photos

I will be adding photos sometime very soon

Bye NZ back to Aus

Here I am at the airport writing this last entry and we are soon to board our flight on the way home to Aus.... What a wonderful trip....so much to see, lots of fun, considerable money spent - we have to help the economy don't we???

We are rested and delightfully awe inspired to come back and do it again .... in a different way but we know more that we did before we started, and definitely the Chalet at Lake Tekepo is a must - we will spend a week there just to recuperate - perfect.

Last full day of our holiday - so sad

We woke up this morning to freshly fallen snow all around us - it was absolutely magical. They had suggested that it could snow the night before and there it was beautiful white mountains surrounded us and though the sky was that grey pink you get with snow falls it didn't matter... it snowed and that was just wonderful.



So before we headed back to Christchurch we drove up to the mountain which gives 360 degree views of Lake Tekapo

Mount John. On top it was very cold and blustery, the snow still apparent in the grass and the views while not at their awesome best with the skies, were pretty sensational. It was a lovely spot and very picturesque like the rest of the area.



The drive to Christchurch was uneventful, not surprisingly we didn't stop at the cafe which we think gave me a tummy bug on the 28th (there is a reason why there is no entry for the 28th.... I was not too upbeat for that day for sure). A highlight was seeing some Paradise Shelduck chicks with their parents in a field - outdone though by the 12 tiny ducklings we saw with their parents the next day however in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

We cooked or rather I burnt the saucepan but we fixed that so it is a secret..... blame the remnants of not feeling well.

Threw stuff out and drank the last of the 'sav' thinking seriously about detoxing .....

Lake Tekapo ....so beautiful

The sublime Lake Tekapo

We were up and out of our accommodation at 10am and had to do some shopping and a few bits and pieces finally hitting the road at 11am. Our trip to Lake Tekapo was uneventful and not too busy as we encountered less traffic the further south and west we went.

Phil with Lake Tekapo as a back drop

My last trip to this region was sad - it was cold rainy and grey..... thankfully we hit the wonderful town of Lake Tekapo in brilliant sunshine, not wind and no rain. The place is simply awesome and that is really all we can say - awesome.

The Church of the Good Shephed
The most photographed church in NZ

The Challet where we are staying has our suite overlooking the lake and simply we cannot ask for more - stunning views it is lovely......Hoping to book into another spa tomorrow........... although they are proving to be elusive

Wonderful place and awesome scenery........nothing more to be said really

Art Gallery and City Art Centre Christchurch

Today we woke up at 8am after restful night sleep and not much traffic noise because although it is a Monday it is a public holiday in NZ today. We decided that the Art Gallery, Museum and a general look around was in order so off we set at 10am for another day.

The Art Gallery was pretty lackadaisical due to renovations and the moving of the art into new galleries, therefore we looked at several exhibitions, which really didn't enthuse me much. There was a renowned NZ artist Seraphine Pick whose work is sombre, dreamlike and didn't really do much for me at all I am sad to say. Artistically technically wonderful but nothing moved me I just felt I had to get out of the gallery it was so sad.

Then there was an avante guarde artist who did a major show on war and hostility - not uplifting. Then a show white on white - cloud nine - this was better and showed work by several newer artists who have recently graduated art school.

The very best part of the show was 10 works by a number of artists from the last century or so..... unfortunately not enough of these.....

Then it was on to the museum but on the way we happened by the City Art Centre..... what a Mecca of wonderful shops I definitely could have spent days in there and lots of money - a wonderful bead shop, lovely clothing and gift shops, studios - it was really wonderful. There was a painting art gift shop which was just fantastic and I would have purchased things if I could have but space is getting tight now and we must unfortunately be ''sensible'

So I amused myself with a few purchases..... some paua shell buttons and pieces, a couple of awesome fabrics to make a bag from, some beads and wooden pendants to make a necklace out of...... nice.

Then we ventured to the museum and that was fantastic. From the Maoris to the Antarctic explorers, birds and saving the planet there was so much so see..... it was great.

It is raining as I write this.... at 6.30pm but the day has been cloudy but fine so no complaints here at all. Off to Lake Tekepo tomorrow - hope it is fine so we can enjoy the stunning views.
Almost at the end of our journey ... it has been such fun

Christchurch and a stop at the gardens

Up early-ish today and off to Christchurch today so we packed and were on the road by 9.30am. A morning tea was had on the way and a few stops for photos.... love the snow covered mountains - they are so beautiful in the distance.


We then went to the gondola for a ride up the mountain and the views were spectacular from the top. I had done this with the kids all those years ago and it was just as breathtaking.



We had a lovely lunch and then went to find our accommodation...... which is a lovely appointed room with a king bed......



Then we walked to the Botanical Gardens to stretch our legs and were amazed with the variety and in particular the azalea show. There is also a great greenhouse conservatory which we looked at for a while and hope to revisit tomorrow if we have time (as they were shutting the doors and we had to leave much too early).




We went to a great Indian Restaurant called Arjee Bahjee.... great food, fun atmosphere and a good end to another day. Only a few more days to go and we will be flying home..... but what a great trip this has been..... a few more days and then back to reality.

Pampering at Wisteria Cottage

The wonderful scenes coming here were magic - snow capped mountains, scree down the sides, aqua running rivers, grey rocks and lots of yellow flowers from the broom and gorse - both weeds but very pretty at this time of the year. This place would be absolutely magical in Autumn with the changing leaves. There are stands of spruce, firs, and lots of exotic and natives.



The town is very cute with lots of hotels and chalets. Quaint little places with shutters and pitched roofs. We are staying in a chalet (cabin with shutters :)) but it is clean and has everything that you could ask for.



There are lots of walks too so many things to see..... Gorgeous forrests and peaceful streams. Lovely place this and so picturesque.



Til tomorrow - some wine and a bit of painting I am thinking.

Hamner Springs - like something out of Europe

today we got up early for a journey to our next destination - Hamner Springs. This wonderful destination is on the way to Christchurch and has thermal springs and lots of forest around. The journey is a long one but takes us very near to Christchurch so we can enjoy a more leisurely time our drive to Christchurch.


The wonderful scenes coming here were magic - snow capped mountains, scree down the sides, aqua running rivers, grey rocks and lots of yellow flowers from the broom and gorse - both weeds but very pretty at this time of the year.

Til tomorrow - some wine and a bit of painting I am thinking.

Nelson and the surrounds

We were expecting rain today (again) but got a lovely sunny day instead which was a blessing. After a leisurely breakfast we headed off to see what Nelson had to offer. So we went to the new Chinese Gardens which were beautiful - new and really well done, then the Queens Gardens next door which are one hundred years old and just wonderful. Plenty of ducks and bird life, including grey herons, white headed shags and lots of the sweet little blackbirds, sparrows and hedge sparrows.




Then to the Suter Gallery which had a good array of art from the region. It was good to see a wide range of media too and pottery. The art ranged from exquisite to pretty ordinary but it was lovely to see it all. We stopped here for an excellent lunch - very vego friendly so Phil was happy.
We also visited the Japanese Gardens and while a few repairs and a bit of work was needed to bring it up to scratch again it was a lovely garden which had a good layout and a great lot of trees, particularly pine trees.

We then headed to the beach and enjoyed a walk along the sand, I picked up shells and Phil took some photos - noteably one of a log which was sprouting new growth and the other of fungi growing in the sand - never seen that before.......

We headed back to the hotel where I began to paint and I had some fun with the bits I brought back form the beach. Phil went to get supplies - namely wine and chocolate.....

Chris rang late in the afternoon and we arranged to have dinner with her at the Woodfire Pizza Barn nearby. Chris and I shared a pizza and Phil had a vego friendly one - we had a glass of Nelsons best and enjoyed catching up with Chris - can I really be 17 years since I saw her last - at Sonya and Ross's wedding - surely not!

We are off to Hamner Springs tomorrow and it is a big drive - looking forward to getting there and some hopefully spectacular scenery on the way. Love this place!

In beautiful Nelson by the sea

Today as predicted was a very early start..... after a fitful nights sleep for me (Phil was calmly snoring for most of the night) we woke to a grey dawn and after a cuppa and a quick shower we left by 7am! So the day started in earnest.... luckily with or recognisance mission the day before we were confident of our route to the ferry and got there with plenty of time to spare. This ferry could take 1600 passengers and 600 vehicles so it is the largest in the ferry fleet working between the islands.

The journey took 3 hours arriving at Picton at 11.30am in which we had breakfast, listened to a pretty awful bad of very little talent - dirges was the word that came to mind. So we moved and tried the coffee and cakes which we probably didn't need but we got away from the mournful singing at least - they even had a harmonica and saxophone which added to our opinion and bells from a little blue box - awful!.

We filled up with petrol and we were on our way. We passed some wonderful scenery of eh Marlborough region, snow on the hills, fast running clear streams and lots of mountains, green fields, animals and lovely houses. Vineyards and roses.....magic.... we certainly are talking about coming again and doing more in the area - it is simply breath taking


We had a quick stop for lunch and by 3pm had got to Nelson..... the place we are staying is easy to find and very well appointed - Tuscany Villas - nice to see something so well appointed. We have done our laundry - boring and necessary though.

There is so much to see here - gardens, galleries and lovely views all surrounded but snow capped peaks so we are hoping to get to see more - looking forward to some walking tomorrow that is for sure.

I have finally sent some emails and have had some nice wine (not unusual I know..... thinking a liver detox might be the ticket when I get home - I said as much to Phil who just laugh after this holiday that reaction is probably to be expected.


Expecting clearing showers tomorrow - they have quite cute 'Wellies' here might need to get some if this keeps up. Hoping also to catch up with Chris Sonya’s Mum- well hoping too we just won't have much time..... so we will see

Windy Wellington but at last sunshine

Well today we woke up to the sound of rain and while that is a lovely sound it was a bit disappointing as we have had enough rain on this holiday. But like all intrepid travellers we looked at the sky, packed our umbrellas and had both a plan a and b if we needed them.

After breakfast and a shower we finally got going at about 11am - the travellers in the motor homes were also on the road late with many not surfacing till after 10.30am - it is noisy enough to wake with rain in a luxurious apartment but very noisy in a tined roof mobile home - many of them would not have got much sleep that is for sure.

We drove into Wellington CBD and what a nightmare their parking is!!!! After several attempts we paid $10 for the day parking at the Quay - it was honestly the best we could do.... and very frustrating, crammed and expensive at that. Never mind with the car parked we got on our way.

First stop was the Art Gallery as it was still raining cats and dogs at this time. And here I have to say the building is most interesting. The architecture is classical in a sort of sandstone colour but someone, no joke, had painted spots all over it!!!!! As an art work - in the 1930s.I thought it was pretty strange - I certainly didn't think it added to the building or the experience at all....

We saw a great exhibition by an avant-guard Japanese painter which was great. I have also found it interesting that no other work was exhibited while her show was on - this happened in W(h)anganui as well.... must be a NZ thing..... or maybe a lack of physical space - not to worry it was different and really unusual with lots of soft sculpture, film, lights and paintings.


Next we decided to go on the cable car as the weather had fined up. So for $3 we took a ride up the top and got off at the Botanical Gdns. We went to the museum and then off to walk through the gardens, stopping at the observatory. On the way down we visited the rose gardens, which were just a little early for blooming, and then we found a really exciting discovery.

There was a wonderful cemetery of the pioneers of the region. When the motorway was built they sadly had to disturb the graves and three and a half thousand people were moved along with the headstones to another site. But walking through this piece of history was an unforgettable experience and I loved it.


We had a quick coffee to avoid rush hour and found an excellent shop who prepared foods to heat up and so we bought some vege friendly food and will be enjoying those tonight for dinner.
We will be glad to leave this windy spot for the beautiful south island tomorrow. life is good - and early morning tomorrow to catch the ferry ..... but luckily we looked at it today and know how to get there. Having lots of fun....that is for sure.

Wellington via the land of 'Bulls'

Today we awoke to a wonderful sunny day with just small promise of warmth... a lovely change from the wintry rainy weather we have experienced so far. We packed up thankfully and did not really feel that we would miss the awful Alma Hotel. Interestingly the man at reception did not ask us how our stay was or where we were headed on our journey, Maybe he wasn't happy with the replies when asking that question before so didn't bother any more. Who knows.

So we are in wild and windy Wellington after a subdued trip from W(h)angaui. We went through a cute town called Bulls on the way so they had signs on everything with bull in it.... such as the school - 'be knowledgeabull' the car dealership is 'reliabull' etc. really cute I thought ... though Phil wasn't as impressed.

Then we went off to find the lookout that I remember from last time with 360degree views called Mt Victoria... there are heaps of Victoria streets an placed in NZ...Phil think it i because she lived so long.... but it amazing.



We took a trip to the Quay and through the CBD at peak hour which wasn't wise. This place sure gets busy... then we went to Pentone to fund a supermarket for some supplies...... luckily we found a brand we like of wine for $8 off a bottle - nice! So of course we bought 4.... and I am almost through one already. We used the navigation fairy (our trusty GPS) to get us back to our accommodation because we had both got totally confused with where we were and it was too late in the day - Helga (GPS) did the job superbly.



We are in an interesting Tudor style village, but it is well appointed- the kitchen though is very sparse and we are having fun remembering our trip up North in a campervan as we watch the shenanigans of those in the campers next door. We are loving this holiday and taking time to have fun and relaxation. Tomorrow the cable car, botanical gardens and a few choice things.... we will be catching the ferry soon too. Brendas birthday tomorrow must ring her ....


Signing off now

I let Phil know that the GPS name is Helga and he isn't sure ..... so watch this space 'The GPS' seems so formal now after all we've been through...... it might change though I will see if he has any other suggestions
We are chatting about holidays next year..... what fun!

Highlight - Indigo Cafe

The day was wet and not very inviting so once we got moving we set about to do 'indoor' activities. This included the Museum and the Art Gallery - both were really interesting. Then we decided against the walk in the park - at least I did - too awful and windy.

We went to a great cafe called Indigo for a coffee and cake - awesome place and then popped into the community arts centre and purchased a couple of things from the ladies there. We had been the only visitors all day but I think they were pleased about the sales....

Looks like the weather is finally clearing and hopefully will be fine for our trip to Wellington tomorrow.

W(h)anganui - not great accomodation

Today we were up and packed ready for the tri to Wanganui. This lovely town is on the southern part of the north island and so, after filling the car with petrol we were off. we stopped on the black sand on the way near the sea and marvelled also at the full rivers - in the rain which makes sense as to why they are so full.

We passed Mt Eggmont (Taranaki) which is covered with snow - but unfortunately didn't get the best photos with the weather. However we did rattle off a few photos and hopefully they will suffice.

Mount Eggmont

Finally we hit Wanganui - nice place on the Whanganui River (I know different spelling - this irks many of the people here and there is a bun fight over it at the moment) Unfortunately the hotel is not very good and smells of smoke. The rooms are old and need refurbishment but as all of our accommodation has been excellent - at least this is only for two nights and is the worse so far...and hopefully for the trip.

There were several workmen staying here who are obviously working on construction around the area. We think they come from Christchurch (not really sleuthing - just it is on their trucks) and they must do work here staying in the motel each night. There are also kids popping back and forth to each others rooms - youngish teenagers - mainly girls. Everyone was pretty much settled at 11pm until the next morning until some guys started beer drinking around 8.30am..... though they were pretty quiet.

New Plymouth and Gardens to Die for!!

Today we got up a little later after last night and our festivities with the blown tyre.... and organised ourselves. Firstly we found out what to do with the tyre - fortunately Beaurepairs will bill the hire company direct so we wouldn't have to pay.

Then we found out from Budget that they would like us to drive the car over by ferry to the South Island and we would be reimbursed for the ferry trip - this suited us as we wouldn't have to pack up everything, throw our food etc to pick u another car....great! So with those things sorted we set out for the day.

New Plymouth has some fantastic Gardens which we really enjoyed today... Pukekura Park which are really with the visit. We got there after we fixed the tyre and has a lovely morning tea in the Tea Rooms .......

then it was off around the gardens with its lakes.....


flowers, fabulous old trees and a fernery hothouse complex which had to be seen to be believed...



There were so many birds including ducks and of course a number of ducklings.... some only a couple of weeks old (a brood of 12!)


Morning Tea was a hit so we stayed for lunch and wandered around a bit more. While later on we decided that I would read a novel...fantastic....and Phil would walk to the beach. It rained most of the afternoon and was raining when we decided about dinner.

So we went to Hell......well there is a pizza restaurant called Hell and it does great pizzas - it was worth the rain, the soggy jeans, and wet shoes as we sat in Hell and ate the pizzas. The walk home was a bit drier but still wet. We are hoping for a finer day tomorrow to visit an extinct volcano and onwards to Wanganui.

I finished my book which was pretty good - just as well as I have 2 more to go.
Oh and I have some great photos of the park too.

Glow worms and tyre blowout in one day!

Today was in one word.... interesting!!! We set off on the highway after a stop at the Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain) well that was true to its word. It isn't like the stores in Oz they are much much bigger - even have a plants section, and have a huge variety. We got shampoo, conditioner and body wash - all well know brands and under $20!

Then we got two phone cards - one for my mobile and one for the landlines - phone calls are costing us a heap ($71 today) and it is really annoying. I found out that on my mobile any calls to Oz are $15 isn't that just ridiculous!!

Well on brighter stuff..... we travelled through to Waitomo Caves for a visit with the glow worms. I went there many years ago but this time was different. There was a devastating fire in 2005 and the buildings were destroyed this changed the atmosphere of the place - but luckily the wonderful caves and the glow worms are unchanged as they have been for centuries.


It was simply awesome to be in the dark in a boat underneath millions of little blue stars (glow worms) everyone was quiet as it took your breath away. Phil loved it and so enjoyed the experience. While I was disappointed about the outside it was of no consequence - it all worked out in the end and it was truly a magical experience. Of course no photography is allowed so unfortunately no pic - but sweet memories. We had lunch afterwards at a lovely cafe Tutu..... very nice

But the day was not ended.... on the way from New Plymouth...... with just 100 kms to go we blew a back tyre. I was concerned with this tyre a few days ago......note to self, always check the tyre before leaving the parking lot - we have had this issue before and same tyre same problem. This tyre seemed to be cut and blew out - so tomorrow looks like fun - fixing a tyre which we did to do and shouldn't have to be fixing..... we (or rather Phil while I held red umbrella over him to shelther him from the rain) popped on (don't you love that word ....when actually it was blood sweat and tears) the 'space saver tyre' the one you cannot go over 80kms on (much to the annoyance of everyone one else on the road and we had to pull over so many times to let banked up traffic by......we were happy to see the 80km zone). We arrived safe but tired at Quest to a wonderful comfortable apartment.

So while I thought about cooking dinner for about 10mins until we blew out that tyre we are thinking a pizza might be the go.... oh for comfort food.... I have already have had two glasses of wine while I write this and am feeling pretty mellow.....

Sulphurous Moments in Rotorua

Well today is Dads Birthday I hope someone remembered........ I didn't sadly. Matt may have because he rang on the mobile..........hoping that is the case.


I woke Phil up this morning earlier than usual because he wanted to go to the thermal wonderland.... and although he didn't sleep well he got up anyway so we could see the Lady Knox Geyser. So will another hundred or o people we braved that chilly Rotorua weather and set off at 9.3-0am or so.


I laughed when I saw the geyser. not because in itself it is funny, but because I went up to the place there are seats arranged like an auditorium around this innocuous white structure which is belching small amounts of steam. S0 finally the man got up and spoke abut the eruption. We were all wondering ab0ut the timing of the eruption..... and now we now why it is so easy to predict......... The man drops a surface humidificant (soap powder) down the hole and alters the surface tension and 10 minutes later there is a geyser!! I am not sure whether it is a disappointment or quite handy.


The geyser was pretty good anyway.

Then after the viewing of the geyser we had morning tea and then looked around this amazing park. We were not disappointed. there were amazing formations and colours, lakes and fumaroles, bubbling mud and fabulous colours of every shade - such an amazing place - that is for sure. We took heaps of photos.

Champagne Pool

Isn't this the most amazing colour - it is fluro green

Terraces

Then we went to the Rotorua Museum to enjoy their displays which were wonderful. The old baths inhabited the area and while they did not survive...... the museum now is able to look at this time. Fantastic.

The 0ther thing that I enjoyed reading about was the 28th Battalion which was a Maori battalion in the 2nd world war - what amazing people they were and they sang whenever they could.

For me the highlight of the day though was a visit to the Polynesian Baths where I enjoyed a sulphur spa bath and a massage after a mud pack. What luxury - and a treat after a hard day walking around and climbing hills and doing the tourism thing.

I cooked a stir fry tonight which was good and enjoyed a few glasses of NZ white I am ready to bed as we are off to New Plymouth tomorrow...... We have had an awesome time here in this thermal wonderland - so much to do and so much fun

On to Rotorua

Today we left lovely Hamilton and drove to Rotorua. But on the way we decided to go to the Kiwi House of Otorohanga. We also were hoping to get to Waitanimo caves but the Kiwi house was so good we didn't achieve that goal at all. So at the Kiwi House we were happy to see a whole range of birds, including ducks of all sizes and types, even ones that don't fly, kingfishers, parrots, Keas, Kakas and a range of waterfowl and tiny birds including the colourful Hedge Sparrow.

Of course we saw Kiwi and that was fabulous. They have one of the only Great Spotted Kiwi in captivity and she is 7 years old (they live to 30years in captivity) and she was so active, running up and down, looking for bugs in the leaf litter. There was another brown kiwi who was less than quarter the size but she was asleep as she was getting used to the room and her body clock had not yet adjusted. Luckily we were there for feeding and it was great to see the interaction between the birds and the keeper. After feeding they dive into their burrows for sleeping - they are only up for 4 hours every 24 hours. And other than that they are asleep.

Unfortunately of every kiwi born only 5% make it in the wild after 6 months of age. Dogs, cats, weasels and stoats kills most Kiwi. This Kiwi house is breeding brown Kiwi successfully and returning them to the wild or to other zoos for breeding programs. Unfortunately there is issues for the Greater Spotted Kiwi as there are so few in captivity that breeding is a problem.

We hit the town of Rotorua at around 5pm after a full on day and we were pleased to find a wonderful Indian Restaurant for dinner. We put on our glad rags and went to dinner.... lovely. The smell if the place is amazing and sometimes you get a whiff of sulphur that makes your head spin! We will experience that in full force tomorrow!

On to Hamilton

After an early start (Phil wasn't impressed but coped amiably as always) we headed out to Hamilton for the day. Although it is only 1.5 hours away room Auckland, the GPS was rather confused and got us off track - we then ignored it when it threatened to take us to Cambridge and finally we got to where we wanted to go.

So at Hamilton we spent several wonderful hours in the very impressive gardens where they have built garden rooms such as I have never seen before!!

The dovecote! (cute hey??)

We took lots of pictures and loved going through these wonderful gardens.... Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Maori, English and Indian.....they were just magnificent . So we had such fun with our cameras as they were the best we have seen for ages. They even had real buildings in wonderful proportions to the gardens.

Italian Garden

Indian Garden

Indian domes against the sky

We went on to look at the sustainable back yard garden, the vegetable patch based on gardens from big old houses and the many servants they had, and the herb garden. We loved this place
When we arrived at our motel I was hoping to talk with Annie and hopefully to meet. It wasn't to be unfortunately. We talked for some time and caught up with the news, but I don't think Annie felt comfortable enough to meet - or something??? so in the end I suggested we try to keep in touch via email.

I was really pretty disappointed because I was staying in Hamilton so I could meet up with her again, but as she didn't suggest it, I felt that I couldn't barge in either............ oh well maybe next time?? We had a good talk though so that was good.

We popped into the cemetery and had a look around and we are into Rotorua tomorrow. We are looking forward to that and all the hot mud etc.

Phil is making dinner and doesn't want any help - sad I can't get the net here would really love to send an email to the kids!! Even though they have wireless broad band........and I have their password..... it doesn't work.......... technology isn't what it is cracked up to be that is for sure.

Enjoying some NZ vego friendly white wines - nice and cold
Warmer and sunnier today so that as nice for a change

Auckland and bus strike!

Had lovely day even though it was a bit wet and windy at first we still had fun. There was a bus strike on Thursday and we had hoped that it was over - but when we went to catch the bus to take us around today alas there wasn't one! So off we went on our own recognisance.

We firstly walked to the Victoria Park Markets and expected that they would be frantic with people but surprisingly the markets were very slow and not much hassle at all. So we bought a few bits including some presents and had a great cup of coffee each - including my Latte i a bowl - must have held around 400ml at least.


Then we walked up to the sky Tower - a bit like Black Mountain Tower at home - but of course bigger.... the views are absolutely spectacular.... 360 degrees. there is also very thick glass which you can walk on and only see the scene below your feet - I did this though it is eerie Phil did that too.

View from Sky Tower

Then we walked to the ferry (damn the bus strike - my feet were sore by now - having not worn runners as I thought there would be a bus to catch - pity the girls in high heels too - that really looked painful)

The ferry to Davenport took only 10 minutes but it was miles away and we loved the place.

There is a very successful art gallery - which is lovely and had we not been shipping things back to Australia I certainly could have bought some stuff that is for sure. Phil ought me some gorgeous earrings and he bought a tea towel with the native pigeon on it and a little plate with the fern leaf which is everywhere here.

After that we headed home to put our feet up. Heather and Zoë met us to bring the camera and we went out to the restaurant called 'the Altar' which served Tapas and a great wine.... nice. It was good to chat to them (Zoë is fun and very talkative) and we caught up on lots of things. Zoë is very happy that her great great great grandmother was Queen Victoria's tailoress...... she is one happy girl.

What a wonderful day.

Hamilton tomorrow and hopefully a catch up with Annie and Reg.

Back to Auckland and rain rain rain

Through the night the weather turned again and we woke up to pelting rain. It is also fairly cold and so dreary.... we were very pleased that we had decided to go to Russell yesterday rather than today.

So we headed off around 10am after breakfast for the journey back to Auckland...... hoping that the weather would improve.... which it actually did when we hit the outskirts of the city.
The journey was pretty uneventful - we stopped at a great place for lunch and shared a vegetarian pizza and a wonderful Greek salad at an Italian Restaurant.

We also visited the most amazing decorated toilet that I have ever seen.... the artist inlaid pottery, ceramics, tiles, glass bottles into a wonderful eclectic mix - rather Art Nouveau and a bit inspired by the architect Guadi...who was in that period in Italy.


I loved how he used glaze flower pots cut them in half filled them with concrete and made them into pillars - such fun indeed. the floors and walls undulated and were quite free form. The struts in the roof were arches and the floors were decorative too..... I loved it!




There were plants on the roof growing freely, which is actually quite sensible when you see how much mould grows on the roofs around here......We also loved his town sign and a rather quirky lighthouse nearby. It gives me ideas what to do..... well see.


We have finished the washing and now it is in the drier so that is great - will give us clean clothes for a while. We are hoping to meet with Glenn and Heather - I am actually hoping to meet with Glenn for a chat about Mum..... so we will see if that comes off. Other than that a light meal, a good bottle of white and not much else for the evening I hope.

We met Glenn at around 7.30pm and had a great evening catching up and talking about things including the oldies. I wanted to let Glenn know how things were and give him a bit of an idea about their health. Glad to have a few drinks and get to bed.

Bay opf Islands 8th Oct

Well I didn't have a spa bath after all last night - instead I drank more than 2 standard drinks and read til late and flaked out to 9.30am..... I then woke up Phil and we started the day....

We firstly visited the Haruru Water Falls - big and loud.... and we were in kiwi forest too - unfortunately we didn't see any due to their sleeping habits.... will have to visit a nocturnal house I am thinking

We had a great time today - we went to KeriKeri visited a chocolate factory and are at present sampling the fare with a nice glass of 'Sav' which is what the Kiwis call Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (sp) So we have honey and orange coated macadamias, choc coated orange peel and choc coated ginger - why am I telling you this???? Because there won't be much left after tonight - and after tomorrow forget it!

I have signed up for an internet provider here and if the hotel is with them then I can get wireless internet..... much easier

We also took the ferry to Russell and that was lovely...

for $10 return the trip was nice andit was good to be on the water.... it has really quaint buildings but one of the best things was the church with gravestones.... I took lots of photos and one gravestone was from the first woman (pakeha -white woman) born in New Zealand -cool hey??

Well that is about it - I am enjoying one of many glasses of 'sav' tonight and feeling much more relaxed than I did 5 days ago....

Have been eating and sleeping well and exercising because Phil always wants to look at everything- bless him - even covered canoes!! just to see what they look like.

Back to Auckland tomorrow - but on the way we are stopping at the most interestingly decorated restrooms (toilets) in NZ...... what can I say - everyone says you must see them so - we will

Til tomorrow