Sydney to Dome Valley (NZ) via Auckland - Day 250
Trip Start
Jan 31, 2008
1
179
251
Trip End
Ongoing
Dome Valley,
North Island,
New Zealand
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The flight this morning was on schedule and I arrived in Auckland at noon. Picked up another Toyota Corolla hire car from the airport. You'd think I'd be fed up with driving after my epic 24,454km drive around Australia, but once again if I want to truly explore New Zealand I need my own wheels. I'm spending a week exploring the North Island before meeting up with some friend's in Wellington to prepare for the highlight of my time in New Zealand, the 84km Dusky trail in the Fiordlands on the south island. This tramp is one of the most remote in the country and is suppose to be one of the toughest, with several river crossings, ankle deep mud, swarms of sand flies and downed trees obstructing the tracks. Just to reach the trailhead involves three modes of transport, which includes chartering our own boat. Sounds like fun doesn't it!
Along the drive today I stopped at Orewa beach to visit the information centre to pick up some materials about the national and regional parks. Then I headed to Wenderholm regional park to stretch my legs. The park hugs the south pacific coastline where the wide Waiwera river flows into the ocean. I had a walk along the beach before following the Couldrey house track to a lookout over looking the park and the old Couldrey homestead.
Feeling completely knackered today after the early start this morning and I think I've caught a cold too. I'm now heading north of Auckland to the famous Bay of islands. I've only driven 125km today to Dome Valley where I've parked up for the night, I'll probably reach the islands by mid-morning tomorrow if I make an early start.
Rather than freezing my nuts off like I did in Oz with my useless summer sleeping bag, I've treated myself to a warm duvet. I'm sure I'll sleep well over the next week in the Corolla.
