riving drenched, but in one piece,
Sara and I briefly took in the views at
Cathedral Cove before I retrieved my
bags from her car, we bid adieu, and
I retreated to the warmth and dryness
of my hostel.
As the weather maintained its vi-
cious temperamentality, I stayed
another day in Hahei alternating be-
tween quick trips to explore the coast-
line and hiding inside with a hot drink.
I can imagine that in the summer or
whenever clear weather is available
the area would be magnificent; how-
ever the weather played a big part in
me finding the area uneventful.
The following day the sun decided
to show its face occasionally, so I be-
gan my last ride; around the peninsu-
la and up to Auckland.
While the roads were still wet and
slippery, I can imagine that on a day
with dry pavement this could be an
exhilarating ride up and down hills
with an almost never-ending array of
twists and turns. The fun does come
to an abrupt end though as you run
headfirst into the highway to cruise
straight up the last stretch to Auck-
land.
On my way back to my family
friends house, I did make one last de-
tour and stop in Maneurewa to swing
by and get a photo with my Grandma’s
old house where my mum grew up.
Back when she was growing up
here this would have been called a
blue-collar neighborhood, hardwork-
ing people who were proud of their
homes and maintained them while
contributing to an active vibrant com-
munity. Now, not so much.
Grandma's old house is thankfully a
shining light in a sea of derelict struc-
tures - Peeling paint, unmowed lawns,
and barbed wire fences seems to be
the new standard for Maneurewa.
Seeing a downturn in the area since
my last visit pushing two decades ago
put a damper on the short visit, it is al-
ways incredible to go somewhere you
can feel a connection with someone
you have lost.
Back in Auckland there was one
main task; packing up Robin for her
cruise to Brisbane.
As I rolled up to the depot a couple
hundred kilometers under 10,000 for
TRAVERSE 36
the two-month adventure I reflected on
all the brilliant people I’d met from all
over the world, and on how much stun-
ning scenery can be packed into such a
small country.
While I tried to reach as many places
as I could, there was so much more to
be seen and so much more to be done,
and I couldn’t help but ponder on the
possibility of taking advantage of my
citizenship to come stay for an extend-
ed period.
But for now?
All thoughts go to Australia and be-
yond ... CE
New Zealand's South Island, the second leg
of Colby Ellis' round the world adventure is a
land of wonderment, a land that can't help but
make you happy.
Colby seems to have found that happiness
and shares the joy with others for nothing
more than a smile and a simple suggestion;
"Better Starts Here". Colby's full Happiness
Diaries adventures can be found at -
www.milesforminds.net or on Instagram at -
@Vancolby_