Holiday snapshots

When we arrived back in NZ after our trip to Australia we did a lot of gallivanting around the country. So much so that I barely had time to do a load of washing or two before hitting the road again, let alone update my blog! Finally, with the holidays over and the kids back at school, I've done it.

It all started with a drive down to Taupo where Steve had entered a couple of swim races. For the record, he won his age group in the Epic swim one day then the following day he was the overall winner (without a wetsuit) in the Masters Open Water Championship which means he retains his title.


Some pictures I took of the girls.




Back to Auckland and back to work for Steve:( An "all girls" trip to Waipu Cove was suggested and we jumped at the opportunity. My friend Helen and her three girls, and I with my three, went to visit our friend Charmaine who has two girls of her own. Yep, altogether that makes eight little girls and three mums! We had a fabulous time – the girls didn't keep still which is why I couldn't get them all in one photo.


Back to Auckland again. Wash. Repack the car (in the pouring rain). Then we were heading north again. We took time to stop at the infamous Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa – one of the "101 must-do's" for Kiwi's.


Phyll and Bill (no, they're not a gay couple) from Steve's swim squad invited us to join them at their Tapuaetahi bach. Tucked away in a remote little spot, the road to which is not shown on any map. We needed detailed directions, an access code to a locked gate and dealings with unfriendly Maoris to get there. This is a pic of the front lawn at the bach.


The girls kayaking in the estuary.




My not-so-graceful exit from the kayak.


Painting driftwood – and anything else they were permitted to.


After we left Phyll and Bill's, we headed further north. The turquoise waters at Maitai Bay were beautiful. This pic was taken before the crowds set in.


After some fun catching waves at Ahipara – the start of 90 Mile Beach which goes all the way up to Cape Reinga.


At our motel overlooking Shipwreck Bay at Ahipara. Note how flat the surf is :(


The next morning at Ahipara. Don't be fooled by these pics, it was a long wait between sets.




We missed the car ferry to Rawene by 3 minutes. At least it gave us time to have a picnic lunch. Then we crossed the Hokianga Harbour to Opononi.


Translated, Tane Mahuta means God of the forest. Located in the Waipoua Forest, it's the biggest Kauri tree in THE WORLD!


The clearing of forestry land surrounding the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes makes it look like a war zone – very sad. This pic does not show how truly amazing the lakes are.


Then we continued home.