Day 48 - Goat Island, North Auckland, New Zealand

Wow. We are finally in New Zealand. 13 hours ahead and the furthest away from home we have been, or are likely to be unless space travel becomes a reality. 

We just could not get out of bed today. We were supposed to pick the hire car up at 8am and didn't bother getting it until midday. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and we just couldn't get out of it. We finally arrange to get picked up from the hotel to go and pick up our pimp Toyota Corolla and set off for Goat Island which is about 120km north of Auckland. 

For those of you like us who have no idea where this place is here is a map in relation to Auckland.

Cruising in the Corolla. 

Subway for breakfast after we need a wifi stop to recalibrate google maps after getting lost, missing the entrance to the freeway and then proceeding to not be able to find another entrance despite going over and under it about ten times! Not surprised we couldn't find it as when we do it's like turning into a back alley. 

First glimpse of the Auckland skyline as we cross the harbour bridge north. 

We finally arrive at our amazing B and B called the Nikau Haven. What a lovely surprise. We were not expecting this! It is a little piece of paradise in the middle of nowhere. The old couple who own it Dennis and Jill are lovely and have created a gorgeous place. The kitchen is like our dream kitchen. 

Gorgeous bifold doors onto an amazing deck overlooking the valley.

And even a cheeky little swimming pool at the bottom of the garden. 

Nat finds a new mate. I try to feed the pony after but Nat is having none of it! ;-)

It really is beatiful out here. A hint of the English countryside but a bit more spectacular. 

Here is Goat Island. A lot smaller than we thought. We thought there would be Marina with boats going across to it - Not that you could actually walk to it through the sea (no kidding). 

For those wondering why it's called Goat Island here is the worst reasoning behind a name ever. About as much thought went into naming this as when Mr and Mrs Lovett called their son Richard. 

This place is huge for snorkeling and diving. One of the best places to do it in New Zealand (although it doesn't look like it at first glance). 

After a little walk around we jump back in the car and head into the next town Leigh. We quickly realise there is buggar all there so head further down the coast to the wonderful area of Matakana, famous for its wine. We find Matakana village which is a lovely place Qutb bars, restaurants, a market and shops. 

Nat drops me off...

We have a drink in the Matakana Village Pub which has a very English feel about it. We sample two NZ beers called Macs Gold and Speight Gold Medal Ale. Nothing to write home about (which is ironic as I am writing home about it on a blog). NZ not great for beer.  Also don't even think about looking drunk here let alone being drunk. They are so strict on it. There are signs in the bar saying "don't be offended if we ask you to order food or a soft drink". I can only imagine how they would react to seeing Nat in the doom zone. Part of me feels the need to spike her drinks to see their reaction!

We stock up on BBQ food and booze as we are meeting Trent and Sasha and their friends at their campsite next to our place for a BBQ later on. 

On the way back towards home we stop off at the lovely Saw Mill Cafe which is an old coverted mill which also has a great microbrewery on site. We sample the very average wheat beer called saw mill crystal and the delicious pale ale by the same name. This place is literally the only pub anywhere near where we are staying but luckily is really good. It even has live music on each night so we book a table for tomorrow. 

We meet Trent and Sasha and their friends for BBQ. Really great to see them again. Can't believe it has been a month since we were in Laos with them. Great catching up. 

The campsite is so cool. Pretty well equipped for a campsite and a fantastic setting on top of a hill. 

It even has a giant fire pit to my delight! 

After a good few sausages, burgers and beers we head back for the short walk in the pitch black which is a complete blessing as the stars are magnificent. There is zero light pollution here so the sky looks like a sandy beach there are so many stars. Not seen this many since I was out in the sticks in Canda. Amaze balls!! Wish I had a camera that could capture them!