The second half of our stay in New Zealand

Sea Topaz
Duncan Briggs
Fri 11 Jan 2013 03:38
We went to Auckland and stayed with Ewan and Jemima for a few days. They took us around the area north of Auckland to see plots of land they are looking at to buy.
Over the Christmas period we were in Taupo Bay; a good surfing spot. Unfortunately the weather was not good at all. In spite of all that we had a great time with Ewan and Jemima; Denise and Rob.
Denise and Rob went sailing for a few days in The Bay of Islands and the rest of us went to Ninety Miles Beach. We explored Cape Reinga and drove the car along the beach. From there we went to Whangerei heads, but just for one night.
We went back to Mount Maunganui for a few days; Mark and Kirsten joined us and we spent New Years Eve and day in Rob's parents bach (cottage). A long drive south again took us to the Tongerira National Park, where we stayed in a lovely bach. The youngsters went biking for the day and Duncan and I did a few walks in the park with fabulous views. The weather had much improved by then. 
We went to Raglan on the west coast via Waitomo Caves. Apart from myself the whole family went down the "Black Abyss" for 5 hours and had a great time. I visited some easier caves.
In Raglan we stayed in another interesting bach. The surfing was a bit disappointing, but we celebrated Christmas for the second time with lots of presents, food and drinks.
We then went back north to Ngnunguru, where we had a bach high on a hill with 360 degrees view; a bit scary in strong winds. Again we explored the area; fabulous bays and beaches. Kirsten and Mark even did some kite-surfing. We looked at a few area's where we might possibly invest in a bach ourselves.
We are now back in Mount Mauganui, where Denise lives, and are taking it easy for a few days. The weather is sunny and warm, but not enough wind for kite-surfing.
 
 
Will Ewan buy this plot?
Or this one?
The view of Taupo Bay from the bach
BBQ on Christmas day
Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand
90 mile beach
Giant Kauri tree
West coast estuary
More beach driving
Shell collected on the beach
Kirsten and Mark have arrived
Ice cream treat
Raglan Bay
2nd Christmas dinner
Denise and Rob with loads of presents
Kite surfing
View between Whale Bay and Matapouri
Matapouri beach
BBQ at the bach in Ngunguru with Denises friends
Surfing at Elliots Bay