North island

Can't believe it's been almost a week since I last posted something.  Since then we said goodbye to our favourite Queenstown family and made our way to the North island.

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Our last few days on the South Island included Derek hiking to the top of Ben Lomond  ( 1750 meters) and got in a golf game with Dax. The kids and I ( including Thea) went to an indoor water park/pool and made a 2 hour hike on the Wakatipu trail,  which ended with a treat at the golf course club house:-) .  Thea has nicknamed me her Canadian mom and the boys as her boys! So cute.  We took out the Richards for dinner to say a special thanks for all their wonderful hospitality. We surely will miss them and hope that one day we can return the generosity and meet up with them again.  The next day the Geens family hiked up Ben Lemond to 850 meters.  At the top, we treated the boys with a double decker ice cream and some luging.  The boys ran up the mountain without concern and waited for us.  The advance track luging was fun but short. We agreed that luging  in mont Tremblant is still by far the best.  Derek had to take the gondola down as his knee was hurting but the boys and I ran down it quickly.  So proud of their accomplishments that day!

On Monday, we caught our flight to Auckland. Picked up our car, Corolla, and made way to Jackie and John Cassidy's ( these are the parents of Linda Richards).  We noticed that the North island is not mountainous like the South.  It is very green, lush, and hilly. The roads continue to be just as windy and Derek is doing a great job maneuvering around on them. Still not sure how he does it but He continues to get us to our next destination without getting lost or using a map.  We arrived in Piha late afternoon.  This is where we stayed for three nights with the Cassidy's.  Their home is breathtaking.  Overlooking the North beach, with stunning views of the water and vibrant parakeets flying around. The boys had fun exploring in the brush, swinging in the trees and feeding the horses and sheep.  We walked to waterfalls and up along the Hilary trail.  The highlight for the boys was body surfing and boogie boarding on the south beach.  There is a strong under tow so we had to abide the lifeguards requests.  I was very happy that they had lifeguards out. But John and Jackie did show us how to tell where it was safe to swim.  We always knew Braden looked like a surfer with his tanned body but now he has proved it.  He's looking forward to his surf lessons:-).  Today we said goodbye to the ever-so-kind Cassidy family and made way to Coromandel.  We are expecting some rein in the upcoming days so will plan our days accordingly.  Today we explored Waterworks which reminded us of Mr. Magorium wonder emporium.  We loved it! We are trying to balance the things Derek and I want to do with these silly things the kids choose.  So far it has all worked out well.

At this point I am getting a little bored with my wardrobe! And do have a few food cravings:-)  but the scenery makes up for this. I guess our friends back home will be getting ready for the March break so enjoy.  Safe travels and warm temps everyone!