Back from Cape Reinga

So after spending another day wandering around Auckland, where I got some really great perspectives on the city along the water (see pictures!), Mason and I headed out north for the weekend. That day actually, I had a great little converstaion with an older sailor who had just come in from his dinghy to stretch his legs and walk around. I love how friendly kiwis are! Back to the roadtrip rundown: our primary stops were to be the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga. I had read about these famous toilets designed by Austrian artists Hundertwasser that were in Kawakawa and made us stop even though it was dark (winter here, we only have daylight until 6!). I must admit, the most ornate and artistic restroom I have ever been in! From there we found a campground around Paihia. In the morning we thought about taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands, but decided that if we had our own watercraft and more time, it would be more fun. So we went to the Hawara Falls trailhead where we took an 90 minute trail each way to see a baby falls. Again, a very pretty walk, with a very different feel and pattern of vegetation. There were these habitats called mangroves that we walked through that reminded me of a wetland, but more specialized and unique I suppose you could say to the area. Anyway! On our way our of the Bay of Islands we stopped by this local and recycled bead studio that was in a couple's home. We bought some glass beads and were given warnings about the north end of the island. As a result, we drove around for much longer than expected in order to find somewhere to sleep because we did not want to wake up to robbery to beatings by staying at the very north. Everything was great though and we made it to Cape Reinga and its lighthouse the following morning. I witnessed by 2nd viewing of very large bodies of water meeting. Such an amazing thing to see! First was in South Africa seeing the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, and this as my second seeing the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet! It is incredible to see the different colors and wave patterns, and then the clash of the waters. Then it was a long car ride back to watch the Hangover before heading to bed! (Which is such a hilarious movie, by the way!) I intended to go to Rangitoto Island today, but the ferry I wanted to take wasn't running due to the winds, so I am planning to go tomorrow so I will have time to go to the summit, and also hike to the lava caves! Time is winding down in Auckland, but I think I have explored the North Island rather well :) Nevertheless, there are so many things I'd like to see and do on another trip!

Also, planning regarding China is reaching finalization and it looks like I will be spending a day in Beijing, going out to Mt. Tai in the Taishan area, then back to Beijing to explore before heading down south to the beautiful area of Hangzhou and back to Beijing for my flight to Bangkok. Yay!

Pictures can be viewed here: http://picasaweb.google.com/allen.jackiem/NewZealand2?authkey=Gv1sRgCJmsntC7seLNlQE&feat=directlink