I have been asked by Renee to show you what Al and I have been doing since we arrived in New Zealand four weeks ago. It has been a very exciting time for us visiting a country with such breathtaking scenery and spending time with family.
When we first arrived in the early morning hours at the Auckland airport it was a bit overwhelming to hop into a car and start driving on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right side of the car. All controls are opposite so it is common at first to see the windshield washers going instead of the turn signal. Since it was so early 5:45 a.m. we decided to head to Thames and then around the Coromandel Peninsula. Now the distance is not really far but the narrow road around the peninsula which runs along the coast is far from straight - rock on one side and water on the other - was perhaps a little much for the first day!
We continued along the coast the next day and then headed inland to Rotorua where we saw the geo thermal pools.
The vegetation is very tropical looking with lots of ferns.
While taking a walk through a volcanic valley just outside of Rotorua we discovered this beautiful lake - Frying Pan Lake.
In Palmerston North we visited a botanical garden and came across this unique peacock.
With much of New Zealand being mountainous many homes are built on the hills however some of those hills are so steep that the only way to get to your home from the road is to go up an elevator such as you see in this picture.
Arrival in the South Island - Dave and his Dad picked us up.
We took the most scenic road to Nelson - when you take the most scenic roads in New Zealand you must realize that the road will almost always be windy, often close to the edge of a cliff with a rock wall on the other side but the views are more than worth it!!
It was great to see the grandchildren again!!
And spend time with family at the Market in downtown Nelson
When the boys are at school off the adults go to the beach for a time of relaxation!
Both boys enjoy riding on a nearby dirt bike track and are really improving their biking skills.
Lots of fun family time - picnics, hiking, collecting shells and the odd shark!
Walking on the boulder bank - a natural rock wall.
View from on top of a hill - 45 minutes up and 30 minutes down.
Enjoying Opera in the Park along with 8,000 other people.
Fishing for supper - three salmons caught all by Jackson!! Xavier had the net and assisted with bringing them in.
Another relaxing day at the beach - never the same beach as there are lots to choose from!
Visit to Wharariki - another beach! Incredibly beautiful!!
This is not snow!! Sand Dunes!!
and seals ... (gotta say it beats Marineland!)
and family!!
Off to the cave - second time for the boys so they were anxious to answer the questions as they already knew the answers.
Renee's birthday was enjoyed with family and a triple chocolate cake!!
Dave's parents have been great at giving us history lessons on the area and filling us in on the names of birds, trees etc.
Tea anyone?
I'll let Renee do the next blog post, but with a trip into the southern alps planned, I can assure you that more adventures await us over the final week of our vacation!!
