January 6th / 7th / 8th

January 6th
This morning Christopher and Michelle have decided to Bungy jump-Derek is still undecided. Michelle was crying while being strapped in, she was terrified, but still wanted to do the jump. I was amazed that she got to the edge of the platform, and didn't hesitate at all, she just opened her arms and jumped! Got this great shot.
She was so pleased with herself afterwards, she actually wanted to go up again.!
Christopher's turn and he was up for it, no hesitation at all!
My dangling son.
Jump completed. They both can now check this off their " Bucket list".
Breathing very hard, Derek decided that he wanted to jump. This is the guy who is scared of heights! Good way to face your fears.
Derek standing on the edge.
He did it! Screamed like a girl, but he did it!!!!!!!!!
He was so happy he did it. Set a good example for the kids.
My Brave Family!
Went back to the Hot thermal springs in the afternoon with Polly and her daughters, Sophie and Alice. Then headed back to the house. This is the family pet lamb called Baaaart.
All on the deck having dinner with Polly,Jeremy, Sophie and alice.
Bart roams the house. Not an everyday sight but he's sooo cute.
Jan 7th
Packed up in the morning , said our goodbyes and headed out to Auckland. The drive took 3 hrs. Checked into the Skyway Lodge near the airport. Drove to downtown Auckland to look around. The harbor is a pretty place, with loads of sail boats. This place is known as the city of the Sails.
Crossing the Harbor bridge , we got a good view of the city, with the sky Tower in the center. You can Bungy Jump off the Sky tower and the Harbor bridge. Walked down Queens St. which is the main street down to the harbor. Lots of shops and hills. Later in the evening met Di and Daryl who operate their balloon business in Auckland. Derek and Christopher were scheduled to fly on Friday morning but the flight was cancelled , due to high winds.
Jan 8th
Drove to the airport as Christopher and Michelle fly home today. Checked them in , then met Colin and Elizabeth at the airport. ( They flew up from Napier, to collect their car). We all said good bye to the kids, who had to go to the gate early, as All hand luggage was being checked thoroughly, and random body searches were being performed due to security being on High Alert, especially with all flights to the U.S. Colin and Elizabeth drove us around Auckland city and we all had a lovely lunch near the shore.
This is the passenger ferry that goes across from the city to Devonport. What a great view of the city. Went back to the Lodge early, as we had to pack and get a good nights sleep, as we have to leave for the airport at 5am, for our flight to Sydney, Australia. New Zealand has been the most scenic country that I've been to. We tried to cover as much land as we could, so it meant a lot of time in the car, but I'll always remember the great views. One country that I definately would recommend to visit. Absolutely loved it !!!

January 4th / 5th

December 4th

Packed up and set out to Rotorua. Stopped at Napier, which is famous for Art Deco buildings. The place was flattened by an earthquake in 1931, ( Art Deco period was flourishing), so buildings were built, quite cheaply using concrete , not bricks.

Went through Taupo, lake Taupo is the largest body of water in N.Z. It's a water filled crater, from when Mt Ruopehu erupted. It is still an active volcano. We stopped at Huka Falls, which has beautiful blue water falls.

Huka Falls.

Stopped for lunch, next to a alpaca farm.

The animals were quite tame.

We arrived at Rotorua, where we'll be staying with Polly and Jeremy. Polly used to work with my sister Angie. They have a pet sheep, who roams the house . Their house is nestled amongst the mountains, and is on a huge plot of land. Beautiful views.

This is Pollys house, and Christopher pitched his tent out front.

Polly pigs at the bottom of the garden.

Jan 5th

We drove into town to check out the town. Went to a place called the Agrodome, where they have Bungy jumping, free falling, speed boats etc.. and Emus!

These jet boats race around a 1 km course at very high speeds.

Simulated Free falling above a jet engine.

One of the thickest wooly sheep I've seen.

This is Zorbing. You can either go down in the huge ball, filled with water, or you can be strapped in a dry ball and roll down the hill. Christopher and Michelle have decided that tomorrow they will both Bungy jump!!

Had lunch at Kuirau Park, where there are pools of mud bubbling . This is an active volcanic area, which last erupted in 2003, spreading the park with mud! Smells like sulphur, seems like a good place to stop for lunch!

Enjoying the steam.

Drove to Kerosene Creek for a dip in the hot thermal waters. The water was very hot , everyone was coming out pink!

Even the waterfall was boiling hot!

January 3rd 2010

Woke up to a sunny day (30c). On the way to the farmers market , we stopped at a waterfall, just down the lane from Jennifers home.
Then stopped at Ocean Beach, just minutes away. This is a beautiful stretch of beach, which is practically deserted. We walked around the market, which had great coffee, fruit drinks and an assortment of home made goodies. Then headed back to Jennifers for lunch. After lunch, it was so hot we decided to go back to the waterfall and take a dip.
The place was now crowded, and Christopher was brave enough to jump off the bluff into the freezing water.
So was Michelle. Both of them are now ready to Bungy Jump! Not sure about Derek, who chickened out at the falls. The local kids were climbing the tallest trees and jumping off into the water. Quite entertaining to watch all this.
It turned out to be a really hot day, so we went back to Ocean Beach for a stroll and cool breezes. Tomorrow, we pack up and head north to Rotorua. This has been a lovely relaxing break from camping.

December 31st - January 2nd

December 31st
Walked around Picton Foreshore, saw the ferry that we will be catching tomorrow. Most of the residents who live in remote inlets, use their boats to come and do their shopping here, as this is the closest town.
Really nice shore, and lots of coffee shops looking out into the harbor.

At midnight, Picton had a firework display at the foreshore, to bring in the new year.

Jan 1st
After a good nights sleep, we had breakfast in the garden of the hostel. Sun was shining, so it looks a good day to cross to the North Island. Packed and caught the ferry at 12.00. The crossing takes 3 1/2 hrs. While we were leaving, another ferry was loading up.
Heading out to the North Island.
Approaching Wellington.
Wellington is known as the windy city, as the wind comes in from Cook Strait and hits the city head on. This is the view from a look-out on Mt. Victoria. Then we visited the Te Papa museum along the waterfront. This is a fantastic 6 story museum, showing the history and culture of New Zealand. Very impressive,only wish we had more time there. As it was evening time, we headed out to a camp ground just outside of Wellington. Very windy again, but managed to get the tents up and have dinner. During the night the wind was do strong, the tent would cave in on one side, Derek had to get up twice to check the stakes! Never heard wind roaring like that before!
Dec 2nd,
Still very windy in the morning, but now it was starting to rain, so as soon as we got up, we packed away the tents, grabbed something to eat, and headed out to Hawkes Bay. We will be staying at Jennifers place ( our friend Colins sister in law). Arrived at this beautiful place, full of flowers, with gardens behind it. There are goats in the next field, and a waterfall with a swimming hole beyond that. She has an orchard, vegetable gardens, berry plants all in an immaculate setting. Enjoyed walking around and relaxing here.
Jennifers inquisitive neighbours!
Went for a walk in the afternoon with Colin, Elizabeth and Jennifer. These fields and mountains surround her property.
We're all looking forward to a good nights sleep and exploring Hawkes Bay tomorrow.