Napier to Wellington


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.

Stop Press

The Cuddly Cow has been named Moo Moo.

Home

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. 

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.

So, that's it.  The end of a fabulous holiday with so many wonderful memories.

Last Full Day of Our Holiday

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Singapore (Continued)

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.

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.











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.

 Early evening and we decided to take a stroll down Orchard Road - it was so busy! 

We stopped for a drink but we were so tired we came back to the hotel and slept for 10 hours.

Singapore

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 (http://www.royalplaza.com.sg/).  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.

Bay of Islands to Auckland

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!

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.

Moo Moo couldn't believe it either!

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. 

Happy Birthday Roy - Monday 8th February

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.

It's Moo Moo again!

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.

The Police Station - Russell

We strolled around, window shopped and the stopped for tea and cakes.  Russell is a lovely, clean and neat little place.

Oh No!  Not carrot cake again!!!

Afterwards it was the ferry back across the bay and a short drive to Paihia.

A sailing ship in the bay

One of the gorgeous houses overlooking the bay.

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.