Took a trip out to the West coast beaches North of Auckland today. Had to stop at Muriwai to watch the gannets. Felt a little inadequate with my camera compared to the size of some of the lenses that were being pointed at the birds today.
Yes is certainly a place for 'Lens envy'... great spot to go and get up close and personnel with the gannets.. Hope the wind was blowing the right way for you and it was not toooo smelly...