van wyk journeys 
+24, sunny light winds
On to south of Auckland via Muriwai Beach, a quick stop at Beesonline (okay they are now closed, so lunch in the car instead as there is no MacDonald’s close by), and then onto Piha Beach to close the interesting part of the drive.
Muriwai Beach gannet colony (birds with 6-foot wingspans) was interesting to find as the directional signs disappeared at the critical corner but on the upside, we saw some expensive real estate with billion-dollar views along the way. Doubling back, we found an overlook that gave up views of a black sand surfers beach with the gannet colony looking on from above (not really, they were too busy feeding babies). Finding the parking lot from above we parked and made our way to the viewing points above the colony, besides the noise it really did stink.
On the other hand, it was the baby season and while I can’t say the babies were cute it was an eye-opening experience of new life coming into existence. The dance that unfolded between mates was interesting with typical macho males dancing up a storm for the females. Although I am not sure why they were doing that now given the egg was laid and ready to hatch.
The views from this point were amazing but I am sure without walking the distance the water was umm pretty cold.
On to Piha beach. The drive to this beach was interesting to say the least. Expectations were that the 14-km drive was “easy” evaporated with driving on expressways and through suburbs of Auckland with expensive houses.
We arrive at Piha beach after some more serious winding roads (guess I should stop talking about the roads as they are the norm here). Another amazing beach, the water is rough and signs all around advise of rip tides and staying out of the water. Thank goodness, a good excuse not to go into the cold water. Just to confirm we have set our feet and calves into both the Pacific ocean and the Tasman sea and can reliably say it is cold water on both sides of the country.
Back on the road and on to our motel in Auckland, on the outskirts, so we can get moving early Saturday.