DreamTrip

          Day362
THE BIG DAY!!
Waking up at 06:30, we packed the final stuff, ate some Vegi toast, and before we knew it, it was time to leave! Waiting for Perry to arrive and say a final goodbye, we waved goodbye at McLaren Vale at 09:00, and Hilda and Christalle drove us to the Adelaide airport. Checking in, we walked through Customs, ate some Rice, then at 10:55 boarded the plane. 
11:35 Airbourne! Playing some games, and watching episodes, the time flew by!
Landed.
15:26/17:56 New Zealand Time. Landed. From 31degrees to 24degrees. After passing through security check and being asked to open our luggages due to some items, we immediately bought a Spark Simcard ($35 for just 1.25gigs and cheapest for data we could find!), then walked out to meet the driver at 19:30 to take us at the planned host family, Sid. Receiving a message advising us that his brother died, we were advised we were unable to stay at his house. Great start! Quickly walking to the Tourist Info, the only available room he could provide was. $236. Calling several hostels but all fully booked, it was now 20:30, and time ticking with no place to sleep. Finally finding a double room in Parnell for just $56, we found a Shuttle Bus available ($43) and 6mins later we were off. Fuel unleaded... $1.899! Very expensive! Arriving at the hostel by 21:34, we checked in our room, were provided basic information about the area, had a chat with a Kiwi guy and a woman from Chile, then went out to explore the area. Walking around Parnell Road (the main street), we passed by many different culture restaurants and pubs, then headed back to the hostel at around 23:30 and went to sleep .
         Day363
Aotearoa - Maori name for NZ. Literal translation meaning "land of the long white cloud".

Waking up at 10:00, we walked around Parnell, then walked to the City Centre. Stopping by Countdown (Kiwi Woolworths) for some crisps, we then bought a frozen lime pine from McDonalds for $1 (no longer called Maccas!), and walked along Queen Street. Finding everything still expensive compared to their wages, we came across Burger King (goodbye Hungry Jacks!) and walked towards the Info Point at the iconic SkyTower. 
Also stopping at Britomart Station to get info about transport in Auckland (Hop Card costs $10 and get 20% off all rides), we stopped by the Tai Ping Asian Supermarket on our way back to the hostel, finally finding the groceries cheap. Cooking Spaghetti with Lamb in Carbonara around 17:50, we chilled indoors, took a look at some brochures, and called a guy to enquire about a Subaru car. 
21:15 Took a stroll around Parnell, making use of the Spark free wifi spots to kill some time and look for cars and started to get to know the surroundings and what to see

          Day364
Waking up at 07:45, we walked 15minutes towards Quay Street, caught the bus 769 at 08:51 ($5/p) and stopped at St. Heliers at 09:05. Meeting up with a guy to view a Subaru Grand Wagon, after haggling a price down to $2300 from $2650, we followed our gut feeling and declined the car. Sitting down infront of the Spark Wifi and spent an hour looking for cars, we started walking towards Parnell at noon instead of catching the bus. Seeing a group of people helping an injured juvenile brown backed gull, we spent more than two hours just walking to Parnell, around 10kms. Passing through Kohimara Bay, Mission Bay, and Okahu Bay, we crossed the bridge onto Quay Street, ate Domino's x2 pizzas for $9, a quick Slush from McDonalds x2 pine lime for ($2), then stopped at Countdown. Buying some pasta and sauces, we continued our way to the Asian Store, then finally arriving at the hostel at 15:15. Paying a week's rent, and sorting out some things, we accidentally slept from 17:00 till 19:00 (guess we are suffering from jet lag!) woke up and watched The Good Dinosaur, then went around the block to make use of the free wifi to look for cars.
          Day365
A year later...

A lovely 28degrees day, with no grey clouds! Leaving the hostel by 10:40 after some bfast toast, we walked to the centre to visit banks to open a bank account. Having KiwiBank, ASB, Westpac, and BNZ requesting proof of address either from purchasing a car, letter of employment, utility bill, GP or from the IRD, we knew we were going to have a problem. Finally finding ANZ which accepted the hostel proof of address and set up a meeting for Monday 15th Feb. 
Quickly stopping at Burger King for Passionfruit and Sour Apple Slush ($2), we made our way to the hostel, stopping by Countdown along the way. Trying the ANZ branch in Parnell for a closer meeting date, we set one up for this Friday (12th Feb). 
14:30 Cooking Fusilli with Beef in Tomato Sauce, we chilled in the hostel till 18:30, then went to Fraser Park to meet up with Mikel (Spanish) and Karen (Canadian) to view a Toyota Estima 1998. Having a foldable bed into a sofa, and a kitchen sink and working table, we liked the car after a quick spin, and decided to take it to a mechanic tomorrow although advised us it was $3500 fixed. Meeting another guy just 5mins after, Mark (Danish), we viewed his Toyota Estima Lucida 1993, however even though it had a bed and basic equipment, it looked in very bad condition for the asking price of $3100! Sitting down next to the Free Wifi Spot, we continued looking for other cars, requesting pics and looking for local mechanics, looking for jobs and debating whether we buy the van, or be more patient and look for others!

          Day366
Waking up at 09:30, we felt that finally we beat the jetlag! Making some toast for bfast, we continued looking for more cars, and in the meantime declined Mark, and advised Mikel that $3500 was above expectation as we came across cheaper cars, with similar set up and less kms. Messaging back that we could agree on a price, we told him we were going to take a look at another car, and to decide later. Debating whether we should buy a van from a local, but not sure where to build the frame, we went around town and asked two mechanics how much a Pre Purchase Inspection would cost. VTNZ confirmed $140 for a full, and Marcus Motors requested $150.
12:20 Walking uphill (very steep!) to get to Symonds Str., we caught Route 328 at 12:46 ($5 each) and stopped at Onehunga Station around 30mins later. Meeting Tom and viewing their Toyota Estima, it was quite a sad state, even for $2600. Deciding to pass after taking it for a spin, we were about to message Mikel to agree in taking his Estima, but at the same time messaged us to tell us he sold his car. 
Disappointedly walking to the bus stop, we caught the 328 at 14:25, and once we got down from the bus, we searched for more vans. Not feeling too rushed as we have time to look for a decent one, around 16:30 we went back to the hostel, and cooked Fusilli with Beef in Passata, then after relaxing went to Countdown and continued searching more cars and jobs.
          Day367
Waking up at 07:45, we started making our way on a steep uphill towards Grafton, 2km away from the hostel. Having to meet up with Hendrick originally, we met up with his friend instead who was helping him sell his car whilst Hendrick flew to Australia. Looking at the Honda Odyssey, it was to our liking, however no records if the timing belt was changed recently, and last recorded was almost 100,000kms ago, we decided not to risk it and passed. Quickly making our way back to Parnell, we visited the bank for the appointment, set up our bank account, online banking and cards, then waited for Gian with his Odyssey to view the car. Telling us he was going to arrive late, we passed on the viewing as it was already expensive and knew the timing belt had to be changed shortly too. 
13:10 Making Fusilli with Passata and Minced Meat, we had another viewing at 16:00, and another at 17:00. Departing at 15:30, we walked passed the Auckland Campus and onto Grafton, and met up with Belgium Arno and his Australian partner Elle. Taking a liking to the Toyota Lucida, we were debating whether we take it to a mechanic for a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Knowing it was Saturday, and probably before mid-week we would not manage to book the car in, we also knew that for the kms the car had, condition and comfortability, the car would not remain for sale with the following viewing. Balancing between the decisions, at 16:47 we agreed to buy it for $3200, and waited for the owners to take their stuff out. Being proud owners of the van, we drove back to the hostel happy, showing off with the open moonroof and a huge smile on our faces.
19:30 Making our way to Silo Park, we stopped by Countdown and bought x6 Boundary Brew Golden Lager ($12) and crisps, passed along the Ports of Auckland, and arrived just in time for ET screening at the park. Initially came to meet up with Eusebius (Singapore), a guy we met on Couchsurfing, we watched all the film, met up and said a few words, then at 23:30 made our way back to the hostel, wondering what awaits on our next adventure!
          Day368
A good egg toast for breakfast, we walked to Britomart, and walked around the Downtown Shopping Centre, having a look at The Warehouse. Finally finding some cheap stuff, we enjoyed a nice walk along the Pier, Quay Str, in the 28degrees weather.
Cooking some Penne with Minced Meat and Spinage and Herbs, we then spent some time clearing the van, and washing some stuff.
17:30 Opening the sunroof and moonroof, we hit off to Devonport, 18kms away. Stopping by Hauraki first, and viewing George Gair Lookout (a view of the nearby Islands), we parked at Devonport, and walked along the King Edward Parade along the shore. Relaxing in the nice breeze and with the view of Auckland, we then walked up along the cafes and bars in Victoria Road. Walking in New World, we bought some bangers and mash for $3 along with other stuff, then at 21:15 made our way back to the hostel and munch on some food.

          Day369
Egg toast, and made our way to Onehunga with the car. Stopping by Britomart first to buy a reduced $10 jack first, we stopped by SuperCheap Auto and bought a Wheel Brace for $12.74. Taking a look at Cash Convertors, we then drove to Royal Oak and walked in Pak N Save, a huge warehouse selling cheap food and millions of other items! Walking out with just $7.21 worth of shopping (would have spent all the Visa there!), we drove back to the hostel, and at 16:15 started cooking some Penne and Lasagne with Passata and Minced Meat. Cleaning the car's kitchenette, and placing some stuff, we then arranged the curtains by sewing them properly and neatly, put the bedding, organised the boxes, and tidied it up, finishing exactly by sunset, and spending the remaining time browsing and sorting some personal stuff.
          Day370
After bfast, we drove to Newmarket to register the car on ourselves. Having a fright that the said numberplate was a different car model, we got worried we walked into a trap and had to face the police, however we had only mispelled the letters on the papers, and it was all good to go! $9 Admin Fee, we then visited the Newmarket Library to print out the IRD Forms. Having some issues and queries, we decided to go over the counter at Takapuna. Requiring photocopies of certain documents, we went to the Library to get these done (20c per copy), then IRD advised us they required a statement from the bank. Quickly getting this from ANZ, we submitted the forms, and then drove back to the hostel.
16:30 Cooking Fettucine with Ox Kidneys, we chilled abit indoors, then visited Countdown and bought x12 New Zealand Lager ($15.99) and some snacks, and spent a night in the room relaxed listening to some music.
          Day371
Morning toast, and Fettucine with Egg and Beef for lunch, we filled the time by searching online of places not to miss and where to head next. Around 15:00, we headed towards St. Heliers Ladies Bay Beach - Achilles Point. A gorgeous viewpoint on top of a hill, overlooking many islands, we drove towards Glen Innes - Pak N Save. The cheap warehouse with many items for sale, we browsed the aisles relax, learning the prices and which items are better to buy from where. 
20:40 Buying crisps from Countdown, we spent the evening relaxed, snacking and drinking New Zealand Beer and watching 'Number 23'.
          Day372
07:30 Taking the car to Midas for a full service, at 10:00 had bfast, then waited for the car to collect around noon. Waiting for the rain to stop, we collected it with no big issues at all (Pajero would have emptied our pockets by now already!), and drove to Otahuhu. Looking at Savebarn and Noel Leeming for coolers and cookers, after being stuck in traffic, we arrived at Karangahape Road, known as K-Road. Stopping by Backpackers World for second hand items finding nothing to our use and no free parking to browse the shops, we headed back to the hostel. Rain not stopping for a second today, we cooked Penne with Tomato Sauce and Beef, then sat down in the room, watching and looking up places, before we went to bed.
          Day373
After making some bfast, and waiting for the heavy rain to stop, we walked to K-Road to view the shops. A busy street with retro cafes, and vintage clothing, we enjoyed a stroll around, then stopped at Torpedo7 to view some cookers. 
Already 13:30, we walked back to the hostel, made some Penne in Tomato Sauce and Bacon, then after the heavy rain calmed down once again, went shop hopping to different shops with the car. Stopping by Torpedo7 to buy an $80 cooker, Bunnings for a $39.95 2kg Gas Cyclinder, Mitre10, Jaycar, and The Warehouse. Still couldn't find a cheap cooler, we attempted second hand ones over the internet, then after continuing some research, watched a movie and eating crisps.
          Day374
Spending a morning looking at the world map and talking with Linnea (Swedish) and Alex (Syrian), we drove to Mount Eden Volcanic Crater (Maungawhau) around 12:15 and set walking to the summit. Spending just 35mins but a nice scenic 2.3km walk with return, we drove back to the hostel, now drizzling from the earlier beautiful 25degrees blazing sun.
Making Fusilli with Tomato Sauce and Bacon, we sat chilled in the room, organising the stuff, and watching some episodes and at 20:00 departed. Walking uphill towards Auckland Domain, we attended the Lantern Festival - an event to celebrate the Chinese New Year, Year of the Monkey. Beautiful lights and lanterns adorned the place, on grass, on water and falling from the trees. Watching a magic show, and hearing traditional live Chinese music being played, we walked around in the peaceful and atmospherical place. Buying a half watermelon filled with ice-cream for $6, and Pad Thai for $6, we stayed till the end.Parnell Rise
22:45 Departed. 3minutes away from the hostel, walking the steep uphill of Parnell Rise, we suddenly saw a guy tripping and rolling, landing straight on his face. Checking if he was alright, he had his face covered in blood, and streaming downhill. Not sure what to do, we asked his permission to call the ambulance, and kept talking to him to make sure he was still conscious. Having a german guy stop aswell, Kirsten quickly went to the hostel to get a cloth to stop the pressure, and the police came. Advising us it was a busy day for the hospital (Friday evening), another two police cars stopped, all waiting for the ambulance. Staying till the end, and learning his name Colin Allcock, 55years old, finally 50minutes later and more blood lost, St.Johns came, and after assisting him they thanked us and told us that not many people nowadays assist and help. Feeling quite sad about that fact, now midnight, we walked back to the hostel, pleased of the simple good deed which might have saved this man's life.
          Day375
Walking down to Britomart, we stopped by Countdown, later by the Warehouse, and bought a Slush from Burger King. Back at the hostel, we realised a pair of shoes Leon bought was infact two different sizes. Driving this time to the Warehouse to get both shoes the correct size, we chilled indoors till 16:00 and departed to Avondale to take a look at a second hand cooler. Buying the very good conditioned AutoFX powered cooler for $55, we cooked Tagliatelle with Tomato Sauce and Bacon later at the hostel.
Spending the evening outside with a few people drinking Oranjeboom Dutch Beer, at 23:00 we decided to all go to town and hit some bars. Having a couple of bars declining us as most of us did not have or passports with us (need passports to get in clubs - ID not acceptable), we got in to Sixth Sense, and spent a good time dancing and drinking $4 Tui Beer.
Midnight - Happy Birthday Kirsten! Staying at this bar till past 01:00, we then went to the Wharf and hit another bar till 02:00, with then most of us hitting back to the hostel after a good night out!
          Day376
Departing the hostel at 09:30, we set on a 38km drive to Karekare, West side of Auckland into the Waitākere Ranges. Arriving at 10:28, we first walked 850m return to Karekare Waterfalls, then at 2.24km on Pohutukawa Glade Road to Whatipu Beach, lovely black sand and view of Paratahi Island, surrounded by grassy hills. 3.08km Climbed a very steep hill through Kauri trees and millions of crickets - Zion Hill Track to get to a lookout (4.36km). Just a bench on a hilltop, overlooking the beach and hills, well worth the tiring walk! 6km in total.
12:45 Departed to Piha. 10mins later stopped at a Lookout, overlooking the Beach and Lion's Rock. Driving onto KiteKite Falls Carpark, the bbq was not working, so we tried looking for another. To no luck, we stopped at North Piha Beach, and pulled out the table and burner instead. Cooking Vienna Garlic Bread, Lamb Chops, bacon and sausages, at 15:10 we walked onto the North Piha Beach with its black sand, then departed. 15:38 Stopped by Lion Rock (Whakaari), and climbed up to view the beach right beneath, Taitomo Island and the Gap! Driving to the carpark, we then walked 2kms each way to take a dip in the KiteKite waterfalls through both Kitekite Track and Knutzen Track. Freezing! Also refreshing!
18:24 Left Piha back to the hostel. Stopping by Pak N Save in Mount Albert, we then parked the car at the hostel, and went to Parnell Road to make use of the free wifi and enjoy the fireworks for the Chinese New Year!
          Day377
Slowly packing stuff into the car, we spent a good morning and early afternoon taking the clothes to the laundry and hoping they get done. Also spending a few hours trying to find a free parking next to the hostel (we first parked in an hour limit, then two hours), we cooked Tagliatelle with Lamb Fry and Eggs, then finally around 15:45 we managed to find a spot to park the car in front of the hostel. 
16:10 Departed towards the Princes Wharf, we had our Freddy's Ice House tickets ready, were given gloves and a jacket, and walked into the -7 degrees ice bar at 16:50. Drinking Ice Queen cocktail for free in a glass completely made out of ice, everything around us was made of ice. The bar, the stools, the table and the table hockey! 50minutes later and after doing the tradition of smashing your cocktail glass, we walked out smiling after experiencing something new. Stopping by Burger King for a soft serve, then Countdown but giving up due to the long queues, we walked back to the hostel, and continued packing and placing the stuff in the car to get ready for our new adventure tomorrow!