Day 116 - Auckland..The Last Week

After a long night and a good sleep, Staggie and Jamie woke up and headed to the pool and jacuzzi included in the price, took full advantage of it all, a good way to wake up. Whilst Chino had a good lay-in, then woke to pack the car and tidy up a bit. Today we were heading back to Auckland to stay.

We left at 10:00, the couple from last night followed us to Waipoua where we had all planned to stop off and see the giant; 'Tane Mahuta', the huge Kauri Tree.

We lost them quite quickly, they caught up with us again somehow on a car ferry taking us all over the Hokianga crossing. We soon got to Waipoua, was a long drive and there it was, the King of the Forest, Tane Mahuta. We knew this would be the last icon and attraction we would see before going home, all we have left now is a week in Auckland to prepare for our long trip home. We saw this moment as ages away so many months ago and now its here. All of this to think about whilst actually being quite shocked to see how big the tree actually was. Not surprising that it inspired the film 'Avatar' to be produced.

As we were walking back to the car, the Brits from yesterday were heading in, we said our goodbyes and best wishes for the rest of the trips. We then carried on to Auckland.

We arrived at Michael and Marie's home in Newmarket at 17:00 today, they are the very kind people to be housing us till the 10th, both close friends of Graeme Stagg and will also be helping us with selling the car. Michael was out to start with, we were welcomed in by Marie and brought our bags in from the car. Michael arrived home from his choir practice (a term used in New Zealand for going up the pub with a few mates) at 19:00, just in time for the Super 16 Rugby match to start on TV between the Crusaders and the Waratahs. It was a convincing win for the Crusaders, a good all round match with the Crusaders dominating after the first 15 minutes.

This evening Marie had cooked a fantastic Lasagne, a favorite meal of Chaggie's. Was nice to be in a cosy, warm home for the first time in a week. The shower was well appreciated and we couldn't wait to have a good night sleep.

Chaggie x