Outside the Gates of Eden?

But Waiheke Island of all that land

For those who truly understand.

Apologies to Rupert Brooke - but Waiheke is a rather wonderful place.  It is the only island of the many in the bay of Auckland we have visited but I'm sure we're right.

We first went there 13 years ago.  Old friends, Rosie and Colin have a son in NZ and so bought a bach on the island. Baches are holiday homes which can begin life as little more than a beach hut but can evolve.  Like all NZ homes.  Our friends had bought their batch just before our first visit: we even played a small part in it's embryology.

Here are Eleanor and I, in 2005, working while Colin (on right) supervises and discusses with a friend the problem of getting decent labourers. 

Now it is an elegant but comfortable house and we were very happy to sit outside in the shade where we talked, ate and drank.  And I forgot to take any pictures so here are more from our first visit.

It still looks much the same except that what, 13 years ago, was a hippy-ish, just about getting along, place has become a bijou magnet for the wealthy with posh shops and eateries.  Property prices have gone up enormously.

Another couple, Rob and Sue, joined us for a very convivial afternoon.  After they left we realised it was Rob who had offered to sell us a house on our previous trip.  It was well built with, if I remember correctly, three bedrooms, all mod cons, big hot tub in the 3/4 acre garden.  The Pacific Ocean lapped about 50 yards down the road.  About £180K.  We chose St Werburghs, but, ....

(Serendipity alert: The title was from Bob Dylan or maybe the bible but it turns out that Auckland was named for George Eden, Earl of Auckland.  Funny old world.)