We crossed the harbor bridge and got good views of the city from the north perspective. The Auckland suburbs extend quite a ways to the north, perhaps 15 miles. After that, things opened up and we were treated to very nice views of the countryside. It is largely agricultural here, with sheep grazing here and there.
Matakana is a small town with not a lot going on. We parked and went into a shop right nearby. All the clothing seemed to start at $59 or so NZD. That for a t-shirt mind you. Strolled down the street and had treats at an open air cafe, me a Plum creme fraiche shake, Barb a Mango smoothie and Janice a cone.
The shops in Matakana reminded me of the sort of shops one would find on Martha's Vineyard or maybe Aspen. Very trendy and very expensive. One surprise was in a shop where I found Wine Away Emergency Kits.
Wine Away is a red wine stain remover that works amazingly well. What is incredible is it is a product of a company owned by my friends Staci Wanichek and her sister Cassie Rothstom, based back in little old Walla Walla. Imagine coming half way around the globe and finding a product from Walla Walla on the shelf.
After Matakana Village, it was on to Omaha Beach for the obligatory Beach Panorama shot. Yet another outstanding New Zealand beach.
Janice was going to a concert Tuesday night then heading back to work in Wellington early Wednesday, so we headed back to Auckland around 3:30. Again, Auckland rush hour traffic rivals what Seattle has to offer. Somehow, I managed to handle it, and Janice actually complimented me on my adapting to driving on the left side of the road.
We stopped off downtown to check on something and, lo and behold, our ship was in.
And with this post, I am up to date.
Next up, dropping the rental car and boarding the ship for the cruise down the coast.
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