"Australia and New Zealand" video

A few little tastes of New Zealand fun...

The Long Way Home

Our longest day started in the morning in Coromandel and didn't end until about 36 hours later in San Rafael.  Sad to say goodbye.

 After a leisurely breakfast, we drove to Coromandel town for a ride on this very strange train.

Built by a nutty artist and conservationist, this bizarre train winds up the hillside to a lookout tower and back down again.

At the lookout tower.

Lunch at a super yummy hippie cafe.

 Off to the airport for our evening flight.

Back on the ground in San Francisco. We arrived before we left New Zealand thanks to the time change. Happy to be home, but sad to say goodbye.

Big Trees and Tunnels

For our last full day in New Zealand we packed a lot in.

 We arrived last night at this lovely little home in the cute town of Whitianga on the Coromandel peninsula.

This is how we found the kids in the morning. Maya is reading to Dexter.

First stop, a Kauri grove.  The Kauri trees are famous for their huge size. Most of them were chopped down by early settlers for their wood, but now they are protected.

Hugging a Kauri.

Big!

Hiking crew.

Having a little too much fun on our walk.

Where's Dexter?

Next stop, this cool waterfall.

Jump on in!

Our last stop, the hike to Cathedral Cove near the town of Hahei. It's a decent hike.

The views!

We arrive at the beach with a famous cave (you may have seen it in the "Chronicles of Narnia" movie).

Kids in the cave.

On the other side of the cave.

An amazing beach.

 Parents.

Kids.

Beach fun.

On the way back.

Our last evening together involved and early dinner and the movie, "Elf."

Auckland and Uncle Peter

We bid adieu to our wonderful hosts and made our way through Auckland on our way to our last stop on our trip, the Coromandel. In Auckland, we arranged to meet Gram's brother (Kearsley's great uncle),  Peter.

 The whole crew says goodbye.  We will miss you!

Lunch at the harbor in Auckland.

 Beautiful but windy day.

We met Peter at his house. He was a gracious host.

Uncle Peter is doing well in his nineties. He also claims to be "the finest curry chef in the South Pacific." We hope to try his curry someday.

What a treat to get to meet Gram's brother.

Algies Bay

On our last day in Algies bay, we had fun enjoying some of the local sites.

Another trip down to the water.

Today we did a little swimming.

Mama and Phil swam out to a barely visible private island.

Later we drove with Jane to another local beach, Martin's Bay.

The lovely rolling hills.

 

Enjoying the awesome outdoor shower when we got back.

Barry enjoys the view.

Dexter and Elizabeth.

Jack and Steve.

The two Kearsleys!! 

Brother and Sister.

Jan and Jack.

Only the most patient can play endless games of War with Dexter.

Dexter still working on his comedy.

Chinese take-out with the whole gang.

Sunset is upon us.

Another wonderful evening complete.