5 minutes from our hotel are the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It was here in 1840 that the British and Maoris signed the treaty that brought some peace and legality to the relationship between the British and the Maoris. The Treaty Grounds were beautifully cared for. Some sub tropical forest with ferns, palm trees and other huge trees and some lawn where the treaty was signed. The site was marked by a flag pole upon which the the Union Flag, the New Zealand and the...

We Picked up the car from Avis. We had an 8 seater automatic Hyundai. Set off north through Auckland though we very quickly come to beautiful countryside. Prehistoric trees, extinct volcanoes and lush farmland. We soon hit the Ocean road and we stopped off at Orewa. Quiet little town on the ocean for coffee. Off again travelling northward. A lunch stop in Warkworth. A one street town with few options for food eventually we bought some cooked chicken and tomatoes...

A beautiful morning in Aickland. Blue skies and temperatures in high 70s. We decided to visit Sky Tower. The tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. From the top we could see for 50 miles in every direction. Auckland Harbour is very beautiful and dotted with many islands 1 in 6 inhabitants of Auckland own a boat. Not surprising considering the proximity and extend of the oceans. In the afternoon we took the hop on off bus. We visited the Museum and Eden...