Hauraki Gulf Islands

We have spent the last two weekends exploring the Hauraki Gulf Islands as the warmer weather is arriving and we are entering the New Zealand summer. We took our bikes on the ferry over to Waiheke Island and cycled to several vineyards before enjoying a bottle of rose on the beach with our picnic. We hadn't quite realise how hilly the island was, but it seemed so much easier after lots of wine! The beautiful red pohutukawa trees were out in full bloom and are known locally as the 'New Zealand Christmas tree'.

Onetangi beach

G and his bike

Pohutukawa tree

Last weekend we climbed up Rangitoto Island with Jamie (an old school friend of Gareth's) and his wife Carrie. Rangitoto is the youngest of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, emerging from the sea around 700 years ago in a series of volcanic explosions. A very strange landscape of black lava fields and more red pohutukawa trees, with some great views back to the city from the top of the volcano.

Rangitoto Island

Lava field

City views

Hannah, Carrie and Jamie at the top

And to finish the weekend off, an evening BBQ in the garden....wasn't as warm as it looks!