My 2014 Adventure: Travels to Singapore, Australia & New Zealand: Mahurangi Regional Park & Rangitoto Island

We've had a couple wonderful days in nature here around Auckland. Yesterday, Mariel and I went to Mahurangi Regional Park for a hike and a swim on the beach. The hike led us to the top of a hill with a lookout onto a couple of beaches. We had a swim in the clear ocean and then sat down for our lunch. As soon as we opened our sandwich containers, a flock of ducks waddled over to see what was happening. Apparently these ducks made their entire living scaring tourists into dropping their food, because one brave duck took a bite out of Mariel's sandwich as she held it. We soon discovered they don't like to be touched so all you had to do was point your finger at the ducks and they'd wobble away.

Today we took a ferry to Rangitoto Island, a volcano expected to erupt in the next 400 years (not today though); Auckland has about 50 active volcanoes around it. You had to hike to the summit over loose, black volcanic rocks. Let me tell you, with a high of 80 degrees and the sun reflecting off the rocks it was an exhausting climb. We made it though, and Mariel only had to push me up the last bit of the path. It was a great place to look out at Auckland, as well as the surrounding area. There was an old army bunker there and the sign inside said the man who guarded the supplies stayed five years after WWII because no one told him it was over. He only found out when the army came to close the post down. There were some cool volcanic caves called the "Lava Caves" that we climbed through. It was a bit tough without a flashlight (or torch as they say here) though, so I'd suggest bringing one to anyone who plans to visit there. We also took a dip in the ocean before getting back on the ferry.

Mariel and I have been cooking dinner for her family each night. It's been fun because as housemates in Dublin in 2009 we would cook together every day. This week we've made zucchini fritters, shakshuka, and potato curry so far:) Tomorrow we are going to plan our route of travel for the next two weeks. We've decided to focus on the North Island and visit Paihia, Tauranga, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, and Nelson before I start work in Blenheim on March 17th. I'll likely get the week of March 24th off so I'm planning to visit the South Island then.