More time in Auckland and then home

We got the bus and then the ferry from Devonport to take us into the city. Once we'd got our bearings, we set off for the Skytower, marketed as the highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere (quite obviously wrong but hey). After a roundabout route, we located it and headed on up to the observation level. The views were spectacular, of the entire city and the Hauraki Gulf. Really beautiful. Of course there was the obligatory piece of glass to stand on. After watching someone on a controlled plummet from the top (euuggh) we headed up to the highest level for more amazing views. We realised we were running out of time, so we quickly went back down.

The reason for our rush was to catch the ferry from the city to Rangitoto, a 600 year old dormant volcano, which dominated the skyline. Our aim was to reach the summit and get back to catch the last boat back.

It really was like another world. You could see how young it was: the path was basically over old lava flows, which also surrounded you. There wasn't much vegetation apart from Pohutukawa trees (the NZ Xmas tree because it flowers bright red then). The climb was an ordeal, and the party quickly fragmented. However, we all made it in the end, and the reward made it all worth it. Beautiful views of the many islands and the city. We were joined by many cute little silvereye birds, which were exceedingly tame indeed. However, we could not dawdle too long, as there was more to do. We stopped off at the crater on the way back, which was surreal, before heading off for the lava caves. These are formed when the lava cools on the outside, so the walk through pitch blackness consisted of negotiating jagged rocks and an uneven floor. Nevertheless, Mum led the way (!) and it was certainly an adventure!

We then went back down the difficult path to catch the ferry, after completing a short mangrove walk. It was here that we had watched a gannet plunge-dive for fish as we got off the boat, but alas it had moved on when we got back. We then went back to be fed at the Halkyards for a satisfying end to a truly knackering day.

The next day we decided to explore the Waitakere Ranges, which are sub-tropical forested hills a short distance away from the city. However, though the views were amazing, and the forest very pretty, we had already seen quite a lot of forest already! The next destination was the wild west coast beach of Piha. This has beautiful sparkling black sand, and is dominated by Lion Rock - a huge outcrop on the shore. We climbed a lookout for lovely views, but the surf was not great enough for the blowholes to be seen.

Tonight we would not be dining at the Halkyards, but be taken to a restaurant with the Halkyards and the Blacks (Alison's parents). We were told it was a Mongolian BBQ, and didn't quite know what to expect, but it turned out to be absolutely unique and delicious. You basically selected your raw ingredients, including sauce and oil of your choice, which were then fried on a large hot plate. You then added side dishes of rice, salad or noodles. Needless to say we all gorged ourselves, especially as there was so much garlic and seafood! It was also really nice to meet the Blacks again after all these years, not looking a day older, and it was as if we met everyday. A wonderful evening indeed.

Our final day of the mammoth trip finally dawned. We had planned to spend the morning packing, have lunch, and then spend the afternoon with the Blacks. The packing was not too bad, and after Dad had finished his final touch-ups to the Van (including subtle use of mascara and toothpaste) we walked the short way to Blockhouse Bay for lunch. The weather was gorgeous, very mild indeed, but time was pressing on. We went to the Blacks, where Dad and Alexander went to dispense of the wretched van in all its stinking, rotting glory. Meanwhile, us girls were taken for a delightful walk around the local park, where we saw a Monarch butterfly and the non-native (and regarded as pests) Rosellas (colourful bird from Oz). Alison then came back and took Mum on a tour of all her old haunts, including her old Intermediate School which was about to be knocked down, so she was lucky! We rounded off the evening with a lovely light meal at the Blacks, before Alison said goodbye to us at the airport.

We found our flight was delayed by an hour, and the shops had closed in the terminal, so there was not much to do. Once on the flight to Singapore, it became clear that we would not get any sleep, thanks to the constantly-chanting Islamic clerics behind us. Arriving in Singapore, the delay had cost us our showers so we were very annoyed indeed. The flight to the UK was long, and a day flight, so of course no sleep. However, the views of Asia and the Middle-East were amazing.

Arriving back in the UK, we were struck by the dryness of the grass, and the heat was simply unbelievable for us! The journey back home was a struggle to stay awake, but it was the end, finally, of all the planning and amazing experiences of the journey of a lifetime. I want to go back!!!