Auckland, Week One

We made it! Another move, another 'new home', another country. It has all gone relatively smoothly. We arrived in our new place after a long day of traveling, and instantly felt good about it. The couple whose house we are renting greeted us with a glass of wine, a cozy fire burning, and a full dinner they made for us. The house is roomy (4 bedrooms - visitors welcome!) and very comfortable. It even has a pool - fun for when the weather warms up. The community is very family friendly with great walking paths and a play centre near by. The town of St. Heliers is beautifully situated on the beach and though small and quaint, has almost everything we will need on a day to day basis.

K, S, and the Peach in front of our new digs at 16 Evesham Avenue, Glendowie

Millspoons on the beach in St. Heliers

In addition to getting oriented in the area, registering/insuring our car (used 1998 Subaru wagon previously owned by our friends Matt and Rach when they were here last year), buying Georgie furniture, stocking the fridge, setting up a back account, etc. etc. , we squeezed in some time over the first week to do a couple of day trips - one to Matakana to experience their Saturday market. Great food, great vibe, lovely place. We also took a small car ferry to Waiheke Island - a small island 45 minutes (by boat) from Auckland. A neat spot that is a good mix of richie richie and hippie-ville. We visited 3 great wineries and enjoyed some beautiful coastal drives here.

At Mudbrick winery on Waiheke Island

Cheers to the land of some great Pinots