tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53400338904188160972024-03-13T06:05:17.571-07:00Our Trip to New ZealandIan and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-20189024742360269802017-01-01T06:19:00.000-08:002017-01-01T06:19:25.702-08:00Napier to Wellington<br />
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We knew we had a long day ahead of us so we were on the road by 8:30. The weather didn’t look too promising with clouds tumbling down over the hills ahead of us. It was OK though and the day got brighter as we drove south. We stopped for tea & cake at a little roadside cafe near Takapau at about 10:15. We continued through Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua and Eketahuna before we stopped for lunch which we had made up before we left. The next big place was Masterton and then Carterton. We stopped there to look at the Paua World factory and shop. (www.pauaworld.com) We finally arrived at our site, which is in Lower Hutt, just outside Wellington, at about 3:30. We will be catching the bus into Wellington tomorrow and spending the day there.<br />
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The Cuddly Cow has been named Moo Moo.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-41399203099200411422010-02-14T05:44:00.000-08:002010-02-14T05:44:03.911-08:00Home<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3f9xFVlQrI/AAAAAAAAAOY/99UKOATAmGY/s1600-h/DSCN0318a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3f9xFVlQrI/AAAAAAAAAOY/99UKOATAmGY/s320/DSCN0318a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We set off from Singapore yesterday - at least I think it was yesterday - for a thirteen and half hour flight back home. We arrived at Heathrow just before 7pm and finally emerged about an hour later. Mac was there to meet us and we were soon on our way. We arrived home just before 11pm and had a quick cuppa with Mac & Petra before falling into bed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We both woke early and eventually got up by 7am. At 8 out doorbell chimed and there stood Luke. It was fabulous just to see him again and then along came Caitlin and it was big hugs and kisses all round. Petra and Mac came round so we were talking for ages. I went with the children to pick up a paper and then went to visit our neighbours, Celia and Robin, who have been looking after our cats, Meg and Harry.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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So, that's it. The end of a fabulous holiday with so many wonderful memories.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-32716723669841762022010-02-11T23:48:00.000-08:002010-02-11T23:48:33.146-08:00Last Full Day of Our Holiday<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UG-RdOJ1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/1E35dKnZZf4/s1600-h/DSCN0291a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UG-RdOJ1I/AAAAAAAAAN4/1E35dKnZZf4/s320/DSCN0291a.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We started the day with a nice leisurely breakfast and then took a taxi to The Singapore Flyer - very similar to the London Eye but bigger! Our taxi driver was amused because he had never driven anyone to the flyer so early in the day - it was about 10am. It was fantastic - so well organised, clean and the views were magnificent. It took 30 mins to complete the 'flight' and we had a capsule all to ourselves. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a drink it was back to Pagoda Street market for more shopping and then back to the hotel. Out again for lunch and a bit more ................ shopping.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Back in the hotel now - already checked in online. It all seems to have flown by but I wouldn't have missed any of it for a minute.<br />
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</div>Tomorrow morning we will be leaving the hotel at about 10am to drive to the airport for our 12 hour flight home. I know it's cold at home but when I get there it will seem different from freezing in the air conditioned room on the 12th floor of this fabulous hotel.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-90736747158052695372010-02-11T23:26:00.000-08:002010-02-11T23:26:15.775-08:00Singapore (Continued)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UAuIYkPMI/AAAAAAAAANA/yyk4s7p9fsc/s1600-h/DSCN0258a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UAuIYkPMI/AAAAAAAAANA/yyk4s7p9fsc/s320/DSCN0258a.JPG" /></a></div>After Sandra had finished the early morning ironing we decided to go for a walk. There weren't many people about at that time but it was very warm. Back at the hotel we waited in the lobby til breakfast at 6:30am and then back to the room. Next we went to the Botanic Gardens - so beautiful and peaceful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UA7UqrtZI/AAAAAAAAANQ/62_TCFvvL70/s1600-h/DSCN0271a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UA7UqrtZI/AAAAAAAAANQ/62_TCFvvL70/s320/DSCN0271a.JPG" /></a></div>From there we took a taxi to Chinatown for some serious shopping! We hit a major snag when we couldn't find a bank or money changer willing to cash travellers cheques.<br />
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We found one eventually just by chance and then onto Pagoda Street Market. Back to the hotel to drop off the shopping and out again for lunch. By mid afternoon we were both flagging so Sandra had a kip and I sat and read a book.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBAiKdvpI/AAAAAAAAANY/MIne0g1tfzU/s1600-h/DSCN0281a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBAiKdvpI/AAAAAAAAANY/MIne0g1tfzU/s320/DSCN0281a.JPG" /></a></div> Early evening and we decided to take a stroll down Orchard Road - it was so busy! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBGLUhTZI/AAAAAAAAANg/TvmWZTH_9no/s1600-h/DSCN0284a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBGLUhTZI/AAAAAAAAANg/TvmWZTH_9no/s320/DSCN0284a.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBL6g7ZmI/AAAAAAAAANo/C26deWWgsqU/s1600-h/DSCN0286a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3UBL6g7ZmI/AAAAAAAAANo/C26deWWgsqU/s320/DSCN0286a.JPG" /></a></div>We stopped for a drink but we were so tired we came back to the hotel and slept for 10 hours.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-35911465710305113212010-02-10T12:56:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:56:34.790-08:00Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MdIxnP8cI/AAAAAAAAAMw/BRy_my52Tuw/s1600-h/DSCN0255a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MdIxnP8cI/AAAAAAAAAMw/BRy_my52Tuw/s320/DSCN0255a.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We arrived in Singapore after a 9 hour flight. It was fine but there were two young kids who screamed most of their way over. We just put on our headphones and watched the movies. No problems at the airport and then into a taxi to our hotel - Royal Plaza on Scotts (<a href="http://www.royalplaza.com.sg/">http://www.royalplaza.com.sg/</a>). Fantastic room with views over the city. There is a 5 hour time difference between New Zealand and Singapore so went to bed at 9pm (Singapore time - 2am NZ time). We were both awake at 3am so I have got this blog up to date and Sandra has done some ironing (as you do). Only pics at the moment are out of our hotel window at 3am.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MdPM3rTWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/ZX6tO6S87hY/s1600-h/DSCN0257a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MdPM3rTWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/ZX6tO6S87hY/s400/DSCN0257a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-28095597944442003862010-02-10T12:40:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:40:09.021-08:00Bay of Islands to Auckland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MYgCvs37I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1KlI8Emss_Y/s1600-h/DSCN0218a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MYgCvs37I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1KlI8Emss_Y/s320/DSCN0218a.JPG" /></a></div>Today is our last full day in New Zealand - The time has just flashed by. We packed our cases (and weighed them - spot on 20Kgs) and loaded them into Roy and Heather's car. By the way, at this stage I must mention their number plate (they have a different system to us) on the Mitsubishi - just see the pic!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MYkSyq39I/AAAAAAAAAMY/xI7Xd2Cn1lk/s1600-h/DSCN0245a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MYkSyq39I/AAAAAAAAAMY/xI7Xd2Cn1lk/s320/DSCN0245a.JPG" /></a>It's a four hour journey to Auckland and we stopped for pizza at lunch time. A few miles further on the car had a warning light and was running a bit rough. We stopped at 'Sheep World' where they have pink sheep - Yes really!! We took some photos because we knew no one would believe us.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The car sorted itself out and the remainder of the journey was OK. A Barbie had been organised and we met Roy and Heather's family. It was nice to sit down, relax and chat among friends. We were staying overnight in a house with a friend of Heather which was close by. Next morning - packed and off to the airport. We have had a fabulous time in New Zealand and leave with so many wonderful memories. </div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-25762489374443266122010-02-10T12:06:00.000-08:002010-02-10T12:07:10.779-08:00Happy Birthday Roy - Monday 8th February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MPUTg48HI/AAAAAAAAALg/cYI5eDmvlGc/s1600-h/DSCN0220a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S3MPUTg48HI/AAAAAAAAALg/cYI5eDmvlGc/s200/DSCN0220a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>It's Roy's birthday today so it's a nice relaxed start to the day. A leisurely breakfast, read the papers and then a short drive to the car ferry to Russell.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Russell is just across the bay and was the original capital of New Zealand. It's all been cleaned up now but apparently it was just like the Wild West in the second half of the 1800's.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We strolled around, window shopped and the stopped for tea and cakes. Russell is a lovely, clean and neat little place.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Afterwards it was the ferry back across the bay and a short drive to Paihia.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the gorgeous houses overlooking the bay.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A lazy afternoon was followed by a birthday dinner for Roy at the Seafood Only restaurant. That brought a lovely relaxing day to a perfect close.</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-64221809281134132712010-02-06T20:33:00.000-08:002010-02-06T20:33:45.305-08:00Waipoua Forest and Tane Mahuta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S25AnIMqnbI/AAAAAAAAAKo/MZYuP9BGYQQ/s1600-h/DSCN0191a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S25AnIMqnbI/AAAAAAAAAKo/MZYuP9BGYQQ/s320/DSCN0191a.jpg" /></a></div>We weren't sure what to do today because the weather has been a bit iffy. In the end Roy and Heather said they would take us to Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta, the largest and oldest Kauri tree in New Zealand, over 2,000 years old. On the way we just pulled off the road to look at Haruru Falls which were not at their best because there has been so little rain in the North this summer.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Moo Moo getting in the picture again!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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After our visit we started back to Paihia with just a short break for a little snack. Just as we were arriving it started raining with a vengence but now it is all clear again.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-43970437262817803322010-02-05T19:27:00.000-08:002010-02-05T19:27:03.558-08:00Waitangi Day<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2zfwEEkQfI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zcte00w-CBs/s1600-h/DSCN0151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2zfwEEkQfI/AAAAAAAAAJw/zcte00w-CBs/s320/DSCN0151a.jpg" /></a>Up at 7am this morning so we could make our way down to the beach early to get a good spot for Waitangi Day. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For Non-New Zealanders - The Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the Native Chiefs and Tribes of New Zealand and the British Government in 1840. This peace treaty is celebrated every year on 6th February and the Maori Tribes sail their Waka's into the beach at Te Ti Bay. Afterwards, the crews perform the Haka. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>There is much more to it than that but it is a public holiday and watched by large crowds. It is a very visual event so once again I'll let the pictures give a flavour of the day.<br />
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How did Moo Moo get there?<br />
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Moo Moo looking round the stalls.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2zgDOVN0QI/AAAAAAAAAKg/-mOSWxwIkxY/s1600-h/DSCN0179a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2zgDOVN0QI/AAAAAAAAAKg/-mOSWxwIkxY/s320/DSCN0179a.jpg" /></a>The Haka</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-64715538899072655082010-02-05T00:18:00.000-08:002010-02-05T00:18:34.032-08:00Cape Reinga via 90 Mile Beach on the Dune Rider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2vSW5a8DFI/AAAAAAAAAI4/IfIZeWQUn0Q/s1600-h/DSCN0087a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2vSW5a8DFI/AAAAAAAAAI4/IfIZeWQUn0Q/s320/DSCN0087a.jpg" /></a></div>We set our alarm for 6am but it didn't make any difference, Heather knocked on our door at 6:15 so it was a bit rushed. A quick breakfast and Roy took us down to the pick up point in Paihia. The Dune Rider Bus is cool - see pics.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2vSTxZ-GvI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ufitHqX3oTk/s1600-h/DSCN0083a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2vSTxZ-GvI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ufitHqX3oTk/s320/DSCN0083a.jpg" /></a>After picking up more people we made our way north. We stopped for tea and cake but I must stress that it was not done especially for us! It wasn't long before we were driving along 90 Mile Beach - it was amazing (It's only 63 miles but that's another story). Breakers were crashing onto the beach as we sped along the wet sand.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Then we drove to Taputaputa for a picnic lunch - just see the picture to see how fabulous it was.<br />
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Then it was time to move on to Cape Reinga and the lighthouse on the most northerly tip of North Island. Once again, the views were absolutely stunning - every time we turned a corner there was another fantastic view.<br />
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</div>After leaving there it was on to Gumdiggers Park - site of an ancient Kauri forest. Before we left there the driver took our orders for fish & chips and phoned the order in. We duly arrived at the 'world famous' Mangonui Fish Shop and picked our order - it was delicious. We ate them on board as we made our way back to Paihia. We arrived back nearly 12 hours after we had started out, tired but fulfilled after a really great day out.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-15902175627756908632010-02-03T23:23:00.000-08:002010-02-03T23:23:24.798-08:00Paihia, Bay of Islands<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0Xoys73I/AAAAAAAAAH4/IOr8h_4Mrz8/s1600-h/DSCN0026a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0Xoys73I/AAAAAAAAAH4/IOr8h_4Mrz8/s200/DSCN0026a.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0UxH8HCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/3Cs6S5mlZG4/s1600-h/DSCN0025a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0UxH8HCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/3Cs6S5mlZG4/s200/DSCN0025a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a 10 hour sleep we had a lazy morning - just a walk down the road with Roy and Heather - Wonderful views.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0bqW4JEI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Bp7DOBLBpAY/s1600-h/DSCN0031a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0bqW4JEI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Bp7DOBLBpAY/s200/DSCN0031a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After lunch Heather too us down to the harbour so we could get on our boat for a trip around the islands. We set sail at 1:30pm and travelled all around the bay. Unfortunately, we were unable to go through the 'Hole in the Rock' because of the heavy swell. We didn't see any dolphins or whales either so we received a voucher for another trip anytime we want to go. The oldest voucher they have redeemed was 14 years old!! However, we did have a wonderful afternoon. We landed on one island and were given a guided tour by a Maori who was on board with us. I'll let the pictures tell the story.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0fNr-dcI/AAAAAAAAAII/PVv2xgtJ8kA/s1600-h/DSCN0041a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0fNr-dcI/AAAAAAAAAII/PVv2xgtJ8kA/s320/DSCN0041a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0mRM_UwI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Ysjog3W6JQc/s1600-h/DSCN0057a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0mRM_UwI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Ysjog3W6JQc/s320/DSCN0057a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0uElDLKI/AAAAAAAAAIY/i4FhVQIDWQQ/s1600-h/DSCN0068a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0uElDLKI/AAAAAAAAAIY/i4FhVQIDWQQ/s320/DSCN0068a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0xiaXyKI/AAAAAAAAAIg/K6CAcCbjOvU/s1600-h/DSCN0077a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2p0xiaXyKI/AAAAAAAAAIg/K6CAcCbjOvU/s320/DSCN0077a.jpg" /></a></div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-11970654123591567242010-02-03T22:48:00.000-08:002010-02-03T22:48:49.930-08:00Warkworth to Paihia, Bay of Islands<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2psuL4NbcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/69WukZpeqo8/s1600-h/DSCN0010a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2psuL4NbcI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/69WukZpeqo8/s200/DSCN0010a.jpg" width="200" /></a>We were up, breakfasted and ready to go by 9am. Bob and Moira were taking us to meet Roy and Heather at mid-day. We were going to meet at Whangarei, have lunch and then drive to Paihia with Roy and Heather. We had time to visit some of the beautiful bays not far from Warkworth before setting off on SH1. As is becoming the norm now, the views were stunning.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps0m80WkI/AAAAAAAAAHY/PONauHr5D_4/s1600-h/DSCN0012a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps0m80WkI/AAAAAAAAAHY/PONauHr5D_4/s200/DSCN0012a.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We did meet and had a lovely meal in a harbour-side restaurant and then transferred our baggage into Roy and Heather's car before our drive to the Bay of Islands</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps4ecipZI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Gjm3943FY2s/s1600-h/DSCN0015a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps4ecipZI/AAAAAAAAAHg/Gjm3943FY2s/s320/DSCN0015a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We wave goodbye to Bob and Moira and hope to see them next week before we leave New Zealand. On the way, Heather insisted we stop and have a look at some public toilets at Kawakawa!! I've just included one picture but they are amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps7E4ZVUI/AAAAAAAAAHo/hAzl7mqOXdk/s1600-h/DSCN0020a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2ps7E4ZVUI/AAAAAAAAAHo/hAzl7mqOXdk/s320/DSCN0020a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Once we had settled at Roy and Heather's, we took a quick drive into town to book a couple of trips. Tomorrow afternoon we are going on a boat trip around the Bay of Islands, through the 'Hole in the Rock' and hopefully see some dolphins and/or whales.<br />
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In the evening we had a lovely dinner, watched TV for an hour or so and fell into bed.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-59526164160776634202010-02-02T22:21:00.000-08:002010-02-02T23:17:13.449-08:00Auckland to WarkworthWe handed in our motorhome yesterday - it was sad to see her go and it was the end of that part of our holiday.<br />
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Let me introduce you to the main New Zealand players.<br />
Roy - Sandra's cousin<br />
Heather - Roy's wife<br />
Moira - Heather's sister<br />
Bob - Moira's husband<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2kewqHRJSI/AAAAAAAAAG4/d6l7KI4oYdA/s1600-h/IMGP1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2kewqHRJSI/AAAAAAAAAG4/d6l7KI4oYdA/s320/IMGP1263.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Bob and Moira picked us up from the place where we hired the van and took us on a wonderful tour of Auckland. Fantastic views over the city and harbour. We went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and I discovered that my camera was broken. The LCD screen had cracked and so I couldn't take any more pics. We had lunch in the park surrounding the museum and then made our way through the city to the ferry terminal. Bob drove the car round but Sanda, Moira and I took the ferry to Davenport - great views of the city. Bob picked us up after our trip and we made our way north out of Auckland. Eventually, we reached their home in Warkworth and unloaded our bags.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2kitKr97XI/AAAAAAAAAHI/193MzK-IpJw/s1600-h/DSCN0003a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2kitKr97XI/AAAAAAAAAHI/193MzK-IpJw/s320/DSCN0003a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> We walked into town with Bob who took us to the photographers who confirmed the death of my Pentax. I now have a Nikon Coolpix S570 thanks to the helpful staff in the shop. We then took a walk by the river and back to Bob and Moira's house and a nice cold beer or two. After a lovely dinner and wine we eventually went to bed at around 10pm.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-73527106186560522492010-01-31T22:22:00.001-08:002010-01-31T22:40:29.038-08:00Waitomo Caves and back to Auckland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2Z3GsjhCUI/AAAAAAAAAGo/n6t4sLSMQhQ/s1600-h/IMGP1250a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2Z3GsjhCUI/AAAAAAAAAGo/n6t4sLSMQhQ/s320/IMGP1250a.JPG" /></a></div>This morning was a bit gloomy and overcast so we decided to get a move on so that we could get to the Glow Worm Cave for the first tour at 9am. Lonely Planet said it was the best tour – before all the coaches arrived. They were spot on – It was fabulous in the cave (no cameras allowed) which concluded with a boat ride in the dark looking at all the glow worms above us in the cave. <br />
We decided to go back to Auckland today, rather than trying to rush tomorrow morning. We packed everything away and drove to our second cave visit which we had booked for 11am. Again it was spectacular – you have to be there to appreciate it.<br />
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(Note for Mark – You should come out here just for the carrot cake)<br />
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We made it back to our original (first night) site at Manukau at just after 3pm without getting lost this time!<br />
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We’ve packed our cases and been out for dinner and are all ready to hand back the motor home tomorrow at mid-day.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-51959482689917984172010-01-30T21:59:00.000-08:002010-01-30T22:02:51.800-08:00Whanganui to Waitomo Caves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2UaHpRk2ZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/oTr2nS5AKnk/s1600-h/IMGP1232a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2UaHpRk2ZI/AAAAAAAAAF4/oTr2nS5AKnk/s320/IMGP1232a.JPG" /></a></div>No excuses for not writing the blog today – it’s p......ouring with rain. It was overcast this morning and as the day has progressed and we got nearer to Waitomo it got worse. It has rained for most of the day but we are hoping it is better tomorrow. We have booked to visit two caves (www.waitomo.com) tomorrow so will let you know what it’s like.<br />
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On the journey here it goes without saying that we stopped for a cake break but we only stopped to take a couple of pics because of the rain.<br />
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I think I will use this space to put some pics up that we have missed earlier in our journey.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ironically, every site seems to have a paddle of ducks (thanks Emma and Rachel) except this one where the weather is ideal for them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Wellington Ducks on the left Whanganui Ducks on the right</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2UadUxqcKI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/TwAWOIwzkzI/s1600-h/IMGP1091a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2UadUxqcKI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/TwAWOIwzkzI/s320/IMGP1091a.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Moo Moo sitting next to the driver's seat. By the way, if a member of our family is willing to look after Moo Moo, the New Zealand authorities said we can take him to England.</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-42369361771885043662010-01-29T21:45:00.000-08:002010-01-29T22:26:01.390-08:00Saturday 30 January 2010 – Whanganui<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PPZ_Hv_KI/AAAAAAAAAEo/xONmvYkNS8E/s1600-h/IMGP1214a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PPZ_Hv_KI/AAAAAAAAAEo/xONmvYkNS8E/s320/IMGP1214a.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A nice relaxed start to the day today – the sun was shining and we had the whole day before us. We drove into town and (eventually) found a parking space. We made our way to the market which was a bit like a ‘car boot sale’ market. We then headed into the main part of town because we needed, among other things, to get some cash from the bank. Banks are not open on Saturday so we used our debit card – no problem. We stopped at a bakery for our usual drink and cake (only me for cake today!) and continued window shopping. We bought a couple of sandwiches and ate our lunch in a lovely park by the river</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PQEUBoUUI/AAAAAAAAAEw/RIRw0vjy_MU/s1600-h/IMGP1218a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PQEUBoUUI/AAAAAAAAAEw/RIRw0vjy_MU/s200/IMGP1218a.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then it was time to walk across to the River Boat Museum to pick up our tickets for our trip up the river. It’s New Zealand’s last paddle steamer – PS Waimarie – and it has a really fascinating history (www.riverboats.co.nz). It has been a glorious day all day – it couldn’t have been better. We steamed upriver for an hour or so and stopped at a little place called Upokongaro for an hour which gave us time for an ice cream and a look around a small historic church. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PQxKrhcEI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bWvH0cqGCzY/s1600-h/IMGP1225a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PQxKrhcEI/AAAAAAAAAE4/bWvH0cqGCzY/s200/IMGP1225a.JPG" width="150" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then it was back into town – MacDonalds and back to our site. What a lovely day it has been.</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-7195001553838292592010-01-28T23:44:00.000-08:002010-01-29T23:54:52.022-08:00Wellington to Whanganui<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PkzXfqhNI/AAAAAAAAAFY/tv8X6XeANqU/s1600-h/IMGP1202a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PkzXfqhNI/AAAAAAAAAFY/tv8X6XeANqU/s320/IMGP1202a.JPG" /></a></div>We left the site near Wellington at about 9am. It was a bit misty and drizzly but with the promise of better to come. After a while the road started climbing and became very narrow. This seemed to go on forever until we had the most magnificent view high up over the sea. I asked Sandra to take a picture but she said she was too busy hanging on but just around the corner was a viewing stop – So we did and took some photos. Then we started the descent and eventually got down to sea level. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PlGl_WKBI/AAAAAAAAAFg/y7rcNTC6cTc/s1600-h/IMGP1206a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PlGl_WKBI/AAAAAAAAAFg/y7rcNTC6cTc/s320/IMGP1206a.JPG" /></a></div>All was going well and we started looking for a place for our morning cake stop. We nearly passed it because it like a chapel. It was a country cafe in a converted former Methodist chapel. It was absolutely fantastic – the tea and scones were nice too!! After that we kicked on and reached Whanganui at about 12:30 and did a bit of supermarket shopping before driving to the site. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PlVkZ7sSI/AAAAAAAAAFo/FcSsyBdkm2A/s1600-h/IMGP1210a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PlVkZ7sSI/AAAAAAAAAFo/FcSsyBdkm2A/s320/IMGP1210a.JPG" /></a></div>This is a very peaceful site next to the river. Tomorrow we have booked a trip on a coal fired river steamer – I think we will enjoy that.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-19142196083237852292010-01-28T18:45:00.000-08:002010-01-29T23:59:30.548-08:0028 January 2010 – Wellington<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PiOZgVLsI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ue0vplOfbVM/s1600-h/IMGP1186a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PiOZgVLsI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ue0vplOfbVM/s200/IMGP1186a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We caught the bus to Wellington just outside the site at 9am. Beautiful journey around the bay took about 30 minutes to get into the centre. We had to get our bearings and then headed for the tourist information office. Very helpful people in there and we booked a city sightseeing tour – hop on hop off minibus. We had to wait for about 50 mins for the next one so guess what? – We had a drink and a cake while we were waiting. We decided that there were 3 things we wanted to see – Sheepskin Warehouse – Houses of Parliament – Cable Cars. After passing various notable landmarks we got off at the Sheepskin Warehouse. We were a bit disappointed at most of the prices but Sandra tried on some Ugg boots but they didn’t fit properly. There was a terrific WW2 leather & sheepskin flying jacket for about $1400 - £650 – I can’t understand why Sandra didn’t want me to buy it. Then it was on to Government House and we arrived just in time to join a tour. The MP’s weren’t sitting so we were able to go into the debating chamber. It was really fascinating and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. We ate our lunch in the grounds along with lots of other people doing the same thing. We continued our tour and finished at the top of the cable car ride. Time for a drink and a walk around the botanical gardens with some spectacular views over Wellington. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PirGiu6mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/TbWxaY4KrkM/s1600-h/IMGP1189a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PirGiu6mI/AAAAAAAAAFI/TbWxaY4KrkM/s200/IMGP1189a.JPG" width="200" /></a> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2Pj0cVcUqI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/vofNB879F18/s1600-h/IMGP1198a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2Pj0cVcUqI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/vofNB879F18/s200/IMGP1198a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then it was time to get on the cable car down into the city centre. It only took 4 minutes but it beat walking down! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PmtjlkkDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/y0wvMRSOanw/s1600-h/IMGP1200a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S2PmtjlkkDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/y0wvMRSOanw/s320/IMGP1200a.JPG" /></a></div>We wandered through the shops & bought a couple of things – I bought a new pair of sandals in the sale to replace the old ones I was wearing. There were sales everywhere – One shop had a sign which said, “30% OFF THE BLOODY LOT.” We then caught the bus back to our site – it was rush hour and it took nearly an hour.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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We will be catching the bus into Wellington tomorrow and spending the day there.<br />
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The Cuddly Cow has been named Moo Moo.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-71769693320253887612010-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:002010-01-25T20:29:41.258-08:00Rotorua to Napier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S15uPsRn4jI/AAAAAAAAAEI/lGK9lFF-wi0/s1600-h/IMGP1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S15uPsRn4jI/AAAAAAAAAEI/lGK9lFF-wi0/s320/IMGP1161.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Overcast start to the day so we didn’t waste any time getting on the road. Got away about 8:30 and the roads weren’t busy. It was a long drive through lots of pine forest areas and something we have not been used to here – long straight roads. We were diverted at Taupo because of massive road works but eventually found the road to Napier. It wasn’t long before the roads became twisty and went up and down. We stopped on route for our usual drink and cake before continuing on to Napier. We finally arrived at about 1pm and did a bit of supermarket shopping before going to have a good look around the centre of Napier. – destroyed by earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in art deco style – see the photos. We are now booked into our site and will be having fish & chips for tea tonight.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S15vZB3mIHI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/xnV3Z1qUdYk/s1600-h/IMGP1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S15vZB3mIHI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/xnV3Z1qUdYk/s320/IMGP1165.JPG" /></a>Just one night here and tomorrow we have a long trip down to Wellington – just over 300k.<br />
</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-59502162208877470562010-01-24T21:44:00.000-08:002010-01-24T21:53:43.630-08:00Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S10vh76xOYI/AAAAAAAAADo/CrUDHxhj94o/s1600-h/IMGP1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S10vh76xOYI/AAAAAAAAADo/CrUDHxhj94o/s320/IMGP1121.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We did get up early today so we could get to Wai-O-Tapu. (www.waiotapu.co.nz) The drive was about 30k but on good roads so it didn’t take long. Once we had bought the tickets we walked around two of the routes before we had to drive to see the big geyser at 10:15. Then it was back to see the remaining pools, bubbling mud, steam and ‘rotten egg’ smells. I forgot to mention that we did stop first for a tea and coffee – Sandra had a scone and I had a big wedge of carrot cake. By the time we had finished all the walking, climbing all the steps and taking the occasional breather it was about 12:30 and time to make a move back into town. We stopped at a Sub-Way for our take-away lunch, cashed some travellers cheques and back to our site. It’s been humid this afternoon and we’ve had a couple of claps of thunder.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That’s it for today – tomorrow we are going Napier (www.kennedypark.co.nz) – About a 3 hour drive.<br />
</div></div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-50847708944049996462010-01-23T21:57:00.000-08:002010-01-23T22:01:32.329-08:00Papamoa Beach to Rotorua<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1vg_AmYY3I/AAAAAAAAADY/9o5o9YAcDtk/s1600-h/IMGP1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1vg_AmYY3I/AAAAAAAAADY/9o5o9YAcDtk/s320/IMGP1108.JPG" width="320" /></a>The weather has been lovely all day – nice and sunny with fluffy white clouds. Just a short journey today that took about an hour. By the way, since we left Coromandel, we have been travelling in The Bay of Plenty area. We arrived in Rotorua and parked in town (they have parking meters here but parking is free on Sunday – How lucky is that?) We had a mooch around the shops and found our way to the Tourist Information Centre. It is a spectacular place and the area is full of backpackers. We picked up some leaflets and had a drink and a piece of cake before more exploring and shopping. We drove to the campsite and booked in at about 12:45. It’s a lovely little site and well looked after. (www.rotoruatop10.co.nz) After a cup of tea we wandered up to reception to get some ideas of where to go today and tomorrow. We went to the Skyline gondola for a ride to the top of a mountain and fantastic views over Rotorua and the lake. We were expecting Rotorua to be smelling of sulphur but so far not a niff! Things will be different tomorrow because we intend to go to Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) with mud pools and geysers. We need to get there early because the Lady Knox Geyser erupts at 10:15 every day shooting up to 20 metres high.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1vhdhJhmFI/AAAAAAAAADg/6fUfhRxk8Z8/s1600-h/IMGP1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1vhdhJhmFI/AAAAAAAAADg/6fUfhRxk8Z8/s320/IMGP1114.JPG" /></a>A view over Lake Rotorua from the top of the cable car ride. Above is Cuddly Cow enjoying the view. <br />
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</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-77143171717699044172010-01-23T19:32:00.000-08:002010-01-23T22:03:56.989-08:00Yesterday's Pictures<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1u-kbh-2EI/AAAAAAAAACY/5UmIQGxvGjI/s1600-h/IMGP1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1u-kbh-2EI/AAAAAAAAACY/5UmIQGxvGjI/s320/IMGP1100.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is Cuddly Cow helping me with the blog last night. It seems there might be a few experts around - we've already had one suggestion - Coro - it's short for Coromandel where she came from.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1u_o_v2d7I/AAAAAAAAACo/KQfJpLE3P_A/s1600-h/IMGP1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1u_o_v2d7I/AAAAAAAAACo/KQfJpLE3P_A/s320/IMGP1085.JPG" width="320" /></a>At the cafe where we stopped yesterday, there were some donkeys - Sandra fell in love with the grey one.<br />
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</div>On the right is our view we had while having our meal lat night.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sandra anticipating dinner. Dinner<br />
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</div>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-82582988966036229832010-01-22T23:45:00.000-08:002010-01-22T23:48:46.959-08:00Shelly Beach, Coromandel to Papamoa Beach, TaurangaToday started off overcast and not much promise of sun. We set off from Shelly Beach at about 9am and followed the road to Whitianga over the mountains. I’m sure there were some terrific views but we couldn’t take advantage of them because we were in the clouds. We continued down SH25 through Tairua and on to Whangamata. We stopped at a little country cafe for a drink and some lovely warm cake – I had plum cake and Sandra had a wedge of choccy cake. It was here that we became attached to a Kiwi Cuddly Cow! It seems that she likes us and has decided to travel with us. We don’t know her name but if there are any Cuddly Cow experts who can think of a name we would be most grateful. In the picture she is helping me write this blog.<br />
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We continued down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping for lunch near Waihi and then the final push to Papamoa Beach. We arrived at about 3pm so it was a fair distance. <br />
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The weather has been showery with sunny intervals but the forecast is for fine sunny weather to come. We decided to eat out tonight & went to the local restaurant – the Bluebiyou. The meal was fabulous – we both had 3 Way Prawn, a bottle of rose – Sandra had fruit cocktail with sorbet and I pigged out with chocolate molten cake and ice cream. We are now back in our mobile bedsit relaxing after a hard day.<br />
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There seems to be a problem uploading pictures tonight so we will try again tomorrow.Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340033890418816097.post-25165526792411710462010-01-21T19:33:00.000-08:002017-01-01T06:17:17.820-08:00Friday 22 January 2010 – Summary and Shelly Beach<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since we have arrived in New Zealand this blog has been a bit rushed because of the time we have available on-line. Now that I am thinking a bit clearer, I realised that I can create this offline & then copy & paste (I know it’s obvious but it just takes time to trickle through).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone we have met so far has been very friendly & helpful. At our first site, Manukau (www.manukautop10.co.nz), we bought a membership card for Top 10 Holiday parks which gives us a discount at each stop plus other benefits. On our first morning we were surrounded by loads of ducks (what is the collective noun for ducks?) looking for their breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Miranda Holiday Park really was in the middle of nowhere but like each site (so far) the facilities have been first class. Showers, toilets, kitchens etc. are all very clean and well managed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Even though it was raining yesterday morning when we left Miranda, it soon cleared up and by the time we reached Thames it was bright and sunny. The journey from Thames to Coromandel stunning; for the first part the road hugged the coast (We videoed part of this and when I get time I will try & upload it – listen out for Sandra’s, ‘Oh my God’). After a while it went inland slightly and uphill. We pulled over at one point to take some photos – the views were tremendous. The picture of Sandra yesterday was taken at that stop. Eventually we reached Coromandel Town and parked up so we could have a look around – so far all parking has been free - I’ve not seen anywhere that has parking fees. We had lunch & I went into a bank to change some traveller’s cheques. In some ways it was like going back in time – The bank was modern & airy but the cashier actually had time to chat and seemed genuinely pleased to do that. She was able to give me directions to Driving Creek miniature railway (www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz) which we wanted to see. When we arrived it was fully booked all day so we booked for the next day at 11:15am. Then it was on to Shelly Beach. After settling in and having a refreshing beer we walked down to the beach – it must be 50 yards away!! It was so peaceful that I went back to get our chairs (and another couple of beers) so we could sit & enjoy it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1keBfWcWbI/AAAAAAAAACI/8FhQuVDHp2k/s1600-h/IMGP1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pV8SeT_1Q7o/S1keBfWcWbI/AAAAAAAAACI/8FhQuVDHp2k/s320/IMGP1048.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It rained last night and today the weather has been a bit iffy – mostly overcast & threatening rain (sometimes succeeding) – occasionally sunny. We went on the railway and it was well worth it – and we got Senior’s Rates – How good is that? Then off we went into Coromandel for a relaxed walk & nosey in the shops but we didn’t buy anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are now back at Shelly Beach – Sandra is having a kip – it’s been a hard day so far. We have booked powered sites for the next 3 nights. Tomorrow we travel down to Tauranga, staying at Papamoa Beach Resort (www.papamoabeach.co.nz) and on Sunday to Rotorua for a couple of nights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think we are up to date now but watch this space. Thanks for following us and we do read the comments.</span>Ian and Sandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12602236095478287525noreply@blogger.com2