Day 56 - Khandalla Hills to Island Bay

 29 February 

Happy leap year!! Especially those born this date and have a birthday once every four years!

Our descent from near the top of Mt Kaukau was shrouded in mist. You had to be careful on wet pine tree roots that you were sure footed. 

We zig zagged our way through the city streets taking in the sights. A rest break and snack at the Beehive. People holding placards to protest something unclear … still.

The waterfront was a hive of activity. A dragon boat festival was being readied. People on the move. Walking, jogging, cycling, scootering, skateboarding, tuk-tukying (if it’s said this way).

We closed in on Island Bay. Here we celebrated the completion of walking the length of the North Island of New Zealand. I finished the walk wearing the shoes that left Cape Reinga all that time ago. If my shoes were a person they would have loved this sentimental touch. Good on them. Good on us! It hasn’t always been the easiest, but our appreciation and learning has grown with each day.

Bring on the South Island!

Trevor (A lifelong friend of Mr Hampton’s)and Diana collected us from the beach and took us to their home in Te Kainga (an elevated site over 200 metres above sea level)! Stunning views and wonderful hospitality! The pics say it all.

You can just make out the harbour below.

That’s not a treehut. It’s someone’s garage for off road parking.

Weld Street. One of the steepest in Wellington. 

Snack break with a view.

The cake tin. Sky Stadium.

Graveyard near Victoria University.

Not quite sure what this building was about…

Time in a Lego store is always a great time!

Island Bay.

The same shoes finished that started.

View from the home of Trevor and Diana.