Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands

So the last couple days here in Auckland I have been able to finally get out on the ferries to a couple of the nearby islands. Waiheke is well known for its wine, and Mason and I spent the day going to three wineries (Copper Bay, Mudbrick and Stoney Ridge) and grabbing lunch over there at one of the few small cafes. While at Stoney Ridge it was awesome because the owner ended up coming by asking where we were from, how things were going and we were able to get her insight as to the excitement and anticipation involved in being a winemaker. It was sunny, but I can certainly understand how much more enjoyable it could be during the summer. Additionally, more wineries would be open for tasting, although this is true for later in the week and weekends as well though. The following day I spent a day exploring Rangitoto, a 600 year old island/volcano. There is nothing on the island despite a road and trails although it was sparsely populated during the 1920s and 1930s. For instance, persons traveling to the island must bring their own food and water. It was really fun hiking around, and the walkways were very conducive to running, sooo I did a bit of that as well :)

Pictures available here: http://picasaweb.google.com/allen.jackiem/NewZealand3?authkey=Gv1sRgCK6uxLKA0eHfpgE&feat=directlink