Waking up above the clouds with an always changing view out of our little apartment house, it was a good day to go hiking. we chose a walk to the Taranaki Falls which were to be made in 2 hours.

Glad to be able to come back to auckland in the end of our journey we left Ericas wonderful apartment at 7:30 in the morning. Since we spend the night before with Angie Darling our inspiring and naughty neighbour at a food court we were pretty tired in the morning. We tried to get all our stuff spread around the apartment as fast and structured into the same bags we arrived with. I think I was awake till one a.m.

We went by taxi to the wonderful train which would bring us to Tongariro National Park. Hour next shelter located  between three mountains (volcans) . It is called skotel (ski hotel) and we had reserved “chalet” 1, which is a simple but comfortable apartement hut.

The train ride was very scenic. While driving one was introduced into the history or just the landscape per Headset. The train had lots of space and an outside plattform to enjoy the wind an the smells. I spend quite some time with Clara outside just jumping around.

As we drove higher and higher the weather got worse and worse and colder. Finally we arrived in the rain. As soon as we arrived we went to the local store getting some food. I am very picky with my diet, and had to swallow when I saw the sortiment offered by the local store.  Mostly canned food. But we made a reasonable choice and in the end we made delicious food out of the canned stuff. Since the weather wasn´t showing it´s greatest face, we stayed in the apartement getting adjusted and enjoyed our view and the little rabbits playing in our backyard. I used the Gym of the skotel and we went all into the spa.

Just a few pics made over the time in Auckland of allday impressions  in the apartement. Sometimes ist was jsut nice staying home. The apatrment made us feel like living in the sky.

Here we spend our day in Auckland. On this last day of our first Auckland stay we went to Hernes Bay a little Beach. We walked through several parks which was fun. In the end we got kind of trapped in the suburb surrounding Herne Beach. This was compounded by us beeing a little under time pressure, since we had an appointent for dinner with our lovely neighbour Angela Darling and some heavy rain. We nearly made it on time. But the strong rain soacked our cloth to the skin. Here Vincent got his first Zapfi.

Amgie went with us to the food court were the crowds are fed. Great for the Kids, but load. Then Angie came over to say good bye. By the time we got to pack our stuff it was around ten o`clock. The next morning was a pleasure.

Waiheke Island its just a 40 minute ferry ride away from Auckland. Since we spend quite some time walking around in the the city we thought of getting some Christmas sunshine.

We went to Oneroa Beach and the Oneroa Village and enjoyed a day of Beach feeling.

The water was surpisingly warm . Directly on the Beach was a playground located and a little store where we got ice cream and one of those steak an cheese meat pies.

Just when we arrived Clara and Vincent fell asleep and we spend time swimming and getting coffe.When they woke up we had a great time just looking for shells, playing on the playground and walking in the sand. We got home pretty late and were tired as you can see here.

After the Santa Parade we walked through the packed capital suddenly finding a nice spot to get a rest and chill our feet.

After the sun burned us, clouds came up and suddenly ot was very chilly. So we went upwards looking for the next playground to take a break.

But Vincent didn`t mind sleeping like a baby.