Day 145 10/02/2015

Next morning Lesley and Richard went off to work. We followed their recommendation and headed off to the Waiheke Island. This involved a short bus journey to Devonport and then a very beautiful 40 min ferry crossing to the Island. Auckland is very much like Sydney with lovely harbours and inlets as well as warm, sunny weather. The ferry was very busy with lots of older people aboard ("Darby and Joan" club outings). We later learnt that any one over 65 can travel for free as long as its after 0900 and before 1600. We got off at the picturesque port at Matiatia Bay, walked around the headland along the coast to Church Bay and then across to the other coast via many vineyards to the main town of Onera. We initially passed a lot of sculptures which were a bit surreal for Simon and waded our way through our fellow ferry passengers who'd got the bus into Onera and were coming the other direction. We had a walk around the town and the beach before finding a quaint cafe to have a delicious lunch. Whilst the island is very beautiful it was quite touristy so we decided to get the 2pm rather that 4pm back to Devonport where we both got our hair trimmed. Again it was crowded with the "old folks" although we soon joined them as we fell asleep in the warm sunshine. Back at Lesley's we changed into our "swimmers" and walked back to the beach at Narrow Neck, where we walked yesterday. We had a swim in the surprisingly warm water (Diane still said it was cold!) and indulged in an ice cream on the walk back. We then started to do some more planning on where we want to go in NZ before Lesley returned from work and we were soon out again, walking for 40 minutes to go to the Takapuna Sailing Club to meet Richard who was just finishing the weekly "surf - paddle" race. This involves going swimming out to sea for 500m on your surf board then racing back to the beach on top of the board using the paddle for speed and stability riding the waves. Look great fun although tiring! We all then headed to a bar/restaurant nearby to enjoy dinner and beers sitting outside (can never be tired of eating outside!), sharing travelling and sports stories before returning to their house. Whilst we are in NZ half of the cricket world cup is being played (the other half is in Australia). Richard mentioned he had 2 tickets for the England/New Zealand game on the 20th and as Lesley wasn't too keen on going, asked if Simon fancied going along. As you can imagine Simon jumped at the chance, so with purchased ticket safely in his wallet, we now know how long we have on the North Island before we get the ferry to the South Island. As Lesley is in Wellington for a long, cycling weekend with Richard, Diane and her were making plans on what to do when the cricket was on. Looks like everyone is happy!

Heading out to Waiheke Island 

 One of the sculpture exhibits 

Matiatia Bay 

 Another exhibit

Pre and post (below) hair cut...