Every minute I spend with my sister is one to treasure

NOW HERE'S THE PART WHERE I'M SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU HOW AWESOME WAIHEKE ISLAND IS - 

So let me profess my love publicly for its care-free beauty and how the archipelago can cheer up anybody. For the most part it *was* awesomely splendorous but the sun disappeared from us frequently behind twisty, dark clouds. Nevertheless, we weren't going to allow that to stop our fun; no way sirree! I had some more paradisey plans but as it kept alternating between warm and cool, it was not to be. Waiheke had committed a weather foul with the sunshine being stupidly selfish; we didn't really want to engage with drizzle. 

I'd imagined having Amy in the same hemisphere as me for so long that it was special just to be back together again .. it doesn't matter what we're doing really. It's even better when we can spend it on one of the PRETTIER islands in Auckland. I'd sort of thought the day star would be glowing down all day as it did at the beginning and we'd put on pretty, blue dresses for impressing.

WAIHEKE IS AS CLOSE TO PERFECTION AS ISLANDS COME - 

As we exited the ferry, the sea was scintillating and the surroundings exotic. Everything was immaculate bar the sand! Photos will legit have your Snap and Insta blowing up. It was a 20 minute stroll to Oneroa - the Village by the sea, past wild flowers and tweetie birds warbling blithely, with it feeling like you're inside a screensaver. We perused the sculptures at Alison Park, a former rubbish tip, filled to the brim with native trees, looking over the valley. 

The main beach on the isle is the golden sanded, Oneroa Beach, sheltered water in Hauraki Gulf. Boy, can seagulls clear a beach! When we sat to eat our lunch, they were instantly on the attack. NO gate crashing seagull is worth this unwelcome interruption; they have no business treating holiday makers this way! We spent time: rounding up paua shell fragments while chilling like professional beach bunnies, paddling and being smarter than the ocean by avoiding the mighty waves and a soaking, casting out wishes on shell 'rings' because it's a Rianne and Amy thing and we are odd ducks and swinging on the park swings right on the beachfront as you're obliged to do.

GELATO HATH CHANGED ME - 

I only have compliments for the cherry and macadamia nut serving from The Island Gelato Company; it was a blessing to taste its creamy consistency. 'Without gelato, there would be darkness and chaos' - is a sentiment emblazoned on the staff tees and I concur wholeheartedly. Amy's the sweetest to put up with my nonsense for our Boomerang fails as we 'Cheers'-ed with our cups of gelato. 

As it is customary to do, Amy and I purchased a piece of jewellery for one another in the form of a bone carving necklace. Amy chose a purple whale tail and I, a teal infinity symbol. We went on to look at some art pieces of outstanding craftsmanship with prices to match. Then rode the bus to Onetangi beach (one I hadn't visited last time as it was a 10km distance from Oneroa and I didn't fancy walking it).

A GORGEOUS SPECIMEN OF  A BEACH - 

Onetangi is a Maori name that means 'weeping sands'. The beach is a serenely picturesque expanse of 1.87 kms, made for me; the sun came out and we basked in its warmth. It enhanced my mood but decreased my energy so it was lovely to do nothing but just be happy! Amy shell-hunted some more while I rested by a dune before we both dipped in the sea as it shimmered like it was dripping with thousands of diamonds. We didn't get to see dolphins on the coast and as it became too breezy late in the afternoon to sit outside on the top deck of the ferry, we tucked ourselves away on the lower deck. 

We had a cheery evening in Darcy's company at Ain't No Taco, a spot I chose for its yumminess, not knowing that Amy hates the majority of Mexican cuisine. Luckily, there was an item on the menu that took her fancy and she loved her selection of kaarage chicken mini tacos. I like this place as you can select fresh ingredients for a super-size bowl of taco salad treats. 

SISTER OUTINGS ARE SUCH FUN! - 

We were on the other side of earth from Mama Montigue on her birthday but celebrating early on her behalf. We thought of her all day long, hoping that all her dreams come true before long. First on the agenda, was popping into Gallagher Bassett for morning tea so the crew could meet ma soeur and I was able to say a last farewell to the work friends I have grown so, SO fond of. Amy was able to see the banter between us and how highly thought of I was on the team. We were fed with donuts and I showed her round the office. 

Not long after, the little ladies took the short ferry over to Devonport - the greatest, colonial suburb and its stately villas. Torpedo Bay was our secluded spot for lunch and the sun decided to cooperate, beaming down semi-warm rays for which we were grateful. It blows my mind that this is the beeeeeeeautiful location we find ourselves in as we spent our Friday in a BIG, happiness bubble. Amy was almost mauled by a barbaric birdie on the warpath and 'big' sister had to step in to shoo it away. Forgive us, if we're not thrilled to be driven up the wall by these wretched, winged warriors!

I WILL GLADLY LEAVE MY HEART IN THIS LAND - 

Crazy Boomerang clips were of course recorded by us on the beach; you think us strange? WE ARE :D We laughed with our entire faces as we lived life off the leash! In fact, we're still laughing about this day and how we were being silly billies as I embarrassed Amy and MYSELF with the faces I was pulling. Apparently, I'm not sane enough to take a normal photograph cos that's too boring. 

The Navy Museum is a salute to the Royal New Zealand Navy with artefacts showcasing the history of New Zealand involvement in WW1's sea war. Amy adeptly used Morse code to signal a message by light which was decoded by a Navy veteran so she must have been successful in her mission. It's cool that it is housed in a 19th Century torpedo station with many naval resources and displays. 

IT'S ALL AN ADVENTURE THAT COMES WITH A BREATHTAKING VIEW - 

Next was our visitation to North Head Army Barracks where the coastal defense would have taken shelter from the 'feared Russian invasion' during WW1 and WW2, over one of Auckland's oldest, volcanic cones. This was positioned strategically over the shipping channel. The views were not much to look at (!!!) in this magical kingdom as the sun broke forth through clouds over Cheltenham beach below us. 

We explored the loop of self-guided barracks along rocky ledges of military tunnels, gun emplacements and fortifications all over the grassy hill, historical reserve. It's easy for me to get a little screwy in dark, confined souls which may be sissy behaviour but I was on edge and freaking myself out and that happens to me too much. Had a nose around the shops and then scoped out Devonport Chocolates, the gourmet store of alarmingly, overpriced goodness. Our dark choc shot was spectacular 'sauce' with a glossy, smooth texture. However, the cheapest items we could purchase were milk and dark chocolate frogs and tokens and I mean this in a very nice way... these were a sad, non-special excuse for plain, moulded choccie. 

I DON'T MEAN TO BRAG BUT WE HAVE REAAAALLLYYYY GOOD TASTE IN WHAT'S YUMMY - 

Dining in Elliott Stables, many restaurants in uno posh food court causing a debacle of choice is always an inspired decision. Both of us had Cajun from Bonz Cajun Kitchen, I have a crush on the culinary invention of jamabalaya and Amy's plate of chicken sliders and curly fries also merits a cheer. Pudding was another stunning treat from the team at Miann. The exquisite Illanka gateaux was the friend I've never had and the dessert artiste has my glowing regards. Our day rounded out video chatting with the birthday Mum overseas, the connection may have been bad but the main thing was that we could communicate at an hour on her actual birthday. 

On our final evening in Auckland, my completely wonderful Felicias and I had a lovely, intimate get together at the Keyes, allowing me to say goodbye to friends who'd accepted me for all my weirdness. I didn't want to leave this city EVER :( I'm especially going to miss my babes as I had a lot of happy memories with all these wonderful women. It makes me a little misty even now as I met angels in Auckland that my life is not the same without. 

Here's to our great adventure!

REUNITED WITH MY ANGEL OF A SISTER - 

The Keyes have become like family to me and I am full of gratitude for their hospitality, allowing me to stay at their home several nights and for their help running my last minute errands. I'd sorted my finances at the bank, grocery shopped, checked into the apartment block Amy and I would be staying in for our week in Auckland and done a load of laundry. Before Amy's arrival, I went out to New Flavour for one final Chinese shabang with my 'Broth' homies - Jason, Josh, Milika and Andrew. 

I could not contain my excitement any longer to get the best sister ever here. I'd tracked her flights intermittently throughout the day and made her a sappy 'WELCOME TO NZ, BEST SISTER EVER!!' sign too. My life really has been incomplete without Amy; she's the Batman to my Robin and sweetest person worldwide. I got to the airport early as I didn't want to miss her coming through, plonking myself front and centre on the seats at Arrivals so she'd see me straight away. Ready to succour her, having worried that she'd have had an awful ordeal on her voyage over. 

AWWWWW, I LOVE HER SOOOOOO MUCH - 

There were no tears only big, beaming smiles when I saw my beautiful, baby sister walk out and to my relief she didn't look too exhausted. How she managed to look like a Disney princess after over 24 hours travelling, I'll never know! We hugged and our reunion continued with rejoiceful jabbering. We contacted the family to let them know she'd got to Auckland safely. 

My buttercup managed to suck it up and be strong throughout the flights as she'd been able to sleep off and on. We got the Skybus back into the city but had missed one by a couple of mins, so had to wait another half an hour until 12.15am. Neither of us turned into pumpkins! That night we stayed up chatting, snacking and watching a Netflix show I'd downloaded until 2am. I don't know what source of energy was fuelling Amy to last so long! 

MAN, I LOVE THIS LIFE! - 

Amy did well to not sleep in too long as I'd wrongly presumed she'd need 10 hours or more. I left her for 40 minutes to get ready while I went to shop for a few more food items. Mt Eden is the 2nd extinct volcano (Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh our initial) Amy and I have commandeered as a duo. I gave obsessive commentary that she didn't need; she was awed with the majesty of the scenery and the sacred crater. The freakish wind was hard to endure upon the summit but it was funny to us. A picnic with my all time favourite person had me legit thinking we'd blow off the bank as the gusts persisted. Amy must have looked like a local on day one, as she was asked for directions while I powdered my nose. 

Bussing into the city centre, we bonded more after 11 months apart. Had a sneaky peek in Tiffany's, Amy was worried they'd throw the likes of us peasants out! The yellow diamonds collection was displayed, the most regal and elegant of jewellery; it all looked very schmancy #wishIwasRICH! Giapo, esteemed artisanal gelateria, made Amy's acquaintance and Kiss Kiss was the best ice cream she's ever had in life - and that's a direct quote. There's no secret that there was an instant attraction 'tween my scoop of Afghan cookies and I. A guy from the travel company, Peter Pan called us 'sister goals!' 

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THIS COUNTRY TAKES NO CAJOLING - 

Window shopped in souvenir stores, Pinocchio-ing that we'd be back to make a substantial purchase! Then onto the Art Gallery to escape the gruelling rain; Amy likes art coz she is smart and understands their statements to the world. I also took her to Aotea Square, the heart of the city of Auckland; thank gosh we didn't have our fanciest outfits on in such weather. As we'd ticked off all places to visit on my first day in speedy time, we returned to our base for a rester. Fed our bellies that evening on an upsized value meal at Wendy's of crispy chicken mayo burgers, fries and a fizzy drink. This was by no means our favourite food but the Monty monsters had to eat up. 

It's raining, it's pouring, some old man is snoring!! But we'll be darned if we let the stupid rain destroy our dream hols. My socks were drenched through and no kid likes a soggy sock! I still wanted to take Amy down to one of my favourite parts of AKL - the waterfront to show her Queens Wharf and the Cloud (which look more like a glorified caterpillar or worm). Taking picture stops of Amy with Auckland attractions like The Light House which is utterly aware of its own cheery absurdity and Silo Park which is not usually this fun in drizzle. 

NEW ZEALAND CAME INTO THIS WORLD PRETTY PERFECT - 

My heart was gladdened to show Amy all the sites I love but I'm not sure she was loving my tour guide commentary detailing, 'this was my local Indian takeaway', 'this is where I did all my food shopping' or 'That's the hospital I was admitted to.' As she's a sweetie heart, she smiled and nodded politely all the same. I hoped she could see how I felt life more than I ever felt it before in this country. 

For a mini pre-lunch, we started our day the right way with No 1 Pancakes as they are quite the pancake makers! Both being sweet-toothed, we each favoured the non-savoury rarities; Amy went for the dark chocolate oozy centre and I, the cinnamon sugar filling. They're to DROOL for!! We ate in Chancery Square by the fountain. 

MISSION BAY, WHERE THE PRETTY PEOPLE PLAY - 

We were living our best life at the Bay before midday while the sun popped out from its hiding spot amidst crowds. I appreciate it making an appearance when it was supposed to be a showery Wednesday at the seaside suburb. Taking it in turns to paddle in the cool temps of West Bastion Reef as we'd have been insane not to at this calming seashore. I didn't know that Mission Bay got its name from the Melanesian Mission established by Anglican Bishop Selwyn in the 1840s or that there was once a Flying School in operation there, many of whom served as pilots in WW1. 

Spent some time picnicking, pigeon/seagull chasing and scrawling Mum a 'Happy Birthday' message in the sand, being our typical, super daughter selves. After a short gander around the town cut short at the bloody sight of a poor possum, dead as a dodo :( we took to Movenpick for a zesty invigoration. My lemon and lime ice cream lit my tongue on icy fire. 

I CAN'T STOP SMILING EVERY MINUTE I'M IN MY SISTER'S PRESENCE - 

Got our skates on to Auckland Domain, the largest park in the city and also considered by myself as my 75 hectare back garden. A goose hissed at us twice in a dramatic fashion which made us reluctant to pass him and his buddy by. It was exceedingly frightening as I imagined we were going to watch its head explode in territorial FURY; it could have been much worse. In giving Amy a peek into my personal life in these parts, I showed*my* spot in the domain - the duck pond, where I liked to introspectively contemplate on one of the benches.

At this point it began to rain, which had not been the case 5 minutes before so we sheltered in the Winter Gardens and our noses were struck with sugary, nectar perfume from tropical foliage and gorgeous blooms of les fleurs. We especially appreciated the pink daisies and I was impressed by the bulbous pod on the Cacoa tree. Also hid in tree roots, swung by the museum and tssked disrespectful kiddies climbing the War memorial fountain before traipsing through muddy grass to enter the village of Parnell. 

I'VE ALWAYS FELT A KINSHIP WITH CHOCOLATE - 

In Parnell, Auckland's most affluent and oldest suburb, Amy was concerned that we shouldn't have been inside the wooden, Gothic St Mary's Cathedral as we were having a look around during choir practice. They were warming up their vocal chords singing a numeric scale of 1-10 operatically and it sounded angelic. This cathedral has 18 panels 'of vividly coloured Pacific motifs' which tell the Christian story and depict the creation. The great window at the rear of the building is said to be the largest expanse of stained glass in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Later that evening, Amy and I met up with Darcy at Chocolate Boutique Café and it was a good job we'd arrived slightly before Darcy as it took an age for us to choose from the many delicious menu choices. I was not game to test out the Bubble gum flavoured hot chocolate special, instead drinking Black Forest hot chocolate; I'd jump off a cliff for this drink! Amy and I shared Chocolate Indulgence - there was SO much chocolate involved. I pride myself on eating chocotastic dishes and CB excelled themselves yet again! Everything on the plate wrapped me up in chocolatey love; if only it made you skinny! Amy and Darcy were comfortable in each others company and we shared lotsa giggles :) I vow to be a little more heart healthy after this holiday.