What I like about New Zealand.

Sunset on Auckland Harbour

When I think of images of my trip to the North Island of New Zealand what comes to mind? Green farmland, cows, sheep, mountains which are active volcanoes, the sea.

New Zealand’s Northern Explorer

Northern Explorer

If you are into excellent customer service this is the trip for you. I travelled on the Northern Explorer from Auckland to National Park, about half way to Wellington, on the central plateau and then from Wellington to Auckland on this great journey.

So where is Miss Marple?

We are staying in a heritage hotel built in 1928 in a remote location between seasons so that there are few guests. The lounge areas are huge with open fireplaces, there is a library with leather wing chairs and a large dinning room with formal settings. We were picked up at the station, aptly named National Park, by a hotel employee and driven here.

Veggies with a view

Recently kitchen gardens have appeared around cafes, restaurants, wineries etc in lovely locations. When I went to Margaret River last year we saw herb and veggie beds in interesting places. There was the winery which identified the dishes on their lunch menu that were sourced from their garden we were encouraged to visit. Then there was the bed of lettuces outside the cafe near the beach, growing just behind the sand bank. Next we saw very productive and beautiful beds at the end of the patio at a boutique brewery.

Waiheke Island

View from Veronica’s bedroom of Hauraki Gulf

 

My sister Veronica moved to Waiheke Island, New Zealand and I have finally got to visit.     It is a 40 minute ferry trip from Auckland.    It is about 20 km long and described by the Waihike Island website as

a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Waiheke is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and has an international reputation for food and arts.

I am now finding out. The view from Veronica’s house is certainly picturesque, looking towards Auckland.