Yesterday we started in Auckland and kayaked 3 miles to Rangitoto island, which was created when an underwater volcano erupted 600 years ago. Here is a view from the top (it was a 4 hour hike), where there were also great views of the city and the expanse of the Pacific ocean. The entire island is volcanic rock, and is now mostly covered in vegetation. Sketches from the 1800s show it almost entirely barren. You can see the profile of the city in the background of the picture that focuses on the rocks.
So far we've seen surprisingly few Americans. We roomed with a German, a Belgian, a French person and a Canadian so far. Lodging has been in 5 or 6 bed hostel rooms, and we've been eating mostly Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese food, which has been most accessible.
We are now up north in Paihia, and stopped at the Whangarei Falls on the drive up (26 meters tall). Scuba training begins in the morning!
good luck with the scuba-ing!
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