Fun in Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, so we thought we had better take the opportunity of having some kiwi style adventure while we were down there. Our whole family did the luge (Kyle watched), and Paul and Josiah and Austin did the world famous shotover jet! Both were AWESOME!!!

The Wedding

We are now back in Auckland, after not having internet for the wedding in Queenstown, so it's time to update the blog.

The wedding was in Lake Tekapo, and from there we drove down to Queenstown for the reception. The weather was amazing. The scenery was amazing. A great day for Sally & Simon and we were honored to be a part of it.

Cape Reinga / Sand Surfing / Rugby

We made it to the northern most point of NZ. This is our family at Cape Reinga, where they have a lighthouse and signs saying how many kilometres/miles to various cities around the world.

Josiah and Austin went on an official tour with their Grandpa and Soma, and their tour bus took them "Sand Surfing" (boogy boarding down giant sand dunes). Paul, Lynnette and Kyle drove separately but saw the same sights.

Then, had some fish n chips at a renowned place, called Manganui.

Tonight, we went to a rugby game which was AWESOME. Josiah and Austin loved it.

Coromandel

This is us at Cathedral Cove beach on the Coromandel. This is just a beautiful spot, and the day we went, the weather was "sweet as". You have to do a 35 minute hike to get down to the beach, but it is well worth it.

We stayed with Paul's former boss in the area. They have a Macadamia Nut orchard just a couple of kilometres from the beach. They even fired up the wood-fire pizza oven for us. Good tucka mate!

The Happy Couple

the happy couple, living the kiwi life for a bit.

NZ Food & Drink

A traditional kiwi lunch....spaghetti on toast, with some L&P to drink....good on ya mate.

As you can see, Dave & Tiff got me the large can of spaghetti :)

L&P is a "soft drink" (soda) that you can only get in NZ. Josiah and Austin tried it, and they both liked it.

NZ is Beautiful

Paul and the boys at Mission Bay Beach.

Fun at the zoo

We had a great time at the zoo. The boys had a blast...of course the most unique animals were the kiwi bird and the tuatara lizard. The boys loved the kiwi bird. Usually, they can be hard to see, since they are nocturnal, so the kiwi house is very dark. However, this time, the kiwi was right by the glass so we could see it clearly. The boys also enjoyed the elephant show, and the trainers also took the elephant for a walk through the zoo, so they got to walk alongside (but not too close).

Crumpets and Animals

Only in NZ do they have a toaster that has not only a "Crumpet" setting, but also words stamped onto the toaster saying "Crumpets face inwards"...How awesome. Went for a run today along the waterfront....forgot how staggeringly beautiful it is here. Wow! Today we are heading to the zoo, so that should be fun. We are going with both Dave & Tiff since Easter Monday is a holiday here in NZ, so Dave has work off. Forecast today is high of 72. You beauty!

Made it

We made it to NZ!! That is one long flight, but we did it. All the boys did great on the plane, especially Kyle. He even slept a bunch, while Josiah & Austin used their inflight entertainment to the max. It is weird being back here, and getting used to driving on the left, steering wheel on the right, driving the other way around roundabouts, degrees celsius, etc. But so good to be here. We are thankful to be able to do this trip. It is sunny out today, and right now is about 68 degrees :) The shorts and running shoes are coming out!!

We're on our way!!!