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.