Over the Hill and Far Away: Waking Up In Whangarei Heads

We were so eager to get out and see the neighbourhood on our first morning awakening at Kauri Villas near Whangarei Heads, 200 km north of Auckland, that we headed towards the trail right on the property before breakfast. The steep trail, cutting into the hillside, leading into the gorge behind this huge tree and down to a small stream and waterfall, was a good stretch.

Even the sheep whose pasture we walked through to get to the trail head did not put in an appearance to have their pictures taken until later in the day.

The previous day was a little stressful in getting to this gorgeous place. We picked up a rental car right in downtown Auckland and found ourselves hurtling into the traffic before Bruce could really get comfortable driving on the left side of the road and before I could adjust to seeing guard rails looming towards my side of the car.

In a hilly passage near Brynderwyn a car speeding alongside squeezed us over at the merge of a passing lane and we hit a curb at 60km an hour ripping the tire into an immediate blow out. We were on a curve on a hill with only a tiny turnout ahead...but thank goodness for that tiny turnout!!

With very little swearing but lots of sweating we were able to find chocking for the rear tires (that is tyre here in NZ) and get the spare on. The hardest part was getting the jack out of its spot in the trunk. (boot).

Place names are amusing in this country. In the immediate area we have Wiakaraka, Tamaterau, Taihruru, Taurikura, Tutukaka. ...and everyday we bump into a word or phrase that completely stumps us like "geests" (guests), "har" (hire) as in "Did you har a car?" But it is all a laugh and we are forgiven for our confusion because we are Canadians and just slightly dotty AND New Zealanders are without exception polite and welcoming.

After two days in this region we can rate the hiking as superb. Within a few miles drive we can walk on beaches, bluffs, gentle hills or the "heads"....where views are breath-taking...or maybe we are just plain short of wind by the time we get to the top.

Food is good here in New Zealand and the dairy products, wine and bread excellent. Ethnic food abounds and of course we found a place to have Vietnamese food in Auckland. Bruce said his banh xeo was the best that he had ever eaten! But just look at the price of the Saigon beer to go with it!!!