And one ring to bind them...

Friday just gone Amanda and I celebrated two anniversaries – five years together and 18 months in New Zealand. Obviously, such a momentous occasion demanded some proper celebrations.

We agreed to go away for the weekend and I was tasked with organising. Amanda was expecting a weekend exploring somewhere new; but I had other plans!

To celebrate the unique nature of this double celebration I wanted us to spend some time close to our two favourite places; our new home, Auckland, and one of our favourite places in NZ; the West Coast (of Auckland).

Despite, being less than an hour from the Auckland CBD and 30 minutes from the outer suburbs (but technically still part of Auckland) you would never know there is a city of 1.5 million the other side of the Waitakeres. Black sand beaches, pounding surf and walks through rainforest, this truly is one of our favourite places.

You can read about our past visits to this wonderful place here and here and here.

Our accommodation for the weekend was a “bach” halfway between home and Piha, the most accessible and developed towns of the West Coast. The reason for booking however, was the "million dollar views" the property afforded of Auckland.

Amanda was a little peeved when we turned off the motorway and headed into the suburbs, rather than continue North. However, when we entered the property and were greeted by Auckland all lit up, she was speechless.

The bach was actually one half of our hosts home - not that we saw or heard them once after our arrival. All the mod cons, including a wonderfully warm heat pump and fully stocked kitchen.

While the view at night rendered Amanda speechless, the sunrise the next morning had her dragging me out of bed - and thankfully so. Probably the most amazing sunrise I have ever seen. Check out the photos!

The amazing sunrise set the scene for the day - the weather was beautiful, another really warm blue dome day - you would not believe it was the middle of winter.

Perfect weather in fact for Amanda's next surprise. A quick brekky then off to Piha.

I had told Amanda that there was a special event that happens every year in Piha, one week after the Winter Solstice - and we had to be there for 11am sharp in order not to miss it.

Not only that, but to get the best view we had to scale Lion's Rock. A little bemused and baffled we ascended - "but, where is everyone else Rich?". "I'm not sure, I replied, I just know it happens at 11 sharp and is supposed to be amazing".

Five to eleven and still no sign of anything happening, so Amanda wanders over to the other side of the rock. Perfect timing as it happens, as it allows our friends to arrive, and start writing in the sand unobserved...

Keeping an eye on them; and Amanda occupied, I waited until they had finished, before letting Amanda know that the 'event' was starting.....

The green dot is where we were standing

She said, 'Yes' :0)