Auckland

Today the weather wouldn't decide one way or another whether it wanted to be fine or cloudy and raining. We would have liked to go to Devonport but instead thought that the weather was such that it would not have been too enjoyable. So off we went on the Green Link Bus instead to see what was on offer. We had great look around the museum and really enjoyed the fantastic display of Maori Artifacts and in particular the wonderful carvings. Lunch was also great - at the museum and we sat and enjoyed the atmosphere.

We walked to the Domain and loved the lushness of the grass and the amazing feeling of damp soil beneath our feet. At the Domain there is a hothouse/conservatory building which was built in 1913.

It was well worth the visit. In the right hand side there was a hot house full of tropical plants including orchids, pitcher plants and helaconias. There was a wonderful pond with the most gorgeous waterlilies and fantastic big lily pads the largest was about 1 metre across.

Banana trees and torch gingers, bougainvilleas and all sorts of unusual plants made this really a special place to visit.

On the left was a greenhouse of cool climate plants including lupins, stocks, delphiniums, snap dragons, opium poppies and a wide range of hibiscus and other plants we are familiar with.

After a long walk we climbed aboard the bus again and meandered home. Glenn picked us up at 7ish with Zoe and their cute poodle cross 'Cola' and we went to a great Thai restaurant. We were delighted that not only Jack and Heather met us there but also Riley.

We are hoping that Jack and Riley in particular will becoming over to visit soon. That cross Tasman thing seems to b a very long way sometimes - yet it is only 2.5hours. Really not that far.

We will catch up with them all when we are back from Bay of Islands where we are going tomorrow. We will have too as I left my camera in the car so we won't have it for a few days ... rats will have to use Phil’s - what we do for art!!

Too much wine tonight so will sleep well.