Saturday 9 February 2008

The Journey from Wellington to Nelson






New Zealand never fails to amaze me. I think of the Dover- Calais ferry crossing, especially the white cliffs of Dover, and remember really enjoying the whole experience when I first went with my family as a child. You then get to New Zealand and "ferry crossing" moves into a whole new dimension!! We got on the "InterIslander" at 10:30am from Wellington and proceeded to be amazed as we entered the Marlborough Sounds for the final hour towards Picton. Stunning was the only word to describe it. I took some video and pictures but it does not really do it justice. At the end of the day you'll just have to come over and experience it for yourselves!
The amazing journey didn't end at Picton though. We took the "Queen Charlotte scenic drive" from Picton to Nelson. It was a little bit windy in parts but the coast line views were spectacular. This is one journey I will never forget and for all the right reasons!

Tuesday 5 February 2008

Wet and Windy Wellington!






We arrived in Wellington in the rain... obviously the the old welly boots gag was banded around a bit! We have enjoyed the capital of NZ although the weather certainly has not been at its best! The museum, botanical gardens and cable car have been the highlights for us. We have also been enjoying some great meals out (the "1 red dog" was especially good).
Not sure when I will be blogging again but thought a quickie on Wellington was better than nothing!!

The Journey down to Wellington






This is the big one! You cannot spend a year in NZ and not visit the South Island! We have talked about this holiday ever since touching down in Auckland and now it has come. Obviously it has been fairly manic up until this point. I have worked my final clinical week at Papakura and will miss the staff, patients and community a tremendous amount. I feel that I have been stretched in many ways but also really thrived so thank you to all at Rosehill.
We packed and left Auckland Friday 1st Feb 8:45pm. Our first stop was at Turangi (about 4 hours south of Auckland) where we enjoyed a small family room at "extreme backpackers"! It was perfect and Harry and Matilda thought it was brilliant fun to all be sleeping in the same room!
The next morning we jetted down to Waikanae which is about 1 hour North of Wellington. We stayed with Andrew, Helen and their 2 daughters Philippa and Katy (?second cousins on Rosie's side of the family). The company, food and place were all lovely. We especially enjoyed a trip out to Otaki gorge(which was the setting for some of the scenes around hobbiton in the "Lord of the Rings"). We all enjoyed swimming in the river and the "wobbly bridge".

Harry's 3rd Birthday






I don't think I have mentioned in the blog the fact that we are leaving NZ in March. It is with great sadness but with eager anticipation that we return to the UK for the next chapter of our lives! It was no mean feat, therefore, to celebrate Harry's birthday properly in the midst of packing up our lives, staying at friends (thank you Mike and Jennifer!) and then house sitting at Paul and Laura's house! We managed it...just!
The main requests from Harry for his birthday were: 1. Opening presents in Mummy and Daddy's bed, 2. Having "Froissants" (croissants) and 3. Mummy's Chocolate cake!
We succeeded on all 3 counts which equated to very happy Harry on his birthday. We also had a little party for him organised mainly by a friend called Nadine (it was a joint birthday party with her daughter Molly). A great time was had by all including a sporting game of "Duck, duck, goose" (unique to NZ I think) which involved running fast round a circle. Harry didn't quite get the rules but it didn't seem to matter! Harry's favourite presents were items of clothing (I wonder where he gets that trait from?!?!) including a pirate's costume and some brilliant tops from various family members. Thank you all who gave gifts.

Monday 4 February 2008

Tractor time with Dizz and James!






This will surely go down as one of Harry's highlights of our time in NZ. On Saturday 19th Jan we ventured over to the West of Auckland to our friends Dizz and James. They own a beautiful house with amazing grounds in Oratia and we last went to visit them during winter. It was at that moment Harry was introduced to James' mini tractor which he uses to mow the lawns, and ever since Harry has been wanting to have a go on it!
James and Dizz kindly invited us over for a BBQ and official tractor driving time! Harry was in awe and I thought it was rather fun aswell! A classic "father son" bonding moment and I even got to mow the next door neighbour's lawn. (Note to self..I must buy a house with a big garden so I can justify buying a mini tractor!)
Thanks Dizz and James!

Farewell Auntie Buggy and Auntie Pee!






It's been another busy month so yet again I have fallen a behind in my blogging! Sorry to all the regular subscribers (all 2 of you!) but I will endeavour to catch up with this sitting!
We have genuinely loved having Rosie's sisters to stay. It's been a fun time for all. The final week included Birthday celebrations for Amy, aswell as a Sky Tower trip for Harry and Matilda without the parents! It was a mildly tearful event when it came to the actual departure and parting of the siblings (although quite reserved by Kingsley-Smith standards!!)
Thanks Amy and Julia for coming and "mucking in"..great fun.