I arrived this morning, Tuesday the 22nd, there’s some extreme weather coming in over the next couple days with gale force winds and snow in the south https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12278484 (the snow isn’t a concern for me because I’ll be far north where it’s warmer), so I decided to take an extra day in Auckland and just hang out while the winds die down. I wouldn’t have been able to catch a bus out this am anyway because it leaves at 7:30 am, so delaying means I’ll catch the bus on Thursday and start the hike Friday. The first section of the trail is along a beach and very exposed, so high winds and extreme tides are an issue.
In the meantime a fire has broken out right by the bus station, so there’s a good chance the next bus might be canceled or delayed. It’s right around the corner from my hotel, which is a little concerning. The wind is supposed to get stronger overnight, which can’t be good for the fire.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/auckland/116778718/live-skycity-convention-centre-on-fire