2025 AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Our Life Adventure began in New Zealand (North Island)  Auckland, where we spent 12 DAYS.

We immersed ourselves in some of the city's highlights. We stayed in an Airbnb near Shoal Bay, a peaceful spot with beautiful water views. Walking down to the bay for the morning sea breeze, morning stretches, monkey-bar relays, and daily workouts & yoga was a joy.

 

Auckland impressed us with its cleanliness and well-maintained streets, making every walk through the city enjoyable. A great aspect of the city is how easy it was to get around. The bus system is convenient, with an iPhone in hand and James leading. We loved riding on the buses and getting plenty of walking in, which made us feel more connected to the city's energy.

The airbnb we "hired" (rented) from Scott was in a great location just outside of downtown. Our host was an excellent, optimistic,  and helpful host. He even gave us a ride to our first grocery store adventure, what a guy! He waited around and took work phone calls while we shopped! ! Such a great introduction to the "welcoming and easygoing Kiwi people".

OUR BUCKET LIST

• SKY TOWER • LOCAL TRANSPORT • SHOAL BAY • WAIHEKE ISLANDS • VINYARDS • SEA LIFE AQUARIUM • 90 MILE ROAD • PIHA BEACH & RANGES 2-3 DAYS • CATHEDRAL COVE • HOT WATER BEACH • FULL HEAD OF BRAIDS, GABRIELLA • FRENCH MARKET • NZ ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION • LOCAL FOOD TRUCK PICNIC @ SHOAL BAY, GIAPO ICE CRAM • MOUNT EDEN • ST MATTHEW IN THE CITY CATHEDERAL CONCERT • WHATIPU BEACH HIKE • AUCKLAND MUSEUM • BIOLUMINESCENCE KAYAKING, OMOKORA • KITEKITE FALLS • AUCKLAND WINTERGARDENS • WHANGAREI FALLS • ODYSSEY SENSORY MAZE • MARAWHARA TRACK • KAREKARE FALLS • MANGAPOHUE NATURAL BRIDGE • DEVONPORT VILLAGE (= Completed activities)

   ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE .  .  .

 Favorite 3 in AUCKLAND

1-  Bunji jumping off SKY TOWER with my crazy brave mom, who came to visit for the first 10 days. Jumping hadn't even crossed my mind, but I couldn't let my mom jump without me! 

 

2- The FOOD TRUCKS @ SHOAL BAY picnic night, with all the local res. was a really great evening. It was fun to see all the people come out with their families and little ones to be at the park and hang out in the good weather. It was a great BIG bunch of happy people.

3- PIHA BEACH has great potential. Sadly, we had cold windy days to spend on Piha beach. There is much to see and explore at this beautiful black sand beach. Pack a jacket to wear just in case the weather turns on you (very likely). I wish we had the sense to return to Piha on a better weather day. Sad we missed Cathedral Cove.

– OH! and I love that I got BRAIDS IN MY HAIR and that  I spent 4 hours with Gabriella and her daughter, discussing differences of New Zealand and the US. We spoke of life perspectives, governments, religion, traditions, education . . . on and on. It was beautiful! Seeing new perspectives is my favorite part of travel.

It was crazy fun to see everyone FISH SOME RED SNAPPER out of the ocean. Especially fun to see Luke's BIG whopping 7 pounder. We brought Luke's BIG fish to a close by Fish Fry, handed the cooks a few extra fish, and asked if they would trade a fish fry for our catch. It was the best fish trade we have ever had!