waiheke island

Waiheke Island was a beautiful surprise.  I had heard it was lovely to visit and it was more than that.  it is a 30 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.  The island is home to some of New Zealand's worldclass wineries and some very beautifulmega-homes.  Here are some views of the ferry ride.

So once I landed I was going to walk around but then . Spotted a bike rental shop so decided to rent a bike.  Brave since I havent ridden a bike in years.  But the rental guide rassured me there were few cars but to ride on the right side,  or was that left?? Oh well I survive.

Arriving at the harbour

Check out this link for a few more photos of my day on the island.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/f4844qpgakde3nc/pScJXUpU43

A Canuck's perspective

1. Kiwis are very creative people and entrepreneurial and passionate about Rugby. 
2. The Maori language, culture is well a part of everyday life with many streets and buildings having both English and Maori names. Words I know so far

• Kia ora - hello.                                             Kia kaha- be strong
• Mana- personal presence or strength.   Wahine- woman
• Tane- man.                                                   Kui- food
• Moco- facial tattoo.                                    Haka - call to battle
• Phare- house.                                              Phanau- family

    3.  Women wear a lot of black and or grey, it is like the national fashion colour

    4.  Food is very expensive which is strange since the growing season is so long

    5.  Some foods are called something else

• Green pepper - capscicum.                    Eggplant- aubergine
• Zuccinni- courgette.                                Yam- kumura

  6.  Some words are spelt quite different like tyre and programme
  7.  They drive on the right, jaywalking is common place and not an offence
  8.  There is no tipping
  9.  Tatoos are very popular for both men and women, as are facial tatoos
 10. Topknots are a common hairstyle for men
 12. There are a lot of tall women and being 6'1" is not so unusul
 13. Les Mills is the best work out club