Busy time in Auckland in February, more exhibitions,  more visits to museums, more cinemas and a super bonus, we go back to Napier for the Art Deco Festival. A completely different experience this time, we are going in (good) company in a beautiful period villa. We had a fabulous time getting ready for it, finding the right outfits in op shops, and during the festivities.

Auckland - Feb 22

Celebrations are in order, New Year Eve, and Ian's special birthday treat is a long weekend in a posh hotel in Auckland. We danced all night  at a Latin American party on New Year Eve. We celebrated Ian's birthday in style,  had a fabulous meal in the Sky Tower and a late evening at the Casino (first for Ian!). Highlights of the month, horse racing at Ellerslie, party in the park in Helensville, Mary Quant exhibition, cycling around and going to the cinema every Tuesday. And shopping, shopping, shopping,  doing the sales!

Auckland - Jan 22

Finally out of lockdown and the Hauraki Gulf is getting busy with Christmas around the corner. We've spend the festive season in Auckland, the big smoke this year. Close to shops, museums, restaurants, galleries and cinemas, we had a ball!  We're on piles in the Tamaki River, near Panmure. Plenty of buses and trains from there to take us to town or any other place we fancy. Restrictions are still around so no massive concerts or gatherings but we manage to make it fun. As for Christmas day, we went native and had a BBQ on the beach  like the locals.

Auckland - Dec 21

Time is whizzing by, still in lockdown, but we have not have time to get bored. We do stuff on the boat in the morning and a walk in the afternoon. For a bit of a rest, and to get some protection from the unpredictable wind, we spend some time in Rangitoto Island. Islington Bay gives us access to Rangitoto, MotuTapu is out of bound. Both islands are much bigger than Motuihe, we have more scope to stretch our legs and the volcanic scenery makes a nice change.

Motuihe - Oct 21

Rangitoto - Oct 21

During lockdown, we split our time between Motuihe and Waiheke island. Waiheke is the place where we can go food shopping. The anchorage is sufficiently protected and not so far from the supermarket, so we can walk there. Perfect. We get into a kind of routine, plenty walks on both islands and as I need to get my hands and mind in gear, I start making my Christmas decorations.

Motuihe - Sept 21

Waiheke - Sept 21

Spring has sprung, time to leave Marsden Cove. The plan is to go down to the Hauraki Gulf, stopping at all the islands we have not visited so far and then stop in the Tamaki River, near Auckland. I am ready to spend a bit of time in town. Dreaming to go to the cinema, museums and galleries as well as ambling in some Auckland's gorgeous neighbourhoods. Did not quite turn out this way. By the time we reach Rangitoto Island, a new lockdown is in place. We are allowed to stay out in the gulf, and we have the most fabulous time on  deserted islands. Our favourite, Motuihe is so full of birds and native flora, and plenty of walks to explore.

Marsden Cove - Aug 21

Mahurangi - Aug 21

Motuihe - Aug 21

Winter is back with a vengeance but we are making the most of it. Marsden Cove has truly become home from home and we find ways to entertain ourselves. Plenty of beach walks, a bit of dogs and house sitting  , visit to Sheep World and a day horseracing at Ruakaka. We make it fun and slumming it in the nice beach house with our brace of dogs is definitely the highlight.

Marsden Cove - July 21