Goat Island

Our friend Kira had told us about Goat Island after her visit out here a few years back. She told us all about how pretty it was, the clear blue sea and the glass bottomed boat tours and how you could go kayaking or snorkelling and feed the fish from your hand. It all sounded very nice, so when we came out here in June 2006 we thought we'd stop for a look. Unfortunately there was a big storm that day so it wasn't at it's best to say the least:


Still, that was in the middle of the Southern hemisphere Winter, so that wasn't altogether surprising. Knowing that Dad and Gill were coming out here on their round-the-world trip shortly after we arrived this time, we suggested that we meet up with them. They were staying just outside Matakana, about an hour North of Auckland and just down the road from Goat Island, so we thought we could all go for a little visit there. However the weather had different ideas, and despite it being Summer this time, you'd have a hard time telling the difference:


So instead we scurried off to Matakana and had yummy food in the patisserie there- highly recommended. At least it was warmer this time though as you can tell by my shorts.


The next day we went to the Matakana farmer's market which was very good- all sorts of lovely produce and a little band playing. Sadly though the rain was still tipping down so we jumped in the cars and headed back to Auckland and a nice cup of tea at Dillan's.

Maybe we'll try another trip up there sometime- third time lucky perhaps?