Day 1 - Auckland and North

We're here in New Zealand, after a long but well serviced flight. My two bags weren't overweight, and arrived intact, thus reducing my stress level (maybe had something to do with a certain airline with the initials AC not being the carrier). We arrived in Auckland at 4:30 am. Keith suggested that since I had driven on the left side of the road before I should start off in the driver seat of the rental car. The 'before' was over 30 years ago when I lived in London and a friend let me drive his little sports car in roundabouts. Despite little recollection, I was up for the challenge and drove from Auckland to Pahia - 5.5 hours. Like every tourist, I forgot to look right once - close call but we made it unscathed. Lots of hairpin curves and rolling hills, unlike our prairie straightaways. We took a few breaks to dip our toes in the warm, bubbly surf and walk in the silky, talc like sand. Oh how I missed the ocean. Wonderful long beaches and rocky islands not unlike Thailand - not quite as magnificent - but still amazing. We drank 'Flat White' coffee, less foamy and milky than a latte and ate fish and chips for lunch. People are friendly. It looks alot like Sydney by the Sea. We have a sweet B & B overlooking an estuary (where some Maori were paddling Wakas or large wooden canoes earlier) and rolling hills, run by a nice couple from The Netherlands who have been here for 6 years, leaving a hectic work life behind. I asked one of them what the funny trees that look like a combination Christmasand palm tree were called. He smiled and said 'Canadian Pine'.