Mount Maunganui:
This is a hike on the west coast - the Pacific. It is only about a 45 minute (somewhat steep) hike to the summit, but the views at the top are truly stunning. We could have stayed all day at the top admiring the views! The little town was a very cute beach town with lots of little cafes right on the beach, and lots of sand volleyball in high gear.
The trail heading down:
Devonport
A recent day trip was a quick ferry ride from Auckland over to Devonport. It was only about a 20 minute ferry ride, but the little town had several cute shops and old historic homes. There was a hill that we climbed overlooking the Auckland area waterways (sometimes I think the primary goal in New Zealand is to climb as high as possible for the views!). This view faces Rangitoto, an inactive volcano that apparently has some good hiking that we will check out sometime soon!
Waiheke:
Another easy trip from Auckland via ferry is Waiheke Island - we had a fabulous day here last weekend. We hopped on a bus that explores the island - beautiful beaches, great food, and wineries everywhere. This is a must-stop for all visitors to New Zealand!
We had lunch at a spot called the Boathouse at Onetangi Beach - great food and even better view!
From the beach, we walked up the longest staircase I've ever seen - in one go, we went from beach, to rainforest type vegetation, up to wine country!
Wine country - this is how the whole island looks, abutting the ocean. It is very beautiful and peaceful, and I know we'll be back!
We miss everyone back home!
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