One Tree Hill 9/4

We went to the small space observatory and learn about millions of light years of galaxies. The kids then had a great time drawing and making galaxies. Then we went to One Tree Hill nearby which has a impressive obelisk which I think is a bit odd, as a monument to the Maori people. We could see both the west and the east coast of this very narrow land, which only too about 20 min to drive across. The photos were a bit ordinary because I forgot the memory card for the

The Zoo, Kiwi and Auckland 8/4

Since we had not seen a real Kiwi yet, we decided to head to the Zoo. We saw kiwis all right..in the dark. Then there were the usual lions, tigers, chicken, kids, monkeys etc.


Auckland at hight was nice. Good food and lots of it. We stayed on Queen St and walked all the way to the harbour. I liked the last picture with the Sky Tower.

Treaty ground and big tree 7/4

We sent back to the Treaty Ground for a guided tour in the morning and taken more photos...


We were told about the mythical gigantic trees in Waipoua forest so we decided to head west to the west coast to look for the trees. We stopped by Opononi to have lunch and enjoy the scenery of the west coast. Then we found the largest and second largest Koari tree in New Zealand and the World, both were about 2000 years old. I also found a tree hole big enough to sleep the whole family if we get stuck in the forest.

Animal farm, Maori treaty grounds and water fall 6/4

We went to Lilypond Animal Farm in the morning. The kids were having a great time. it has got the friendiest donkey around which let you ride and pull on its ears.



The Waitangi Treaty Ground was only 5 minutes from where we stayed. The naval flagstaff that Ellie was holding marks where the Treaty was signed, between Maori Chefs and Captain Hobson on behalf of the British gavornment in 1840. The Canoe Ngatokimatawhaorua, was launhed as part of centenary celebration in 1940, remain the longest canoe in the world. The meeting house was also opened during that time. Ellie was standing below a Marakihua figure, of Mataatua tribe. Shaun was standing beside a waikato tribe carving. Adeline was mimicing Rahri, Ngapuhi ancestor.



After the Treaty Ground visit a small waterfall nearby. The small Haruru water fall wasn't much. There are people jumping down from the top for the fun of it. The kids did not even dare to go for a dip on top because the water was too cold.

Cave, old house and hot spring 5/4

The sun rise at Bay of Islands was just beautiful. We just stayed across the road.

The 'Glow Worm' cave in Kawiti is a wind cave coverd in curious fly larva called 'Glow Worm' becuause they glow in the dark. They light out the ceiling of the cave like stars in MilkyWays. After waking throught the cave we had a walk through the lime-stone hill.


This Mission House at Waimate housed the 1st Anglican Bishop of New Zealand Selwyn in 1842 before he moved to Auckland in 1845. It was hand built with native woods. Ellie and Shaun are in the window in the second picture.


The hot spring was quite an experience. Very smelly. The kids were as happy as pig in the mud. Adeline was too disgusted to go in for a dip. The last photo was a naturally occuring hot spring lake.