trail Te Araroa in my hand and I’ve managed to download the 70 maps which make up the trail onto my ipad.