The Northern Island, NZ

Our third day, we headed about 3 hours north with El Heap to upper New Zealand, which is covered in lush forest and lined with sandy beaches.  It was only about 68 degrees outside, so it was a bit chilly for swimming, but it was perfect for sea kayaking.  We rented a little kayak and took it out to explore some islands in the bay.  We were completely alone on the islands, so it was pretty hilarious watching Eric meticulously perch the camera on a bit of driftwood, set the timer, and race back to the kayak so that we could get some photos together.  On the way back to the mainland, I may or may not have accidentally on purpose splashed Eric a few times with my oar.

After returning our kayak, we took El Heap exploring.  We drove to the summit of a nearby mountain overlooking the valley below and the sea beyond.  We passed more sheep (with lambs, too!), and we found a beautiful waterfall.  I took my chances as a left-hand-driver, and I may or may not have swiped my passenger-side rearview mirror on a narrow one-way bridge, and Eric may or may not have screamed like a little girl from the passenger seat and cried that he was fearing for his life.  Hypothetically speaking, of course, it was a good thing we fully insured El Heap.

We stopped and toured a chocolatier, and came away with some phenomenal chocolate covered raspberries, strawberries, and apricots.  Eventually, however, it got dark and we headed back to the city, snacking on our treats and rocking out to Eric's iPod.  It was a fabulous day!