So sorry but my human is so busy with our “moving overseas” thing that she hardly has any time to help me do blog stuff and I’m finding it really hard to keep up with visiting my friends at the moment – so please forgive me if I don’t manage to comment much in the next few weeks!
I’ve got lots of things I wanted to post about from ages ago which have been sitting in a queue but I keep having so many new adventures that I’ve had to tell you about those first and so my catch-up list keeps getting longer and longer! 
But now that we are leaving NZ, my human thinks we should quickly tell you about all these things before we leave – as I’m sure I will have even more adventures to post about after we move to Australia! So I hope you won’t mind me bombarding you with posts about “old stuff” for the next week or so (whenever my human can get time away from all the packing and “moving overseas” stuff!)
OK – so I wanted to tell you about a lovely walk I did on St Heliers Bay beach back in July. My human, Hsin-Yi, says that we are very lucky because Auckland is a “harbour city” right next to the sea and so there are many “inner-city beaches” that we can get to in 10mins with the car machine, to enjoy.
Enjoying the sunshine on Tamaki Drive
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In fact, there is a beautiful long road called Tamaki Drive which follows the side of the sea and there is a row of “waterfront suburbs” along this road which all have beautiful beaches.
Tamaki Drive
Lots of humans like to walk, jog or cycle along Tamaki Drive and it’s REALLY busy on Sunday mornings! 
(Hsin-Yi says: I think this is one of the most beautiful city drives in the world, with the sparkling blue sea dotted with yachts on one side, and on the other side – the pohutukawa trees (aka. the ”NZ Christmas Rose”) with their bright red blossoms fringing the road and the sleeping volcano, Rangitoto Island, looming on the horizon…
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Rangitoto Island
You can get lovely views of Waitemata Harbour, from anywhere along Tamaki Drive and also beautiful views back to the ‘City of Sails’ with the Sky Tower dominating the skyline…
Our favourite, of course, is Mission Bay where there is a beautiful fountain and park and lots of people sit at the cafes out on the street and it feels like you are on holiday all the time!
(Mission Bay has more young humans living there and is more “trendy and happening”, with lots of bars, restaurants, cafes and an art-deco cinema)
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Mmm - my special treat!
I love the beach at Mission Bay and often meet my friends there (check out my post: “A Walk with Chobe & Breakfast at Mission Bay“)
- and sometimes, after our walk, my humans will take me to the ice-cream shop to get me a special treat!
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But all the other beaches along Tamaki Drive are also really beautiful. Kohimarama is smaller & narrower and lots of people who live in the waterfront suburbs like to walk their dogs there but we don’t go as often ‘coz Hsin-Yi doesn’t like the way some of the other dogs (or their irresponsible owners!) behave and she says lots of uncontrolled, aroused dogs in a small space is just asking for trouble…
We learnt this the hard way because when I was younger, she used to take me to a dog park called Madills Farm where lots of humans like to stand around and gossip and just let the dogs play around them, instead of walking them…and while I was playing nicely with a Border Collie pup, a Husky-Shepherd-cross suddenly arrived at the park and ran up to me and tore a strip out of my shoulder! 
And his owner wasn’t even sorry – he just laughed and said proudly, “Look at that! Going for the biggest dog in the park!”
I was bleeding very badly and my humans had to rush me to the vet for stitches. I still have the scar – ouch! That was one of the ‘bad experiences’ which started me getting grumpy with strange dogs…and Hsin-Yi has had to work very hard with clicker training and “re-conditioning” to get me friendly with strange dogs again.
So now, Hsin-Yi avoids taking me any place where people just want to gossip and be lazy and hope their dogs will exercise themselves - unless the dogs all know each other really well and (more importantly!), the owners are all sensible and responsible and have good control over their dogs – because even best friends can have an argument sometimes or accidentally hurt each other during play and of course, us doggies argue with our teeth! And if you have a pack of dogs together all highly aroused, then what started as a little argument can quickly turn into a nasty dog fight!
So the best thing is to always keep moving when out walking – this is much more natural for us doggies anyway and we get to see & smell more things and the exercise is better for our health and our humans’ health! Even if people want to socialise with a group of friends, they should keep moving because a group of dogs walking together is usually a happy, peaceful pack.
Oops! Sorry for that long story! Anyway, back to the beaches: after Kohimarama is St Heliers Bay beach which is bigger and quieter, so we like it better. St Heliers Bay also has some nice cafes and shops but it has more older humans (who are not working anymore) living there and feels a bit different to Mission Bay.
Me at St Heliers Bay beach
When we arrived that day, it was very exciting because some killer whales had just been passing by that morning, hunting sting rays for food in the sea, and now there were hundreds of birds coming to check out the “leftovers’!
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A lot of the half-eaten sting rays had washed up onto the beach…
They smelled deliciously fishy but actually tasted quite leathery and not very nice at all! 
So I left them alone and contined my nice walk along the beach…
…until I found a stick!
Oh! But then a black spaniel came out of nowhere and tried to steal the stick from me!
But I won – ha! ha! 
We had a nice play together, though, because Hsin-Yi is always very strict about teaching me to share my toys with other doggies. Then some more doggies arrived to join the fun!
Hmm...if you lost a lot of weight, you might look like my friends, Cookie & Cinnamon!
The sun was setting as we started walking back to the car machine but there was time for just one more picture! 
I didn’t know then but that was actually the last time I could enjoy the beaches on Tamaki Drive! 
See, usually dogs are only allowed on the “inner-city beaches” in the winter months (from Easter until end October) and even then only before 10am or after 4pm…so in winter, my humans usually take me to Mission Bay and the other Tamaki Drive beaches a lot for my daily walks.
But this year, just shortly after this lovely walk in July, a terrible thing happened! Five dogs died from eating something poisonous on the beaches and there were also some dead dolphins washed up on the beach, so they shut all the beaches along the Waitemata Harbour coastline and told all humans not to swim in the sea, until they could find out what it was.
Very sad – they have been shut ever since and now it has passed October which means we doggies can no longer go on the beaches anymore…so I have missed my chance this year and since we’re leaving NZ now, I will never get to go again!
They are still not sure what the poison was but they think it was “tetradotoxin” which was in some sea slugs washed up on the beach that the doggies (and other animals) ate…
The good news, though, is that it is still OK to go to the beaches on the West Coast ‘coz they are next to a different water. I love these beaches too, like Bethells Beach (Te Henga) which was my first ever beach when I was 3 months old, and dogs are allowed on them all year round but they are about 1 hrs drive from Auckland centre. Still, my humans have promised to try and take me there for a last walk before we leave NZ - if they manage to finish the packing in time!
* For more information about Auckland’s beaches, check out the Auckland City Council website: http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/outdoors/default.asp
* For more information about the West Coast beaches, check out the Waitakere City Council website: http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/cnlser/pbr/prkgrnsp/index.asp
oh my! that's a very sad story about the doggies and dolphins. I'm glad to hear you weren't one of those affected!
We have a Mission Beach here in Sandy Eggo too, but us doggies aren't allowed on it at all. Its a popular beach with the tourists and there are too many irresponsible people who don't pick up after their doggies, so they banned us completely.
Luckily there are a number of other beaches that are specially for us!
you sure are going to have some big adventures in the next few weeks. Mom is looking forward to hearing about your Big Move and hope all goes well!
wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog
Honey, You're a beach-beauty!
I wish I could stroll with you, tail-in-tail, along one of those beaches. We could look into each other's eyes as we exchange friendly barkies and go walkies. You're a bit taller than the gals I usually hang out with, but I don't mind.
Anyway. I know your humans are awfully busy with their big move, but if they can watch and even vote on the cat video in the YouTube contest and maybe even tell a few of their human friends about it (maybe the cat lovers they know?), we'd be most thankful. Go to our blog to see the details about the YouTube contest. You have to go to YouTube itself to vote (the voting thumbs don't come up on the blog itself for some reason). I can't believe my Mommy helped make a cat video! Man! -Bunsen
WOWOWOWOOOOOOO!!!
What a great great great post dear friends!!!
we felt like we were there with you walking along those wonderful beaches!!!!!
you live such in a great and beautiful place…..
and sure you are ready to go in one place that is wonderful like NZ!!!!!!
Awwwwwww…..what a lucky girl you're!!!!!
Thanks for sharing with us such a spectacular pics of you!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
pleaseeeee….tell to your mommy she doesn't worried about comments on our blog…..we only want ou and your family feel good!!!!!!
We can't forget you…you're soooooo special for us!!!!!
HAve a wonderful day!!!!!!
tons of love and kisses
Gorgeous photos -- what beautiful places you go to! Thanks for sharing all those stories even though you are getting ready for your big move!
Hi Honey,
It must be sad for you to leave such a beautiful place. I know I would want to stay there with all the great parks and beaches you have…I think I would like the beach (although I've never been to one)….we don't have an ocean near where we live. I have gone to some lakes but I'm not putting my dainty paws in the water!!! Haa!!
My dad has been to Australia (and I think he said he's been to New Zealand once as well -- mom didn't go she's not a big fan of those big flying machines herself) a few times and he says that is quite lovely as well and you will enjoy your new home once you get settled in.
That was terrible about what happened to the doggies on Mission beach. I'm sorry you won't get to go there again but you will have many new adventures to share with all of us.
Tell mom to keep packing and don't forget all your toys!
AARF Kasha the Dainty Dane
What gorgeous walks you have had Honey! I'm glad there are some nice doggies and owners to play with, not just those irresponsible ones. I'm sorry you won't get to enjoy Mission Bay again, but Bethells Beach is beautiful. I feel sorry for your humans having to pack up for the move overseas, and hope they get time to enjoy a bit more of Auckland before you all leave!
NZ is such a beautiful country, it must be hard to leave. I'm sure you'll have lots of new adventures once you move and settle in though. Just please be sure to take lots of pictures and share them with us.
So sorry to hear about what happened on the beach. I'm so glad you weren't one of the ones who got sick. You didn't say so I'm presuming none did but I hope none of the animals died.
Sad to hear about the poor dogs and dolphins. Moving is a crazy business so we will see you when you are around!
What a great post! I especially liked that last picture. Oh! And the one of you getting a treat at the ice cream store! Ha roo!
Were you and that Beagle exchanging nose smoochies?
Play bows,
Zim
That is scary about the dogs dying. I guess that's why Mom yells at me when I try to eat things that aren't mine. I'm half Beagle! I have to eat. I might perish if I don't!!
I love that last picture on the beach. It is beautiful!
Jackal
What a pawesome post!
We always enjoying your sharing about your khurrent khountry!
The pikh of Bethells Beach is one of the most inkhredible shots we've evfur seen (we LOVED the furst time 'round)!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
I was scared reading the part about that dog biting you. What a meanie.
Thank you for showing us more of your lovely country. You will take some great memories with you to Australia.
Slobbers,
Mango
That does look like a great place for a romp. We are so very soory to hear of the woofies who died.
I know you're busy Honey, but when you get the chance drop by my blog for an award. It is kind of Thanksgiving themed, which is an American holiday, but I still thought of you.
Jackal
Hi Honey -- wow, we're amazed that you're able to blog at all with all that's going on so we say please don't worry about visiting our blog. Well, until you have to vote on the 'bootie-licous' contest anyway, he he he! It should 'go live' next week -- yipee!
Such beautiful beach pictures. And we know how you feel about the lazy people with their dogs. Female human is a little paranoid about us being 'stereotyped' little doggies. She says she sees a lot of folks letting the little doggies get away with stuff just because they're little so it's easy to 'put up with' their bad behaviour and she doesn't want us to ever be like that. Well, don't worry, we don't either -- humph! Actually -- the best behaved doggie in our park is our pal Charlie the Great Dane -- he has beautiful manners.
But hey -- talking of little doggies -- we were mistaken for standard schnauzers whilst out in town last week -- JD was delighted!!
Big schnauzer snuggles -- JD and Max.
It is easy to see why you like it so much there -- what a beautiful place to walk. Great photo of you at the end there. Too bad about the dogs and that poison. We hope the next few weeks go very smoothly for you and your family -- moving is a lot of work and can be very stressful. We will you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs, the OP Pack
as always great pics, love the beach scenario. And the pic where you get the ice cream treat -- well it is obvious that Hsin Yu is one of the young and trendy humans you mention…:o)
terrible about that biting incident, and even more terrible to hear what the owner said! stupid and ignorant, almost makes one feel sorry for his dog..
There's so much to say about this post that I'll use dot points, lol.
I agree about humans who stand around.
Ten minutes to a beach! Lucky you.
It's terrible to hear about the poisonings.
Good luck with getting ready for the big trip.
NZ is indeed a beautiful place, you're so lucky! Our Aunty Diana has been there for a holiday many years ago and she has fallen in love with that place. But then, being there for a day or two wouldn't be like living there. She just loved this post of yours!!
Happy Belated Birthday! Sorry we missed it!
Honey, your pawrents have their hands full… we're surprised that you're posting… my pawrents would have gone AWOL from the bloggy world! we loved seeing the pictures of you having a great time… and we're sorry to hear about the doggies and dolphins who succumbed to the horrible stuff.
xoxo,
Brownie