Boxing Day Outing

Following a lazy get-up we decided on a day at Cornwallis Beach as the weather so good. Erin, a friend of Sarah & Ian's from California was stopping over the Christmas period and accompanied us




Immy seemed to love the warm waters


Picnic Lunch

Make the most of this shot as a photo of me in shorts is not available too often

Christmas Morning and Visit to Auckland Zoo

Opening Presents



No Comment


Breakfast


Auckland Zoo in the sunshine on Christmas Eve

Kiwi Valley

A visit to a childrens farm with a hands on approach to the animals plus Santa's Grotto


Backpackers beware

Visits 18 & 19 December

Photos taken from summit of Mt. Eden - looking over and beyond the city






Followed by a visit to Eden Gardens (Not quite the Garden of Eden but quite spectacular never the less)

Music & Movement

Yet another activity for children. The Christmas Party for them at the Music & Movement Group
All join in to carols, games etc., Parents as well.

Jingle Bells. (words on screen)


Ethan collects his present

Christmas Carols on the Green

7.0pm Sunday evening and we gathered for an outdoor carol service. Unfortunately the weather turned a little windy and chilly but the carols were good and some of the NZ versions were great with a maori type influence.

There was a mens choir and the local children also played their part and sung and danced.




Earlier in the day we paid a visit to a garden centre and had coffee in the Carriage CafeImmy wonders what is going onEthan showing his chocolate santa with his cup of fluff

More of Santa's Parade , Immy's first bike ride and catching crabs

The crab catching was today Saturday 13th.December and Immy learnt to ride the bike today as well as taking her first ever steps.



Crab catching at the beach at Harbour view, just 10 mins walk from the house.
Auckland and Sky Tower are on the other side of the water.





More photos of Santa's Parade through the streets and onto The Green alongside the shops



Sarah is by the tree holding up Ethan to watch the Fish Band?

Santa's Parade

Each area seems to set aside one Saturday for the parade and funfair.
Seems quite bizarre seeing that it is warm and sunny and we are preparing for Christmas???

Trip to Wellington

Took the Overlander train from Auckland on a scenic journey down through the length of the country to Wellington which is at the southernmost tip of the north island and is the capital city.
Did the usual touristy visits to the harbour, the museum,the shops, the cablecar,the botanical gardens etc. ending with a walk to the original cathedral called 'Old St. Pauls' which was built in 1864 entirely in wood.

Wellington CityInside Old St. PaulsA wonderful few days and quite an experience.
A few photos which certainly don't do the place justice.