For the last few days, we were up at the family’s farm off the beaten track in Mangawhai. The weather was pretty meh the first couple days, so we took some drives out to some of the nearby beaches to have a look around.
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| Te Arai Beach |
We also went to Waiwera, where there is a thermal pool resort that was super cool! A bunch of different pools ranging from 32 degrees up to 40 degrees, some waterslides and a movie pool.
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| Waiwera Hot Pools |
When the weather finally got a bit nicer, we took a drive over to a marine reserve called Goat Island. It’s called Goat Island because that’s the name given to most islands in salt water to early explorers, and they would put goats on the island in case anyone was shipwrecked there and needed some food! Apparently goats don’t need fresh water… hmm… the first settlers here were also from Nova Scotia (represent… see photo). Anyways… this place was awesome! The water was so clear and there’s lots of stuff to do… snorkeling, swimming, diving, boat tours… lots of fishies… we’ll be back when it gets warm!
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| Goat Island |
We drove for a while on gravel roads that became congested with cows (at one point), our main goal for the day was to hit up some wineries in Matakana (a wine region about 45 mins from Auckland and not far from the farm) but we only hit one, which was ok because they charge for tastings and I’m cheap hah! Had a pleasant surprise on our last stop of the day at Managawhai Heads beach… a pod of dolphins playing about 10 meters from the shore!
Back in G-field and heading out tonight to the Bach again for the Labour Day Long Weekend! Tonight is the bronze final between Wales and Australia, and this Sunday is the final between France and New Zealand! Going to be so exciting!! Next week were going down to Waitomo to see the famous glowworm caves… going to go on the little boat tour AND do this crazy five-hour long flying fox/abseiling/black water rafting adventure! I’m scared. And then, next Thursday is… Australia!!!
