Journey notes: Discovering Auckland – Photofocus

I’ve discovered myself going over outdated journey notes and photographs from current adventures, longing to return. One such journey we did was a month-long self-drive across the North Island of New Zealand. For me, it was a dream come true and such a tremendous journey. I assumed I’d share a few of the highlights with you.

First off, we discovered it very straightforward to get a automotive and self-drive our manner round New Zealand. It allowed us to hold extra gear, cease the place we needed and spend as a lot time as we wished in every location. We additionally had no lodging booked other than our first night time once we flew in. Our whole journey was pushed till we needed to cease, and keep so long as needed, when it obtained to about 3 p.m., we determined how a lot additional we’d drive that day after which discover lodging for the night time. We by no means went with out a place to sleep, though typically what we obtained was surprising. We stayed in 2-star and 5-star lodging and steadily for a similar worth! It actually was an journey.

Auckland

We flew from Australia into Auckland, obtained our automotive, discovered our resort after which hit the bottom working. There are a lot of notable issues to discover in Auckland, however as we had been right here earlier than we didn’t spend a lot time revisiting too many aged areas, however there are a couple of of observe we did on this journey.

Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill

So named for the lone tree that used to take a seat on high however was eliminated for public security, there now sits a monument. It’s a very steep and lengthy climb. It’s filled with canine walkers and walkers, however has such a beautiful view on a transparent morning. A pleasant wide-angle will acquire some beautiful scenic pictures should you can catch your breath after the climb.

Piha Seashore

Piha Seashore and Lion’s Head Rock are fairly well-known spots in New Zealand, the backdrop to many motion pictures and TV collection, from “The Piano” to “800 Phrases” and plenty of extra. It’s about 40 km from Auckland, so fairly a drive. We did it on a sizzling Sunday! So foolish, it was so busy. Took ages to search out a carpark and there have been so many individuals. A number of folks attempting to be taught to surf as effectively. Too many individuals to soundly surf, I’m positive.

It is a black sand seaside and very sizzling to stroll on. Actually, if you wish to take a look at Piha Seashore do NOT go on a weekend or Public vacation. There’s restricted parking accessible and I’m unsure you may get there with out a automotive. I simply used an ordinary 28-75mm lens at each seashores. It was manner too sizzling to face in black sand and do lengthy exposures. Did get some fairly reflections and surfers only for enjoyable.

Bethells Seashore

We then drove to Bethells Seashore, which is simply 7 km from Piha because the crow flies, however takes 45 minutes by automotive! Not fairly as busy, however nonetheless a great deal of folks out having fun with this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Additionally a extremely popular black sand seaside, which is product of iron and silica, within the North Island. The black sands come from volcanic rocks and dominate the 750 km of shoreline between Taranaki and Cape Rēinga within the far north. Auckland’s black sands are mined and smelted into iron.

To be sincere, we weren’t fairly positive what all of the fuss was about. Bethells Seashore was not fairly as scenic as Piha. It’s a LONG stroll from the automotive park to the water over VERY sizzling sand. Many individuals would cease partway within the creek to chill off their toes — canines included. There’s a good spot for teenagers to play and there’s a Life Guard Station right here. We discovered a beautiful cafe and cooled off with a drink earlier than heading off once more.

Area Winter Gardens

Again in Auckland is the Area Winter Gardens, so lovely, with the greenhouses, fabulous hothouse flowers, lotus and bumble bees! We don’t have bumble bees again dwelling and I’m fascinated with them. Take a macro lens to those gardens, between all of the flowers and bumble bees, you may be busy. You may want a 50mm to even 28mm -70mm for some scenic pictures, it’s a really fairly space.

Suggestions:

• There are different points of interest to go to in and round Auckland, Rangitoto Island, Auckland Zoo, Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour, Karekare Rainforest, and Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life, Journey Park, Howick Historic Village simply to call a couple of.
• In case your time in Auckland is proscribed, take into consideration reserving a guided day tour around Auckland itself (We did that on our first go to a number of years in the past).
• Hit the vacationer spots, have enjoyable and discover, in every single place you look is a feast for the eyes.
• Don’t overlook the galleries and museums, the gardens, and the parks. The Harbour could be very fairly too.