Another happy day in stunning New Zealand 🙂

No, we did not have wine for breakfast but it may be said that we woke up this morning feeling less than perky due to the previous evening’s consumption.  But what is a woman to do, when she is in the country that produces her favourite wines?  These were about £7 a bottle so far more reasonable than at home.

A smoothie for breakfast made with an orange, 2 kiwis, a pear and a tbsp of Tahini.  2 slices of banana cake. Then scrambled egg.  That felt better ! We were lucky with the weather again today and set off for Shakespear Regional Park. We walked to a look out point and the views were amazing all the way. Baa! The air here feels so fresh and clean.We definitely felt much better for being outside. We made it to the top 🙂 Then back down again. I love this huge picture frame. Harvey was determined to swim today so we went to Te Haiuhi Bay. It was colder than he expected,  but he did get in and enjoyed a swim.  He was the only one as remember, it is winter here. We enjoyed relaxing on yet another lovely beach. We could see the city of Auckland in the distance. Not a lot else except more magnificent scenery. Our next stop was a walk through the bush to a waterfall.  We had to disinfect our shoes first. These birds are rather comical due to the way they walk along – Pukeko. Any idea what this plant is with the little white flowers?  It is commonly found in New Zealand and used to produce something used around the world. Manuka!  Used by bees to produce Manuka honey which has antiseptic qualities. Tree ferns. ‘Cabbage Plants’. After a morning of walking we drove in to Manly to pick up a picnic for lunch. The Little Cafe served up a decent coffee and we should have come here for food too as they had some delicious looking pies (very popular here), quiches and cakes.  We had already bought sandwiches though in a traditional bakery over the road. We took our picnic to Stanmore Bay. I had chicken and salad in a roll with a latte. Followed by half a Lamington, which is a commonly found in New Zealand.  It is a sponge cake in a square shape, dipped in to chocolate and then coconut. Oh look, another beautiful beach! We popped in to see Kath’s Mum again and she had prepared an afternoon tea for us.  I try so hard to resist cakes but this lot was all homemade and delicious!  At least I had done some walking earlier.In the evening we drove in to the centre of Auckland.  We were going up the Sky Tower, the tallest building in New Zealand.

I am not sure why I went up the Sky Tower because I hate heights.  I particularly hate glass bottomed lifts and this one made me feel quite peculiar.  I really couldn’t look through it.  Harvey had no such qualms.I made it to the top and immediately wanted to go back down but I managed to walk round once.
I certainly couldn’t go near the edge. I was happier hugging the central part of the tower and disliked Harvey standing on the edge which is so ridiculous because it is solid glass so he can’t fall out. Going at sunset was good timing as it was interesting to see the City lighting up as the sky darkened. Just when I thought it was ok to leave we stepped in to a lift that went even higher to the upper observation deck.  That really was enough for me so we had a very fast walk round that one and I didn’t go anywhere near the edge. Matt joined us for supper at The Food Truck Garage which is close to the Sky Tower.
The Food Truck is a popular programme on TV here.  The chef takes standard takeaway meals such as burgers and hot dogs, and creates very healthy versions of them.   Lager and Tamari nuts and seeds to share. Baked potato, swede and beetroot “chips”. Spinkin (spinach and pumpkin burger with sprouts) and herby slaw. It was really good quality and tasty food.  Excellent.

I can’t believe how much we packed in to today or how much cake I packed in to myself.  I am not trying to lose weight while I am on holiday but I do want to go home weighing the same as I did when I left.  The exercise was good today but I must eat less cake!