View from the top on Mount Eden, Auckland
Picture of the mouth of the inactive volcano ( top of Mount Eden)
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Oct 27 2023
Our first day trip was to Mount Eden, it’s the highest point in Auckland and is an inactive Volcano
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Oct 29 2023
We start our adventure in Auckland. \240After a long flight we planned a week stay in the city to get set up for our trip.
We needed to arrange our phone service for the trip and purchase a car. We also used the week to acclimate to the time change and rest up from the long flight.
This is the car we bought. It’s a 2010 Nissan X -Trail and we got a smoking deal. $5500 NZ dollars or roughly $3000 US. We also got a full 3 month warranty and a. Verbal agreement that the dealer will buy it back from us on our return to Auckland.
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Oct 30 2023
Our second trip was to Mission bay, we took a cab to the Bay and walked along the waterfront from Mission Bay to St Heliers Bay. It was about a 8km hike but was a great trip.
The kids found a playground and played for along time. We attempted to leave several times with the same degree of success as usual ( none). Kate and I decided to leave and see if they noticed, jokes on us they didn’t.
After the long walk on the sea wall we found a nice Italian restaurant ( Scalini’s Restaurant in St Heliers) Kassien discovered he loved the Sticky Date Pudding
He lived it so much he ordered a second helping. ( since it was Halloween we decided to let it go since they didn’t get to go trick or treating)
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Nov 01 2023
Kate had her Birthday on November 2nd. The kids and I hung up some decorations ( Happy Birthday banner and ballons)
Then we got up early on the 2nd and took the 9 am Ferry to Waiheke Island ( 45 min boat ride and lots of New Zealand’s top \240Wineries)
We booked the Hop on Hop off bus tour, it was a double decker bus and allowed us to get on and off at set stops to tour key sites on the island.
This is a panoramic of one of the wineries
Another Pandemic from the top of the winery
Kate and I attempted to get a selfie at our first wine tasting stop…. The photo bomber strikes again
Hudsen enjoying the beach at one of the stops on the bus tour
Testing out the Ocean
I guess the Ocean is fine they both went swimming ( Kate and I lounged on the beach and had some French Fries, lol)
More swimming
……even more swimming
Hudsen and Kassien trying to dig a hole in the sand while the waves keep filling it in….. can you guess who wins?
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Nov 03 2023
The first Saturday in Auckland, we setting yo a rugby match. Kate got us tickets to a double header, Canada vs France and then New Zealand( Black Ferns) vs England women’s league.
Canada beat France and New Zeaylost to England but the games were a great time.
We arrived early and the kids got to make “POI’s” it’s a local toy used to cheer and celebrate at the games.
Still working on their “POI’s”
Showing off the newly crafted “POI’s”
A little POI action by Hudsen
And Kassien showing off his POI.
After the POI making we were able to make signs to cheer on the teams.
Were are all set for the matches to bevy.
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Nov 05 2023
We left Auckland and headed to Ragan for surf camp. It’s roughly a 2 hour drive. On route we decided to stop at Hobbiton to explore the move set of the Shire from Lord of The Rings.
I’m not very good at selfies tried to get a family shot with the Hobbiton sign in the background ( the sign is there but not very clear lol)
I had to give up on the selfie, here is the sign…
Late at the first Hobbit hole
Kassien looking for something
Hobbit bees like flowers too
Shot of the Shire
Another one
And another
Hobbit Moonshiner, my favourite Hobbit Hole
I think Kassien is looking for his keys under the Matt?
Kassien’s Bootleging Buggy
Hudsen have a mug of Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Pub in Hobbiton
Kassien having a mug of Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Pub in Hobbiton
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Nov 05 2023
Raglan- After our tour of Hobbiton we headed to our rental in Raglan.
This is our rental. It was pretty cool it was made up of 4 separate buildings, the first was the kitchen/Familyroom the next 2 were the bedrooms( the master was complete with French doors and a leather sofa that open up on to the deck that joined all the buildings together) and the last was the bathroom
This is the back of our unit Kate is on the deck in front of the master Bryan’s behind her is the bath door and the kids room
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Nov 06 2023
Our next day trip way to a hot water beach. You would find an under sand hot spring and then dig yourself a hot tub. We did a lot of exploring but never found a hot spring. Lucky for us a group that was there before us did and when they left we were able to enjoy the homemade hot tub.
On the way back to Raglan we made a detour to see the Glow Worn caves. We were not able to take pictures inside but I did my best hidden camera attempt lol
Can you see the Glow Worms?
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Nov 09 2023
Surf camp starts today. Everyone is excited and the waves look great.
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Nov 11 2023
Last day in Ragland and we went to Bridal Vail Falls.
Panoramic of the falls
We hiked to the bottom of the falls. This is from the bottom, it was pretty cool the mist was spraying everywhere
This is from Hudsen play with the panoramic function. Looks like a heat wind lol
Still trying to figure out this selfie thing. It looks like the photo bomber is back. Lol
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Nov 14 2023
Stopped for Coffee and a quick snack, this little place is pretty cool.
View from the restaurant patio
More from the patio
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Nov 14 2023
SANDBOARDING
Today we are off to surf the sand dunes. Pictures will follow shortly if we make it down the mountain in one piece.
On the ferry heading to the sand dunes now.
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Nov 15 2023
Went for a 4 hour walking tour this evening. The locals have 70 elemental Gods they worship the Kuari Trees are one of the physical representation of one.
This is the 2 nd oldest Kuari tree on the island, it’s 2000 tellers old.
This is the oldest Kuari tree in New Zealand it’s 3500 years old and has a circumference of 17 meters
This is a Pictor the Kuari treee bark. It looks a lot like fish scales and is hard as concrete. The locals use to use it for roofing tiles. The local folklore explains the orgin of the bark like this, The Orca whale noticed the massive tree and ask him to join him in the ocean, with your size you will be king. The Kuari tree responded that he couldn’t because he has no scales to proxy himself in the sea. The Orca then gave the Kuari tree his scales so he could join him in the sea. The Kuari tree then changed his mind and told the Orca he needs to stay on land to watch over his children. They say that this is why the Orcas skin is smooth and the Kuari tree has scales.
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Nov 15 2023
LAST DAY IS OMAPERE
This is the. Ire of the sand dunes from yesterday from in front of our place in Omapere
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Nov 16 2023
We left Omapere today and headed night to Coopers Beach. On route we cane across a sign for a local cheese shop we we had to stop. Lol
We found something we have never seen before, “Quark” the cheese lady said it’s amazing and only available here so of course we had to get some. Stay tuned for our product review coming soon.
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Nov 16 2023
Stop at a winery on route to Coopers Beach. Had a 5 glass taster and cheese board( surprise ! It was cheese from our last stop) wine was moderate , kids had bread but the both tries pesto and loved it. Win.
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Nov 16 2023
Another stop on the way to Coopers Beach. This is a local chocolate shop the use only 3 nuts in its recipes, all natural ingredients and inspire of that the chocolates are amazing.
So while at the Chocolate Shop Hudsen asked if he could buy this chocolate recipe book with his own money…..
And today they decided to make one of the recipes……Stay tuned for the results
Their chocolate treats turn out awesome. They are so proud.lol
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Nov 17 2023
This is a lookout just before we got to Cape Reigna. We had no idea how close we were to the lighthouse parking lot ( 2 minutes) lol
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Nov 17 2023
Tapotupotu Beach. Little side trip today on the way to the top of New Zealand. Kids loved the water. Hudsen packed down the shovel, he thought all beaches in New Zealand were hot water beaches and wanted to dig a hot tub. Lol
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Nov 17 2023
So we road tripped up to Cape Reinga today and it was amazing the pictures are here as well. On the way back we decided to stop and do some more sand boarding as the kids had such a great time last week so here it is
The Duness are massive look like we are entering a desert
We have our boards and are heading up.
Almost there …..
So close…..
And here we go…. Total fail lol
Hudsen’s attempt
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Nov 17 2023
We heard all about the amazing pies from here but by the time we got back from trip up North they we just closing and sold out. Maybe next time.
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Nov 18 2023
Rain day today 😒
In search of the elusive Sea Glass
Another hunter in the wild looking for the elusive Sea Glass
Wait looks like he may have found one….Lets take a closer look
Bingo we have a winner.
Which is more then I can say for this guy. Just goes to show you it’s not the number of arms you have in the hunt it’s your ability to walk on land lol
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Nov 19 2023
The storm is over
Kassien looking for gold at the end of the rainbow we will let you know what they find
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Nov 19 2023
So they setting go Kayaking today and I Dey to let them sort out how to get the boat to the water. It took awhile but they eventually learned it’s easier if the work together
Now they are working together lol
And they are off…
Looks like Hudsen has it under control
Kassien as well.
There is nothing to this
Wait what’s this….
Waves win lol
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Nov 20 2023
Got home from the beach and decided to try a little fishing.
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Nov 20 2023
90 Mike Beach……WOW!
Some were finally able to test out the 4 wheel drive on the new car. Went for a run down 90 mile Beach. Didn’t do the whole 90 miles but had some fun in the sand anyway
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Nov 21 2023
On the way to 90 mile Beach we stopped at Peekaboo Backyard Eatery for some Lunch and corm hole
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Nov 22 2023
Last day at Coopers Beach so we tried out the new fishing equipment. No fish today but have everyone a chance to work on their form. Lol
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Nov 22 2023
Time to leave Coopers Beach and make our way back towards Auckland to catch a 6 am flight to Australia. That ought be fun lol( kids)
This is Sammy. She was the owners dog and would come to our place whenever we were around for a visit. ( could it be the sausage or the Mac and Cheese?
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Nov 23 2023
Goat Islans Day one. Water was to rough so we decided to head into town to buy the boys some snorkeling gear and try tomorrow.
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Nov 24 2023
All geared up. Goat Island take two.
Weather is much better today.
Kassien made it in the water.
Kassien describing his first snorkeling encounter with a snapper. Lol
Hudsen is still debating wether or wto go in.
And he is in…..
And now he is out telling us about his first snorkeling adventure…lol
Kassien say his first fish while snorkeling….
This Snspper took a bite. Lol
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Nov 25 2023
So we made it to the gate in time. We had to leave the hotel at 3 am so none of us really got any sleep. \240The kids got up with. Ery little stress to us lol. Now we are on our way to Australia to spend a week on the Great Barrier Reef.
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Nov 26 2023
So, after a great start to the flight we arrived on time in Melbourne and then cleared we needed to clear customs and then pick up our bags and then go back through security to catch our connecting flight to Carians.
We had 90 minutes in the layover and thought no problem it will be tight but we can make it ….Would you believe it took almost 2 hours to clear custom??? \240Needless to say we didn’t make our connection and the airlines got us on the 4:20 flight…. Accordion my limited math skills that’s another 8 hour layover… seems to be a pattern.
In any event the gave us $90 in meal vouchers and this is us enjoying that perk, lol.
Still waiting lol
Doughnuts help lol
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Nov 26 2023
Finally…our first morning in Trinity Beach we are so close to the Great Barrier Reef I can taste it in my coffee. Lol
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Nov 27 2023
Breakfast art challenge. Can you guess what they are?
Palm Tree with a bird on a yield sign
Kangaroo on a pogo stick.. \240Roo- Go - Stick?
Breakfast art challenge. Can you guess what they ?
Fire Truck
Tasmanian Devil with Cowboy hat.
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Nov 27 2023
Just heading back from the beach. Took the kids in the ocean to practice snorkeling. Tomorrow is a big day, our first day of diving the Great Barrier Reef. Stay tuned
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Nov 28 2023
Today is the day we head to the Great Barrier Reef. I was so anxious I was up at 3 am and couldn’t get back to sleep. lol. Made breakfast for everyone, the kids woke up without and real issues at 6:30 and started to get ready with little prompting from us.
Kate and I went to pick up the rental car at 7:30 and we were on our way.
This is the boat that takes us to the reef it’s a 27 mile trek and took almost 2 hours.
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Nov 28 2023
After a rough start in New Zealand with snorkeling the kids seem to find their groove. Hudsen even made a new friend lol
And another one.
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Nov 28 2023
Great Barrier Reef Dive Videos. ( took lots and will eventually edit this but couldn’t help but to post them now to share with everyone. Editing will follow lol
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Nov 29 2023
Today we went to the Mossman Gorge. It’s where the Rain forest meets the Great Barrier Reef. \240Besides Hudsen getting car sick we had a great time exploring and swimming in the river.
Hudsen getting car sick and Kassien offeriywater.
You can see the fish.
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Nov 30 2023
Second trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This time we are going to dive 3 reefs on the outer banks. We will be on the edge of the Continental Shelf. Stay tuned for pick and videos.
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Nov 30 2023
Reef Nukber 3
Kate and Kassien, they stayed till the last minute. \240Neither wanting to leave the reef lol
Boat ride to the outer reef. 97 KM from shore and on the literal edge of the Continental Shelf
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Dec 01 2023
I good friend recommended we visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure \240it definitely lived up to the hype. Kids loved seeing the crocodiles and other animals
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Dec 02 2023
Breakfast and a walk no kids lol
On the way home we spotted some Dolphins in the bay.
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Dec 02 2023
Big day today, headed back to Harley’s Croodial Adventure. Lots of fun. \240
River Boat tour, wanted a group shot with us all wearing our matching hats can you guess who had a meltdown and didn’t want to join?
At least I caught him as a photo bomber in this one ( no hat though 😒)
Here’s the resident Whombat
Lots o Kangaroos.
They said this bird talks, I tried with no luck maybe he speaks pig?
Kassien deciphers wanted to get a picture with a crocodile we got him this one.
This was the snake show for anyone who enjoys snakes lol
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Dec 03 2023
Long travel day yesterday from Australia. Got back to Auckland at 1am. Car is all packed and we stopped for breakfast before heading to Hot Water Beach
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Dec 04 2023
We arrived at our place at Hot Water Beach. This is the view from our deck
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Dec 04 2023
So we decided to get up early this motand beat the crowd to the beach and dig our hot tub…. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a different idea. On a posit note on our way back we have distanced new spot to did that is away from the crowds. Let’s see if the third time is the charm.
In our search for a beach hot tub we came across this guy fishing from the beach. He has a gps guided electric water drone that drags his line out to the exact spot he picks. It’s weighted on one end and he hangs leader lines off of it just like a trawler. I can honestly say I have never seen any like it before.
It obviously works lol
It’s hard to see in this picture but the orange ball is the end of his line.
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Dec 07 2023
Today we headed out on a Kyack trip. We had a surprise guest join us. Anne. , one of Kate’s friends from Pitt Meadows. The trip was about 3 hours and we went through the Marine Reserve and over to Cathedral Cave.( Famous for being used in The Narnia Mivieea. )
Back of Kassien’s head and my shoes, still getting used to using my phone in a plastic bag lol
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Dec 07 2023
This a shot at Carhedral Cove looking through arch at what the locals say is a singing man
Hudsen living up to his middle name. ( Dangar)
Another for the Danger series.
Hot drinks on the beach.
The singing rock
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Dec 08 2023
Quick road stop, this pull out is looking back over Hot Water beach. Was sad to say goodbye
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Dec 08 2023
Sooo. Ibmissed a turnoff on the way to Rotaura and I’m doing so we found this Marina and just had to stop for a few pictures
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Dec 08 2023
This is the town of Rotaura, the park is complete with geothermal hot spots every where. Smells like rotten eggs. I got sick lol
Hudsen decided to buy some Christmas cookies from the local charity.
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Dec 08 2023
So for this leg of the trip we are in the Thermal Corridor, it’s littered with geothermal hot spots. We decided to go rural as well with this accommodation. It’s two sleeping pods with a shared kitchen in the middle of who knows where. lol
This is the view from our deck.
These are the pods. 2 bedroom pods connected with an out door kitchen. They are completely off the grid with solar power and everything else is propane. The kitchen has a small bar fridge a sink and a two burner gas hot plate and of course a bbq. Note, there is a toaster but not outlets in the kitchen to plug it in lol
First night was campfire night. No marshmells, maybe tomorrow if we can find a store.
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Dec 09 2023
So today we got ready to go see a local Geothermal Park. It’s a 25 km car ride from our spot or a 2 km Kayak trip down the river in front of our place. Of course we choose the river lol.
One double Kayak and a single? I had Kassien and Hudsen double up in the front seat of mine and Kate took the single. What a trip.
The Bathrooms at the geothermal park.
View of the park landing dock from the main terminal
Another shot for our Danger Series. Lol
Another Dange Series
Time lapse of a hot spot
Slow motion shot of a boiling mud hole. Can you say facial?
Listen the the sounds coming from this spot.
Slow motion of a geisure
Kate on the Catwalk.
Long paddle home after a fun day at the Geothermal Park
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Dec 10 2023
Another quick stop, this time it was at a glass blowing shop for a viewing of the masters at work and a tour of the art wal.
This art walk was pretty cool. All elements were make at the shop.
This glass wall is pretty cool can you find Hudsen, Where’s Hudsen? Lol
Here is another chance. Where’s Hudsen?
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Dec 10 2023
This adventure was to see cliff carvings done by one of the local native members. It’s begins with about an hour long boat ride on the only commercial electric sailboat on the island. According to the captain he was green before it was cool. Lol
Obviously, this is a black swan event.
Hudsen is King of the World
Now it Kassien’s turn to be King
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Dec 10 2023
And here we have arrived at the Māori Rock Carving, pretty amazing
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Dec 10 2023
Good evening Wellington. Here are a few shots Kate took on they walk after we arrived. It was pretty windy and after the long drive I just need a rest lol
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Dec 11 2023
What better place for a pit stop on way to Wellington, the town of Bulls, \240it is well known for it's fertile farming and a great selection of antiques and unique shops. Also a popular pit stop for tourists with a selection of cafes, pubs, gift shops and laugh-a-bull signs.
Lol
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Dec 12 2023
So today was a kids choice day. We have them the power to pick our activities for the day. It begins with an escape room we were spies trying to solve the mystery of who was stealing state secrets. We got him with less then 30 secs to go lol
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Dec 12 2023
From the escape room we headed over to a local mini putt. I took photos of all the holes to share. lol.
Hole #1
Hole #2
Hole #3
Hole #4
Hole #5
Hole #6
Hole #7
Hole #8
Hole #9
Hole #10 - The Catapult
The Catapult up close
Hole #11
Hole #12
Hole #13
Hole #}14
Hole #15
Hole #16
Our Final scores
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Dec 13 2023
On the Ferry to the South Island. Glad Kate booked us a berth for the trip the seas were wild and I needed to sit down in ores to keep lunch down lol
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Dec 13 2023
Just had to take a little tour of the local Peanut Butter factory (PICS) it was pretty cool and we got to taste all the product. Kids favourite “Smunchy” it’s both smooth and crunchy.
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Dec 13 2023
Landed on the South Island and of course the kids need more chicken, pretty sure they have pin fries there by now. This town is know for it Green lipped Mussels. They notate pride in their Mussels. Lol
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Dec 14 2023
A little wine tasting
And of course grape juice for the kids
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Dec 15 2023
Next on the itinerary was a trip to the bird sanctuary. We decided to go on a short 1 hour hike and the ladies at the office said it would be hard to see just a small portion based on their estimate time per trail. We fooled her we made it twice as far in half the time. Winner. Lol
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Dec 16 2023
We came across this spot after leaving the Fox Glacier. Kassien has been driving us nuts wanting to do zip lining, this way we got to see the swing bridge, hike the property and Kassien and I got to take the zip line back. You have to see the video below. Lol
Here we goooooo.Hit Play
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Dec 16 2023
Arrived at tonight stopover. \240A small cabin in Hokitika. This is the view from our deck. Pretty amazing
Our neighbour is a Horse of Course lol
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Dec 16 2023
Art walk in the main town of Hokitika. Tried to get some shots with the kids on the different chairs but Kassien was Grumpy lol
Someone got creative at the beach.
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Dec 16 2023
Lat and I went for an evening stroll on the beach, lots of amazing driftwood and stuff to see. We discovered after we left it is a hot spot for Jade and gemstone collecting. Missed that opportunity but stay tuned for the next one
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Dec 17 2023
Today we venture up to the Franz Joseph Glacier. When we first arrive it was overcast and not very visible. We made the best of it and got some great shots. On the way back we decygo take another trail to a different lookout and boy am I glad we did. When we reached the lookout the sky had cleared and we weee able to get some amazing shots. Finally, we headed back to the car and when we chit to the car park I happened to look back and the sky had cleared some more. You can see the progressing in the photos below.
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Dec 17 2023
After leaving Franz Joesph Glacy , the next stop was the Fox Glacier. The hotel manager said the best viewing spot is Lake Matheson so here we go on that hike.
Little stop to take some shots. \240
And of course a picture of the photographer in action.
This is mirror lake and on a clear day we would be able to see the glacier reflecting in the water. For full effect just imiits a clear day and the wind is no existent and you can make out the reflection in the water. Lol
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Dec 17 2023
After on treck to see the Fox Glacier, we stopped at Haast Beach which is known for its penguin sittings. It was about a 45 min hike each way but worth it.
Kids were grumpy about another hike but the swing bridge lighted their moods. Lol
This is the beach it was awesome, no one here but us chickens. That goes for penguins as well. The tides had to be low for the best chance of seeing penguins but the hike and experience was well worth it.
An added bonus, we took the opportunity and found a bunch of Jade.
The kids played in the surf
And hungout on the rocks waiting for the penguins
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Dec 17 2023
This was a quick over night stop. The town is Makarora.
This is the outdoor bathtubs. Kids and Kate had a late night soak but unfortunately for me I fell asleep. Lol
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Dec 18 2023
Decided to check out the wood fired hot tubs for a little relaxing.
Foot rubs….. from my beautiful wife.
All was good until we realized it was Croc infested. Lol
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Dec 19 2023
We intended to hike the Blue Pools track this morning but when we arrived there we signs posted letting us know the bridge was out. This is just a few shots of the scenery in the area.
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Dec 19 2023
This is were the two lakes meet( Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea) just outside of Queenstown. This is called the NECK.
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Dec 19 2023
We had no idea this place existed. Needless to say we only had time for a quick stop but it is on our list for the way back from Queenstown
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Dec 19 2023
We spotted this place on route to Hokitika. It’s the Goldfields Mining Center. It’s a pretty cool spot. This is from the parking lot, to get to the restaurant and mining Center you have to cross the river on this bridge.
The river was an amazing green color
The kids were itching to do some gold mining with a water cannon. \240We had to tell them we would come back in a few days as today we only had time for a snack. It’s only 45 minutes from of place in Queenstown.
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Dec 19 2023
Some fun shots in Wanaka at the Wanaka Tree.
Kassien has the whole tree in his hand.
My beautiful wife Kate.
An action shot. \240Lol
Kassien said he had a headache, turns out it was just a tree growing out of his head. Lol
Kate decided to get in on the hand tree action.
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Dec 19 2023
This was our quick scout trip into downtown Queenstown. Very cool town but very touristy. Glad we are staying just outside the city in Frankton.
The waterfront
These are call sharks. Another are only available here( patented lol) the are jet powered and travel partially submerged and can jump straight up out of the water??
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Dec 19 2023
After a quick trip to the hardware store ( Burnings) we found this collapsing Christmas tree complete with lights.
When we got home we put Hudsen in charge of assembly.
Almost done.
Little snack
And Voila! We have a perfectly decorated Christmas tree.
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Dec 20 2023
So today we went back to the Gold Flats we passed on our way to Queenstown. We paid for the tour and began our self guided walk first while we waited for a guide.
This is the brood the self guided portion of the tour. Heading to Chinatown.
This is what they lived in. Great air conditioning
Hudsen got to use the water cannon to do some mining
Kassien’s Turn
And of course Kate gave it a go.
Check out this 3 ounce nugget Hudsen found
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Dec 22 2023
So Kate wanted to go for a walk this evening. Kids of course decided not to go so we headed off. At the end of the hike we found a brewery ( watermelon spritzer and sour strawberry ale) then on way back we got hit with a thunder shower. lol. This is after Kate wanted to dance in the rain on the bridge. Still a crazy kid lol
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Dec 24 2023
Today Kate and I drove up to the Remarkable Ski Resort. We drove the 13 Km to the summit then hike up to a lake about and hour above the resort. It was Remarkable for sure. P.S I was also able to find lots of Jade along the way. Coming back was tough with the extra weight of the rocks in my pockets. Lol
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Dec 24 2023
Christmas Eve. Cookie decoration contest completed. Of Course I won lol. And an amazing sunset
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Dec 24 2023
Christmas’s Morning
Hudsen using his Christmas present ( Dremel) to cave and polish the Jade we found.
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Dec 24 2023
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Dec 24 2023
And the sun sets on our first New Zealand Christmas. Goodnight
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Dec 26 2023
So we went out for an evening walk to take in the sunset.
Came across a couple of Bunnies with the same idea
This kids found a rope swing.
Then we came across another Black Swan event …..
Wonder if he has insurance lol
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Dec 26 2023
Last day in Queenstown. We spent it walk around the downtown and then went to see the new Aquaman film.
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Dec 28 2023
Last night we drive out to the Penguin Preserve that we went to earlier in the day. The Penguins come ashore at night and we were able to view them for over an hour. Here are the shots we got. It was a pretty cool evening.
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Dec 29 2023
So we have tickets for the 10:40 pm viewing of the Penguins coming ashore tonight but decided to drive out today to get some general information from the Center. The highlight for Kate and myself was the giant seal sun bathing on the beach. We watched him for at least an hour lol. Kate has a great video check it out on her Journal
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Dec 29 2023
Today we visited Baldwin Street. The claim to fame is it is the steepest street in the world… you be the judge.
On the way up….
It’s soooooo steep. Feels like climbing a cliff.
Had to lend them a hand to get up lol
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Dec 29 2023
Stop number two for today. The views from the lookout were spectacular.
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Dec 30 2023
A few last minute pick ups for New Year’s Eve. Kids want silly string. The hunt was on. Finally 2 meltdowns and 4 stores later we found some in a local dollar type store.
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Dec 30 2023
A little fun in the town square ( the Octagon) it was cool that it was almost 10 pm here and still ligh out on New Years Eve. On the other hand it was still just as cold here as home lol
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Dec 31 2023
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Jan 02 2024
Heading out for our first Hike on Stewart Island
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Jan 02 2024
First stop on our Hike. Kids wanted to write their names in the sand. mommy had to join in lol
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Jan 04 2024
This was the first shark we encountered. I was lucky enough to be one of the first group in the cage. He was an anyone for sure lol
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Jan 07 2024
This is the view of the mountain we hiked up and around today, from our balcony
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Jan 09 2024
After a long travel day we have arrived at our next stop Akaroa. Home of the Blie Penguins
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Jan 09 2024
We have just finished checking in for our farm stay in town and picking up a few groceries for the next two days. The road into the farm is steep, narrow and winding good thing we bought the 4. Wheel drive lol.
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Jan 09 2024
After a long 30 minutes adventure drive we made it to our cottage. Welcome to the farm. When we arrived the sheep were very happy to se us unfortunately they would not stop baaaing lol
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Jan 09 2024
This morning Late , Kassien and me got up for an 8:30 kayak trip around Fellea bay. We tried to get Hudsen to join us but no luck. It was a bit windy but all in all it was a great morning
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Jan 10 2024
Dolphin Watching, with a twist. The spotters are dogs. \240Our spotter was a miniature schnauzer called Buster lol
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