This morning we were reminded what it was like to have a killer hangover, and after swearing never to drink again we packed up the van and left the hostel.
We drove up to one of Auckland’s more famous volcanos Mount Eden (Maungawhau). It is Auckland’s highest cone at 196 metres, and the views from the crater rim across the city were amazing.
The symmetrical crater, which is 50 metres deep is highly sacred to the Maori, and it is prohibited to enter. We, however, admired the view from the comfort of the van.
We next visited One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), which was once the key Maori Pa and the greatest fortress in the country.
We parked in the lower car park and walked the rest of the way up to the 182 metre summit, listening to all of the baby lambs in the adjoining fields.
At the top we enjoyed the amazing 360 degree views, and saw for ourselves the ‘one tree stump’, evidence that there was once one tree on this hill.
After taking in the views we walked back to the van and went for lunch near the airport. Eventually doing the inevitable and driving Tracy to the airport for the final farewell.
We parked up and went through to check in with her, making sure everything was okay before leaving.
When it came to saying goodbye at the departure gate Nicola and Tracy were balling…yes, believe it or not neither could speak!
As we left the airport it was a sad time, it felt like we were leaving her behind. All signs were that the flight would be on time, so fingers crossed she has a safe trip back to the UK.
The drive to Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula was a quiet one, and when we arrived at the campsite we had a chilled and relaxed evening back in the van.
So, what can we say Tracy…thank you for coming and sharing 3 weeks of our round the world journey! The time has flown by, the picture count has ticked up by a couple of thousand…we have laughed, cried, argued (well it had to happen really didn’t it!), and hugged. A truly memorable trip for you we hope, and some fears conquered…we still can’t believe you did the zorbing!! Take care little sis.x
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