After our first day out in Takapuna, we decided to stay an extra night at the AirBnB we had set up.

Along with us, there was a young couple staying there who were also traveling and they recommended seeing the West coast of the North Island – specifically, a town called Piha.

To get there, we drove some of the windiest and twistiest roads, I’ve ever seen. Yet again, like the rain coming down hard on pedestrians, none of it seemed to faze resident New Zealanders. They took the turns as fluidly as if they were on skateboards, while I stuttered my way around the corners like a rigid pole, tense that one false move would put us in the ditch.

For all the hairpins, the payoff was worth it:

Tons of kelp was washed up on the sand, and kids were tugging it back and forth, having fun. So, I thought I’d join in:

There are also a ton of walking trails in New Zealand. They’re everywhere. The main benefit of these trails, as I see it, is that the only danger you face on them is your own klutziness. There are are no bears, snakes, spiders, werewolves or other creature to think about while you brush through leaves and trees.

Unhindered from mauling beast and insect, it’s easy to meditate on your surroundings, which are insanely picturesque:

We’re still on the road, making our way up and down the North Island. Next stop Whangarei (home to nature sanctuaries, and scuba).

WiFi is getting a bit spottier, so I’ll be in touch when we can.

– Marc