A promising start to the day on the drive in, no clouds on the hills, flight test passed, and a day of flying ahead. First up a flight through the Thames valley, into the Hauraki gulf, around the Eastern suburbs of Auckland, up the North shore coast, for a very turbulent touch & go at North Shore strip. Then back to the South to an aerodrome called “Ardmore”, which has the dubious pleasure of being New Zealand’s busiest uncontrolled airodrome. What a place… the aviation equivalent of the wild west. Another touch and go, then off South towards Hamilton, then diverting back to Tauranga.
Flight number two for the day took in Huntly in the West, and the Coramandel peninsula, then down the East Coast back to Tauranga passing Whitianga for a touch and go, looking in on Whangamata, a cruise ship, Pauanui, Waihi Beach and Athenree on the way. I might have glimpsed the house I have been staying in from above!
Glorious weather all day, spectacular views, what better way to end the trip. Unfortunately, skates on as I have to sort out the summer house, finally have that celebration with my brother, and drive to the West coast (ugh driving how slow) tomorrow.
Technical: 2.9 hrs dual, 2.3 hrs solo, cross-country.