No visit to New Zealand would be complete without a couple of nights in its capital Auckland. Located on a protected inlet, this magnificent city of contrasts is the perfect home base to explore the remote, yet close black sand beaches of Kerikeri as well as the Bay of Islands a few hours north.
Speaking of black sand beaches, every visit for me represents an opportunity for a pilgrimage to the filming site of Jane Champion’ Oscar winning movie “The Piano” with young Anna Paquin, Helen Hunt and Harvey Keitel. Just under an hours drive west of the city, this stretch of stunning lava sand beaches is nature pure with hardly any folks. A local couple with their dog aside, I was by myself for the afternoon I spent exploring and taking in the cleansing rush of wind and waves.
Back in the streets of Auckland, I chose to reach for the skies and brave my vertigo for a lovely dinner at Orbit 360 atop the Sky Tower. yes, it’s a tad touristy but the views and culinary experiences are well worth it – not to mention the value as the exchange rate from AUD to USD is 33% less.
The last morning, before our Delta Airlines Airbus 350 flight back to Los Angeles, I did some antique shopping around town and climbed Mount Eden with its Māori ruins of the first settlement of the area in 1300. Everywhere you turn, it’s green grass, white sheep, and friendly New Zealanders. In conclusion, this short but intense trip reminded me of the perfection this destination offers to visitors. Affordable, hospitable, and best of all, no dangerous critters to worry about. For anyone with fobia of spiders, snakes, scorpions, and other deadly creatures, New Zealand is your dream destination. All I am left with is the memories and positive thought of “Till we meet again…”
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