10 days in Tonga

It was hard to believe that the first half of the semester had past when the Spring Break started on 6th of September. Our group of 12 people decided to go to Tonga for ten days, hoping that the weather would be sunnier than in New Zealand. The flight to Tonga took 3 hours and the cost was back and forth around 290 euros, which was totally an acceptable price. In Tonga we had a nice beach house with a private beach for 20 euros per night per person.

In general, Tonga seemed to be a very authentic pacific island group, and so far it is not spoiled by the tourists. If you want to party and have a luxurious holiday, don't select Tonga - go to Fiji for example.

Tonga is one of the easternmost places on earth

What? A tasty chicken salad and a glass of Mud House PN was included in our economy ticket. Thank you Air New Zealand!

A view from our beach house

Our beach during the high tide

Enjoying the sound of the ocean around the fire at midnight

Rene's surprise birthday party!

Ha'amonga 'a Maui trilithon, built at the beginning of 13th century

The fresh water cave, a place where you could swim in the darkness with bats

A view from Hufangalupe land bridge

The water is rising up to 18 meters from the blow holes!

*****

Over night trip to Eua

After experiencing all the main lookouts and places of the main island, Ryan and I decided to go to Eua, which is located 50 km to south east from the main island. Eua is more tropical and and montainous than the flat main island, so we thought it should provide some nice hiking opportunities. Tenting on the shore was memorable, you could only hear the smashing waves and singing parrots.

Boat trip to Eua took 3 hours and cost 10 euros

At the highest point (300m) we faced pines!

The sunrise at east shore of Eua

A view to east from the cliff at 300 meters altitude

The Rat Cave

*****

It's Sunday and it is time for a brunch!

Last dinner at local street kitchen 

Leaving back at 3 am on Tuesday 16th of September

Mangorewa Track

"This route is passable only when the river level is low and is suitable only for experienced trampers wearing tramping boots. Take extreme care as the rocks are slippery, and there are numerous deep potholes to avoid."

This is a quote we found from internet after doing a 10 km hike which took us up to 5 hours to finish. Tramping boots would have been definitely nice to wear since the rivers rocks were super slippery. Luckily nothing happened and we were safe back home on Sunday evening. However the driving back home became more interesting when we almost run out of fuel.

During the day we learned three things:

• Don't forget your lighter or matches to the car, or cooking the lunch gets challenging.
• Canon EF 50mm F1.8 is not enough for flaming fire from the sun rays, at least on August in NZ. We'll make another try on summertime when the sun is pointing out from a better angle!
• While driving a car, follow the fuel gauge - it might descend unexpectedly. All of the gas stations in NZ are not open 24/7 and the next gas station might be far away from you.

Smoke without fire. It was a nice try though.

The lunch turner into a dinner after finishing the hike.  Next time we won't forget the matches!

Waitakere and Piha Beach

Last weekend we made a day trip to west where we saw the beautiful Waitakere hiking route and Piha Beach. In the end we were 32 people driving with 4 rental cars!

For preventing the Kauri trees dieback, shoes must be disinfected

A view to Auckland

Lunch break after the hike

 *****

The Piha Beach

Lion Rock

A cappuccino at Piha Café