It’s only Wednesday in North America but it’s Thursday in New Zealand, thanks to the international date line, so whether it’s day 3 or day 4 of the trip is a matter of opinion. Air New Zealand Flight Number 1, coming from London and and New York, got me and all me gear to Auckland on time yesterday. After a day of preparations and recuperation in the Viaduct Harbour neighborhood of the capitol city, we got an early start this morning for the flight up to Kerikeri. One of the country’s most northern airports, the small strip sits among the rolling hills above blue inlets and small harbors. This is an area better known for great kayaking and good beaches, but tomorrow I’ll do the hike out to Cape Brett if weather permits. The hike is about 20 kilometers one way, most people either stay overnight at the Department of Conservation hut, or boat out and hike back. We’ll see how the weather goes, it’s been stormy enough up here the airport has been closed the past two days. The weather was decent today, and the glimpse of blue water and green hills from the air made me want to hit the trail. Next: The Cape Brett Trail.