Auckland III

...and BACK to Auckland, only this time to stay with me mate jules....

We (the usual duo along with a Canadian dude called Brian) drove back from Bay of Islands via the Kauri forest at Waipoua. Fancied myself as a bit of a rally driver when zooming through the twisting forest roads, but managed to completely embarrass myself by locking the keys in the car when we stopped to look at Te Matua Ngahere (The Father of the Forest - trunk over 5m diameter!). Panic ensued but luckily the driver next to our's just happened to try his keys in the lock and the door opened. hmmmm. Think Bungeye could pose potential security issues.. The tree was amazing - the photo simply doesn't do it justice.

Te Matua Ngahere-if you look carefully, me and Phoebe are in front of it-gives you an idea of size...

Finally got into Auckland, dropped stuff off at Jules' and headed for K road (yes MORE shopping) where i bought a vintage 'sweet home Alambama dress', which I shall where when baking muffins and at local dances in the church hall. oh yes.

Some cool shops in Auckland....




Phoebe with a wee puppy that she fell for

Met with Jules, Jackie, Ruth and Jamie (yes - ecology jamie is now a kiwi!) and ate fat mussells and fries and drank in a cool hip hop bar... Stayed at Jules' and left for Taupo in the morning.


Me, Phoebe and Brian outside Jules' place


Jules, me and Phoebe

Suits you sir