Auckland to Russell via Whangarei Falls

Trip Start Sep 01, 2008
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Trip End Sep 23, 2008


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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Sure, jet lag can slow you down a bit. We were asleep by 9:00 and awoke after a wonderful sleep at....3:30am. Time to get the day moving, we were on the road by 5:30. After a fine breakfast along Highway 1, we stopped on the Pacific beach (East side of the North Island) at Mangawhai Beach.
Later on, we stopped at Whangarei Falls; lovely. The sign said a 35 minute "Track" (walk) by the river was available so off we went along the lovely river.
Problem was, the track soon turned to mud and then to muck. At the 35 minute mark, we realized that the trail ended not back where we started but, as it clearly said, 35 minutes down river. So, we backtracked. No worries. Continuing North, we headed for the ferry that woul take us to Russell, the oldest European settlement--and one time capital--in New Zealand.
We checked into the Russell Cottages where we have a lovely "home" with a full kitchen, dining room, living room and king-size bedroom for $169.00 NZ per night ($117 US). Two nights, please. Then, a very late lunch at Sally's on the Bay of Islands and a bottle of Roaring Meg (appropriate, don't you think?) Savignon Blanc from Marlborough, NZ.
Last evening's bottle of Pencarrow Pinot Noir from Martinborough, NZ, was recommended by Kai Schubert of the Schubert Winery, also in Martinborough, who we met at the Hyatt. Two nice wines to be sure.
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bootser1
bootser1 on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:42AM

PHOTO'S
Great pictures, keep them coming

Sandi

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