Here are some facts and numbers we gathered throughout our honeymoon. No… we’re no mathematician but it’s fun when numbers come into play. Terence carries a little black book and diligently jots down every single detail!

• 12,000 feet was the height we sky dived. Equivalent to about 500-600 double storey houses stacked on top of each other
• 1,324 was the number of kilometres we traveled in the north island
• 2,129 was the number of kilometres we traveled in south island
• 720 was the amount we spent on petrol
• 500 was the approximate number of dolphins we saw swimming at sea
• 328 metres was the height we stood overlooking Auckland’s city scape
• 89 was the number of road kills we saw along the way
• 48 was the number of ventilation holes on my Crocs sending chilling winds to my feet
• 43 metres is the height of Terence’s bungy jump from Kawarau Bridge
• 10 was the number of kilometres we canoed down the Wanganui River
• 6 was the packets of Grain Waves we ate whilst on the journey
• 5 was the number of times we cooked meals instead of eat out
• 4 was the number of rainbows we saw at Milford Sound
• 1 was the One God that journeyed wits us throughout making it an incredible holiday
• 0 was the temperature when snow started falling

No regrets, all smiles – it has been a thoroughly enjoyable honeymoon. Looking back it’s amazing how 2 ½ weeks went by so quickly. Time ticked to our favor and the weather has been kind to us. It is our privilege to have weaved through a land of such incredible glory that meets the eye. We have through our eyes seen a greater glimpse of the work of His hands and the greatness of His might. That as He spoke, the earth was made and as He spoke the earth was filled.

Those hair rising – spine tingling activities were a blast! Every penny spent is worth the while and we’ve got stories, pictures and videos to tell of those very seconds or minutes. But the honeymoon was made complete with the love of my life. We’ve have delved deeper into the life and soul of each other. And what can I say?! It’s only the very tip of the beginning into another chapter of life’s long story.

Saving the last of our activities on sea, we chose to do a bit of sailing on our second last day here in NZ. Auckland known as the ‘City of Sails’ is well recognized as the busiest harbor in this part of the region. With many tiny islands scattered east and west, Auckland is a homeground for water lovers.

We set sail on an actual America’s Cup yacht complete with helms, grinders, wheels, enormous sails and a boisterous looking body. For many of us who are not well versed with water competitions, the America Cup is apparently the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy in the sailing milieu. And having a ride on this ‘baby’ is an unforgettable experience.

The giant mast

The Auckland Harbour or known as Waitemata Harbour to the locals is calm and glistening. The unruffled waters make it ideal for sailing. As our yacht set off, some of us got hands on into releasing the sails, grinding to maneuver the sails and directing the yacht. Looking graceful and sturdy at sea, we learn that sailing is not easy as it looks. The grinding took a lot of effort and energy with our feet planted on the ground forcing to balance on an almost sheer vertical platform as the yacht tilts to about 90 degrees.

Heading out into the sea

Figure-8 hitch

I was given the opportunity to steer the yacht

Part of the grinding crew

Two hours at sea on this amazing machine, we passed volcanoes, beach side mansions, cruise boats, the Auckland bridge and got ourselves drenched in a bit of rain! Ahhhh… the last of our adrenaline activities as we head back on land for some shopping.

Auckland from ashore

Taking our only mode of transport Bus No.11, we jollied along to Victoria Market name dubbed by the famous Melbourne weekend market. Hoping to get some good grabs and bargains we were much disappointed that most of the stalls were carried Petaling Street goods. Nothing echoed New Zealand or natively Australasia. Trudging to Queen St where over 3000 stores stood side by side, we weaved through heaps of college students, lunch goers and pre occupied office people. As my eyes narrowed into the umpteen stores, instinctively I turned to Terence and said “Ok, it’s time for some serious shopping”. Pushing aside my subconscious mind that tells me every time I say I want to shop, I almost exit empty handed. I guess I’m more of an impromptu shopper. Thankfully Terence caught a bargain sitting on the shelves of one the largest outdoor stores – Bivolouc. He found me a pair of Northface that only costs NZ$80! It’s now mine of course!

Victoria Market – don’t be fooled by its Melbourne counterpart

Some knick knacks

An hour and a half into our shopping spree, we now have combed through many shops, bought decoratives for our home and gifts for family and friends. Hauling all of that and a few empty boxes for packaging our last stop was the Maritime Musuem. With replicas of majestic fleets, stories of ship wrecks and sea crusaders we floated into a time capsule of oceanus chronicles.

One of the earlier days speed boat

Custom Terence

This used to be the fastest boat in the 1900s

Us together at Maritime Museum. Very insightful and educational

Rolling into bed that night was bitter sweet as our honeymoon is ticking to an end. Tomorrow will be an early morning to grab another mouth watering NZ breakfast before heading to the airport.

Our goodies! Spot my new Northface shoes