Sunday 1st of July 2012

Today we started with a very frosty walk along the river that dominates Whanginui.


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After defrosting the car we headed off for breakfast at Maccas and then refueled for the trip to the snowfields. The road was winding in parts and the frost continued.





As we got closer to the mountain range we stopped several times to take photos.











We arrived at the Chateau and then headed up "The Bruce". As the ski field had only just opened and the school holidays were starting there were lots of people and children enjoying the snow.





We got out of the car very carefully as we had parked on a large patch of ice. My shoes were not up to the task required. Chris changed into his boots. We walked up to about parking level 6 and then caught the free shuttle bus for a ride to the ski field. We had lunch and then the boys went up the chairlift to see what it was like further up the mountain. I sat in the sun waiting. After a while the cold started to seep into my bones. It seemed to be an age before they got back.






We then set off down the mountain and headed back to Ohakune where we found a bed for the night.


We had a lovely meal at a local restuarant and then headed back our motel. The forcast is for another freezing night.

Location:Ohakune

Saturday 30th of June 2012

We got up at first light and went to take some early morning photos of the mountain. The sunlight made the snow look pink.



We then headed into New Plymouth for breakfast at Maccas.
We had a quick look at the beach near the port. There is a very old swimming pool built in the 1920's.



Then it was time to pack again and check out of the motel. Back on the road heading South towards Mount Taranaki, we stopped several times for photos.



We drove up to the information centre on the north face of the mountain. There are many different walks you can take from this point, but we only had time for a quick walk up to the monument commemorating the death of AH Ambury who died trying to rescue a climber who fell on the ice at 6300 feet in 1918.




I then took the nature walk back to the cafe. This took about 15 minutes.








The ferns continued to grow despite the snow falls.


This beautiful sculpture hangs inthe information centre.
We then had hot chocolate before heading off South.


This view of the gardens at Hawera where we stopped for lunch.



I have always loved for get me nots. The colour is the most beautiful blue.
We are staying the night at a motel in Wanganui. We found an "English Pub" for tea. While at the pub, my phone stopped working. I rang Telecom and a very patient lady helped me work out that somehow my 3g was switched off. I do not know how I could have managed that, but at least it is sorted now.

Location:Wanganui

Friday 29th June 2012

We packed again and said our goodbyes to Simon and Rachael. Then we hit the motorway and headed south. As the weather was cold and fine we decided to head down to New Plymouth to see Mount Taranaki covered in snow. We stopped at Otorohanga for lunch at Maccas and a quick look at the shops. I found a Buzzy Bee at last.



We then turned off to see the Waitomo Glowworms. The new entrance and restuarant is beautiful.


We then continued towards New Plymouth on some very twisty and winding roads.





This was our first view of the mountain covered in snow. It looks like it is rising out of the sea. We stopped at Mokau for an icecream.


Another view of the mountain from the car window.


Waitara beach watching the sun go down.
We arrived in New Plymouth at about 6.30 and found a room at Aarons motel. After unpacking we headed into town for tea. We tried one place but it was too busy. We finished up at Crowded House which had heaps of TV's featuring different sport. We watched the rugby on the big screen. The chiefs won. The food was great but I forgot to take a photo as I was too hungry.
We headed back to the motel to watch the rest of the match and to prepare for tomorrows leg of the trip.

Location:New Plymouth

28th June 2012

I was woken rather early by Kevin, who had to head off to the hospital for five hours of medical tests. This was part of a research project for a PHD on faetal anaemia. His brother Simon was there also. We stayed at the Dominion Lodge which is run by the Cancer Foundation in NZ.
Rachael, Chris and I headed off to Newmarket for breakfast at "Jones the Grocer". We had eggs benedict while Chris had the full breakfast.



I found some handprinted teatowels for presents at the cafe. They had a wonderful display of mustards, relishes, teas etc.
Rachael and I proceeded to check out the shops in the Newmarket area and then headed back to the hotel to meet the boys after they were finished at the hospital.
In the afternoon we checked out Stokers model shop and the Octane bookshop. The Technical bookshop was next door and I found a book on making movies with you Iphone. Kevin bought some prints of New Zealand racing car drivers to add to his collection.

After a lot of discussion we decided which movies we would see. Rachael and I watched Snow White and the Huntsman while the boys went to see Prometheus in 3D.






After the movies we had an indian curry for tea. It was a long time since we had eaten breakfast.

Location:Auckland, NZ

27th June 2012

We packed our bags and eventually left Taupo with hugs and wellwishes. Our first stop was the lookout as it was a beautiful cold morning and there was snow on the mountain range.





We then made a visit to the huka falls which was very fast as usual.



Next stop was Tokaroa for morning coffee and muffins. Then on to Putaruru where we turned off for Tauranga. We were nearly there when we were diverted by a road works. We had to take a very long detour. Finally we arrived at Simon and Rachael's home. Moses was very pleased to see us. After a tour of the house and garden we all set off for the Mount where we had lunch and a photo shoot. Side Track Cafe had great food and it was right on the beach front.






Our route over the Kiamias gives a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.


As we arrived at Waihi Beach we saw this double rainbow.



Waihi Beach after the rain had stopped.



I love the shapes made by the trees in winter.
We eventually arrived at our hotel in the Domain. We walked down to get tea and then walked back. My knees are complaining, but I did not need to resort to a taxi. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Location:Tauranga, Auckland

26th June 2012

I spent the morning sorting out Kevin's computer. I saved quite a few files to the new external drive and then found that the camera cord was missing. Apparently it went home early to Australia in my son's suitcase. Luckily there is still heaps of room on the card so no worries.
The weather had set in, so there was no thoughts of venturing out til later in the afternoon when we went down to post some bits and pieces home.
A very good friend of the family arrived with a brand new flat screen TV and proceeded to install it on some pretext that she needed to try it out. With some help from the boys and a new cord, it worked beautifully. It was a lovely surprise.
After presenting the TV we had a feed of Hoki, chips, hotdogs, scallops and squid rings from the local shop.

Location:Taupo

25th June 2012

Monday is traditionally washing day and today was no different. There was some wind today which made it bitterly cold but at least it dried the clothes in between rain showers. Several times during the day Olive and I made the mad dash outside to rescue the clothes as the rain came down.
Kevin and Chris were due back from the rally in Auckland in the afternoon. I messaged them several times and they eventally arrived after doing a spot of Tiki Touring. After a short break we went down town to buy some food for tea at brother Petes house. We also bought a portable drive for Kevin's computer as he had run out of memory and couldn't download the last of his rally photos.
The evening at Peters was lovely. We met some of his new friends and caught up with some we had met on previous visits. Even though it was cold we stayed reasonably warm with a patio heater and a workshop heater. Mind you, I did not take off my coat. As it was work the next day for most, they left early and then we had a coffee inside before heading home to bed.



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Location:Taupo