New Zealand—January 26-March 9, 2025

New Zealand—the North Island

So this trip, like Ireland and Scandinavia, was one we wanted to take before COVID and we're thrilled to finally get here. This trip is primarily a walk and gawk one where we hope to visit beautiful places and just hang out. Of course, we'll visit some historical sites, but most of all, we're taking in some of the world's most beautiful places. As always, we're embracing serendipity, knowing we'll have happy accidents along the way.

On the road again

 Auckland and Surrounding Area—January 28-February 1st

 It's been a long day. We're in Auckland and have been awake since 7AM PST 

 and it's now 4:15PM local time; that's 36 hours we've been awake except for 

 the catnaps we took on the 13 hour flight. 

 

 

 

Took an orientation walk shortly after arriving at our Holiday Inn Express situated just up from the harbor. We found the iSite office and got a terrific driving map which will be invaluable when we rent a car to tour the south island. We also purchased ferry tickets to Rangitoto Island where we'll walk a trail that circles the island and we may even climb the summit of its extinct baby volcano if we're not too jetlagged.

Hoping to get lots of pictures of our walk around the island January 28th.

 

Vancouver International is lovely and spacious.

This huge carved mandela is so Northwest.

 

 

Vancouver International has lounges 

where weary travelers can stretch out 

on comfy sofas. So civilized!

More artwork.

What a great idea, a doggie potty room!