Auckland (3 days)

Around noon, we landed in Auckland after a 10-hour flight and were already expected at the airport by a friend of my aunt, with whom we will spend the first three days in New Zealand or Auckland. After dropping off our luggage at her place, meeting her family, and admiring the view from the living room, we took a short walk along the coast with her and her dog. First impression: impressive! This impression was strengthened the next day as well. We strolled through Devonport (a district of Auckland), drove to a beautiful viewpoint, and then crossed over to the city center by ferry, which was very hilly! The marina there was definitely the highlight for me. The last day in Auckland clearly topped everything, whether this day can still be topped on the whole trip, we will see. Around 9:30 am, we tested the family's new boat, sailed on the water in front of downtown Auckland, and who would have thought, we saw some dolphins that even swam with us, an incredible feeling! Then we went to Rangitoto Island, had a short lunch break at home, before driving to Muriwai around 2 pm and taking a walk on the black beach, where we watched nesting gannets, that was also very impressive!

Tomorrow we will pick up our companion for the next 34 days, our car, and our so-called 'road trip' will really begin. We will drive north tomorrow and head to Russell!