Onward To Auckland

Next destination on our agenda was Stony Bay Camping Grounds, waaaaaaaay up north.  Like an 8 hour drive up north.  We did plan to stop along the way at a beach or two, but they were crawling with tourists.  An unanimous vote kept us continuing on our way, without stopping.  

A certain point marks an unknown boundary of civilization.  Thinking we would stop at the next fast food restaurant we quickly learned there were none to be found!  Shock, dismay, starvation all set in!  

Hours of winding mountainous roads, up hill and down made us question our motives.  The end of the road came and went and on we traveled.  BUT when we arrived we wished we had booked more than one night.  Beautiful spot right on the water and a different ocean from Wellington.  As it was close to New Years there were a few parties of partiers, but hey who doesn't like a good time.

Nice!

Our lovely camping table.  Such professionals, top of the line are we!

This tree was awesome!!!  Duncan spent most of his time up in his nest.

Although it looks like the branch is sitting on the ground, it isn't, in fact there is a drop and so the ground is even further away.  In the picture above you can see Grahm standing on the tree, that is the spot of Duncan's nest.

You may notice Duncan is reading the "Book of Mormon".  Pres. Nelson challenged the women of the church to reread it from October to the end of the year.  The Young Men, Duncan being one of them, also decided to do the same.  With two days left he put in a few hours to accomplish the goal!  Amber, Lane and Guy also accomplished their goals by the deadline.

Happy New Year's in Auckland, where the celebration starts!!!!

Headed to the aquarium.  Highly recommended!  Huge colony of penguins, we had a hard time moving on.  People watching is a great past time, but penguin watching is even more fun! 

Check out the blue fish on the left!!  Love his snout!!

Shark Tank!!!  This is actually the first shark tunnel built in the world, really a circular tunnel that allows more than one pass.  I think we stopped at 5 or 6 times around.

Auckland is sitting on top of 50 volcanos, so of course he had to hike one or two!