Piha, great place for day walks

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Missing our massive days of walking in Europe, and excited about the warmer weather in Auckland a day walk in Piha was a fabulous idea. 

October is spring - so it rained, was sunny and windy all within minutes on a constant cycle. 

First up we took the KiteKite track to a lovely wee waterfall. We were impressed with both the track itself and the number of people walking it. The Piha end of the Waitakari's is popular with a range of day walks and entry to tramping tracks. 

Some of our walk was wide & flat like the pic above. Some was clambering down to the river or crossing on rocks so good variety. 
The waterfall was pretty cool. 

Next we walked along the beach. It's not as expansive as Muriwai Beach but similar characteristically with looming cliffs at one end, massive waves and many rocks for fishing off. The wind and waves definitely like on the rescue show so we could see how people might be swept away. 
The rocks Imogen is standing on are very cool. You can see the difference in the waves above and below - rough then calm, then rough again etc. 

A little under 10km walk in total which we ended with a Nice Block (vegan, gluten free). Imogen is pretty keen to explore other tracks at the Piha end of the Waitakari's in preparation for our upcoming Abel Tasman walk. 

We did like how close the Western bays are to the city - beautiful bush and coastal outlook. Can see how it might be traffic hell at peak times with narrow roads and 50km speed limits in many parts (that should be 100km).

In addition to this great day in Piha we have had some fab meals this Auckland weekend. Here are a few below. First up OMG yummy Lemongrass and Coconut gluten free muffin and surprisingly good long black at Bolaven Mt Eden. 

Next The Fed where I had their bacon hock hash and Steve had these amazing looking glutinous blueberry filled hot cakes with caramelised hazelnuts and praline. Great tip from Grant was order coffee from The Depot next door - The Fed has filter coffee as part of their diner charm. 

Last photo is from Fort St Union a cute rooftop bar frequented by younger people than us (without Imogen we were kinda old). We enjoyed a jug of sangria with gluten free pizza and a devine feta/sundried tomato/rocket salad.

Loads of other great meals all Gluten Free with great vegan options - Monday Wholefoods in Kingsland, Foxtrot Parlour at Ponsonby Central and Johny Mango smoothie bar at St Luke's to name a few. 

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