POUTO

Pouto 

The drive to Pouto from Kaiwaka took a bit over two hours - the last bit being on rough gravel roads. Apparently the factor that it's lack of smooth accessibility keeps Aucklanders away to use it as a weekend hide away. I am quoting here the (most likely) sole tourist from Auckland I met on the car park in front of the beach. Anyway the beach was quite deserted apart from two passing quads at the start of the walk. The beach is renowned for it's joy rides on the long stretches of beach. Mind the quick sand patches though. Bring a shovel.

moi upon arrival 

long stretches of beach 

view of the Southhead

the Pouto lighthouse is further down this way - it will be for a next time + better prepared for a 14km walk

crested tern in first year plumage

What follows are views from the drive home into the sunset

Accross the Wairoa River

cabbage tree

rain on the other side

the sole straight road I have ever seen in the Kaipara harbour area 

canon and lovely whale bones

Mount Tokatoka

SYDNEY

 A short Sydney visit with a purpose

Here are some pics of our last two days in the bustling city of Australia. My sis needed some painting done in her apartment and thought of us. Lucky us - we loved the occupational retreat. Nothing to worry about. Anyway I did not go apeshit with my camera this time - hence the small amount of pics.

enjoy!

some street shots towards Watson Bay 

Watsons Bay 

the view on the CBD from Watsons Bay 

 Watsons Bay

 Checking the ferry times which will bring us to the city centre

 On the ferry

 Thirsty weather

 botanical gardens

 crossing Martin's place

 downtown hustle and bussle on a Friday evening

 Darling harbor

 Nicky's peculiar starter but very yummy

 Darling harbor at night

 Nicky's proud Italian vehiculum

 Diamond Bay Reserve

taken from Dover heights reserve