Making the most of this blog

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Around and about the base of Rangitoto

Looking towards some of the baches

Taking a dip

Looking towards Motukorea

Another bach

Looking towards Auckland's CBD, Takapuna and Takurunga

Steps built by convicts

A boat ramp and the wharf

Some more baches

Looking towards the wharf with Takapuna in the background

The mangrove boardwalk

More of the mangroves

The pool

Looking towards the summit and some of the baches

Looking back towards Rangitoto from the Tamaki Estuary

What's got to come after a visit to the bush and beach?

Fish and chips are a given. Those above come from the The Chip Shop-voted to have the best chips last year but I liked the fish way better.

Followed by one of V's homemade special nikuman-soo good.

Bush and Beach

Went up to the Waitak's again. This time for the introductory hike leaving from the Arataki Visitor Center. On return we enjoyed lunch in the shade there. Afterwards we drove down to Piha Surf Beach then onto Karekare where I went for a swim while the others enjoyed the scenery and the warmth of the sun. After the beach in Karekare I enjoyed a book and a drink under a tree then we all went to see the beautiful falls.

In the Waitak's it's a must to scrub and spray before and after your hike.

Cabbage trees.

The tops of some Kauris.

Looking down onto Piha Surf Beach and Lion's Rock.

Beach babes and their dads.

A dog after a stick and its human.

If you click on the above you can see the people climbing Lion's Rock.

Best to swim between the flags on the other side of Lion's Rock.

Playing beach cricket.

The other side of Lion's Rock.

My aprez-beach essentials-shade, a book, some sunscreen and a drink.

The falls at Karekare from a distance.

Mini falls on the way to the larger ones.

The falls at Karekare close-up.

Huge rock in Karekare.

Interesting house in Karekare.

Mussels + Hoegaarden White = Happy Campers

Had a great catch-up with L and C over a pot of delicious coriander and lemon flavored mussels which we washed down with equally delicious beer-hoegaarden white. All enjoyed at The Occidental on Vulcan Lane in the central city.

Wintergardens, Auckland Domain