Days 53 and 54 - Homeward Bound

Monday 13th February          Route map

We were hoping it would be raining today, which would have made it a little easier to leave this lovely country, but alas it was sunny and warm.

Packed our suitcases and JB finished updating the blogs which had fallen a bit behind.

Left Mark and Maria's at 2 pm for the drive to Auckland airport which took us one and a half hours. We returned the 17 year old Toyota Corolla to the car hire company, which was very close to the airport, and they transported us to the terminal building.

We checked in at 17.45 each case weighing just over 20kgs. Swiftly through security and passport and within half an hour of arriving were in the Emirates executive lounge with our feet up drinking tea. Then a screaming child disturbed the peace. The child was so loud that the poor Mother had to take it and hide in the toilets until her flight was called. We were relieved to know she had boarded the Brisbane flight and not ours. Phew!


Emirates A380/800

Our flight was called at 19.10 and when we passed through the gate we were pulled to one side and informed that our centre seats on row 14 had been changed, because one of the screens was not working, and we were being offered row 23. We were not happy as it was too near to the back with the noise and bustle of the galley and bar. However we agreed to try it and told them quite firmly that we expected forward seats to be organised by the time we reached Sydney.


We had centre seats together just like these



This is the bar at the rear of business class

We managed about 10 minutes in row 23 and the noise and bustle, along with three noisy Dutch men in front of us, decided to return to row 14 and JB managed without a screen for the three hour flight to Sydney.


Food on display in Sydney business lounge.


When we arrived in the lounge at Sydney we were greeted by a smiling, efficient lady who was delighted to present us with two new boarding cards in row 12 for the onward journey to Dubai.

Again we boarded on time and set off for the longest stretch of 14 hours to Dubai and the seats in row 12 were fine. We settled down and managed a few hours sleep.

Tuesday 14th February


Terminal 3 - Emirates terminal in Dubai

 Arrived in Dubai at 06.00 where we decided to have showers followed by scrambled egg rather than eat on the plane. Checked our e-mails on the complimentry WiFi and departed  at 07.45 for the last 7 hours of the journey to Manchester.

From Dubai we boarded a different plane which we suspected was a newer version of the A380 as it was announced that we had WiFi and could use it after take off. JB was fascinated by this and decided to pay $2.75 for 5mb of e-mails and after tweaking the cookie settings on the i pod managed to send around 5 or 6 e-mails telling of this wonderful technology from satellite in the sky. Whatever next.


This was JB's seat and Sandra was behind in a window seat.

 During this flight we sat separately. JB by the aisle in front of Sandra who was by the window. The window seat is the best on the A380 and has the most storage and elbow room with the added advantage of window views. 

Sandra's window seat

 

Seat shown in the lay flat position

Touched down at Manchester on time at 11.45. The baggage was through after a few minutes wait and we were met by a chauffeur named Ian Richardson who whisked us home in his brand new Mercededs E class and all within an hour of landing! Safe and sound 36 hours after leaving Marks house and over 11,000 miles travelled. All we had to do now was put the kettle on and try to stay awake till bedtime!

Day 52 - Hamilton River and Zoo

Sunday 12th February 2012         Route Map

Warm and mainly sunny. Our last full day in New Zealand.

Maria left at 07.00 to go to Hamilton university to photograph children in a triathlon event for the morning.

Mark, Sandra and JB made sandwiches for a picnic and Sandra drove us into Hamilton where we walked along the riverbank in the sunshine.



A Spitfire plane displayed on the riverbank

After we had walked along the riverbank we had a drink at one of the many cafes in Hamilton and checked out a restaurant where we thought we may go for our last meal in New Zealand in the evening.

Drove to the zoo where Maria joined us around 1pm. Ate our picnic lunch in the grounds and spent the rest of the day in the zoo.



Took this picture especially for Val as she loves Meerkats.



JB was excited to see yet another Kingfisher.

We were impressed with Hamilton zoo. It was well laid out, clean and not smelly. Normally we do not like zoos very much but everyone enjoyed this visit.

We did not leave until the the zoo was closing at 5pm and headed home.

Later Mark drove us back in to Hamilton and the 'Furnace' restaurant for a nice meal.

Back home around 8.15pm and JB updated blog, everyone was again too tired for Canasta so that must mean that M&M are the reigning champions!!

Please note this will be the last blog update in New Zealand. We depart Auckland tonight (Monday 13th) at 18.40 via Sydney and Dubai reaching Manchester on Tuesday morning at 11.45. Seems much quicker coming home because of the time difference but we are still flying for over 24 hours. Looking forward to having a long sleep and rest after a hectic but wonderful trip.

Day 51 - Hamilton Gardens and Glow worms

Saturday 11th February 2012       Route Map

  

Fine, sunny and very warm. 

At 2pm we set off for Hamilton gardens only a few miles form home. 



We liked the Chinese Gardens best.



Sandra admires the colourful flowers in the Indian Garden

 

We had to be quiet as there was a wedding taking place.



Italian Gardens



At this point we lost Maria who had gone to cool off in the shade. Mark went off to find her and then lost JB and Sandra who were in trouble for going off for a drink in the cafe. Oh dear!

Had a pizza meal at 'Onyx' in Cambridge en route to The Boatshed Kayak at Karapiro Lake where Maria had booked for us all to do a kayak trip through a small gorge to see Glow worms.

Arrived at The Boat Shed at 6.20pm where we each signed the usual disclaimer before driving down to the lake launching area. There were 9 double kayaks and two leaders each in single kayaks. The largest group that 'Boatshed Kayaks' had ever taken through the glow worm gorge.

Mark & Maria raring to go on the calm water of the lake.

The lake water was very calm and we all thought this would be a 'doddle' compared to the waves at Cathedral Caves. We had the usual briefing and got kitted out. There were two leaders, Emily and Elliott.



Warming marshmallows over the open fire on the riverbank.

We gently paddled for around 30 minutes and soon reached the river bank where Elliott and Emily were to build a campfire on which to warm marshmallows and drink wine until it became dark enough to paddle back through the gorge where the glow worms could be seen.


Sandra trying to steal Maria's share. No way jose!

It was the perfect evening, warm and clear. We were able to see the stars gleaming brightly in the sky. After dark, around 9.15pm we slid back into the kayaks and paddled slowly back through the gorge to see the glow-worms in complete darkness.

It was an awesome sight, there were so many and so bright in the complete darkness. Difficult to see where to paddle and some kayaks ran into the river banks once or twice but we all made it back with the occasional guidance from Emily's torch showing us the direction to head for.

As we got back close to shore we heard loud music and what sounded like a party going on. Suddenly a few fireworks were ignited and lit the skies. We thought it was a very suitable ending to a lovely and most unusual kayaking trip. Naturally because of the dark no photos were taken I'm afraid. You will have to take our word for it.

Thanks Mark and Maria for our fasinating kayak trip.

This was our 5th kayaking adventure and each one has been different and most enjoyable. They have all been HH's.

Back to shore around 22.00 and Mark drove us home. On the way home we came across a police road block and every motorist was being stopped and breathalised. Mark was next in the queue and a lady driver in front of us was pulled over after blowing in the machine and causing the red light came on. Mark was waved through. Think Mark was a little dissapointed not to be tested.

Beautiful and sunny all day and a lovely mild evening.

Day 50 - Hamilton and Raglan

Friday 10th February 2012       Route map

Beautiful sunny day so decided to revisit Raglan a small pleasant beachside town, about an hours drive away, on the West coast.

We packed a picnic and got away at 11.20. Sandra drove in our car to Raglan where it was overcast but warm.

This was a stone Maori compass close to the car park

Mooched about and drove up to the Wainui Reserve overlooking Whale Bay for a picnic lunch.

M&M did two geo cache and we drove back into Raglan for ice creams. Walked over the bridge to Marine Parade where we competed against each other on an obstacle course.

No competition really, Mark was much stronger.

But JB was rising to the challenge!



JB decided not to do the jumping in case she damaged her ankle.

It was still quite hot but becoming overcast.

Home around 5.15 and Mark and SL cooked tea after which we showered and drove to a rugby club in Hamilton for a dance which had been organised by Mark and Marias dance tutor. Sandra and JB were happy to get up for one line dance which they knew, Elvira. Unfortunately JB was not really dressed for dancing as she only had crocs and walking sandals with her. Shame as it was a lovely old fashioned type of dance where gentlemen asked ladies to dance and brought them back to their seats afterwards. Wish we still had this sort of think in UK.

Day 49 - Cooks Beach to Huntington

Thursday 9th February 2012            Route Map

JB and SL left batch in Cooks Beach at 10.00 and M&M left at 10.30 after locking up.

   

Departed in beautiful sunshine which lasted all day.

Zoomed photo from lookout point

Cooks beach to Whenuakite and lookout point at ?



The beautiful view from Tairua to Pauanui



Stopped for coffee at Tairua overlooking Pauanui which we nicknamed' Florida' because it was full of very expensive and exclusive houses.



Looking out to Pauanui



Set off to walk to the top Tokaroa Point when we met a guy on a special Yamaha quad bike spraying the weeds at the side of the paths.



Took this photo for Greenthumb directors attention!



Looking down onto Pauanui from the summit

The slog uphill was well worth it for the 360 views at the top.The views were breath taking.



Made it to the top



Our lovely picnic spot at Tairua

Had picnic overlooking the estuary in the lovely sunshine. We really liked this place and did not want to move on.

Tokaroa Point which we walked to the top off.

Still with a long way to drive we reluctantly moved on and set off along the scenic Tairua Harbour to Hikuai, Wharekawa, Whangamata on SH25 to Waihi which is a historic Gold Town where we walked half way around the biggest gold mining hole we had ever seen.

The gold mine was still operating.

One tyre on this truck costs over $9,000

But plans had already been implemented for when it would eventually close. There was lots to take our interest.

Sculpture in Waihi opposite the local hotel

Waihi

Mark and Maria saw this plaque and sent us the photo

On to Waikino and the Karangahake Gorge where we did a very short walk over the bridge to the batteries. Would have liked to have walked further but time was against us and we were tired. So tired that we did not see this plaque commemorating an unveiling by the Hon. Sandra Lee. It was Mark and Maria who visited a week later and spotted this plaque which Maria photographed and sent to us for the blog. What an amazing coincidence!
Never knew Sandra was a Minister for Local Government!

The swing bridge crossing the Karangahake Gorge

Then to Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihou and Morrinsville arriving at Hamilton in time to see a beautiful sunset sky.

Got to M&M at 8.15pm and M&M got home from dancing lessons just as we arrived.

Chatted for a while and everyone was too tired for canasta.

Day 48 - Coromandel

Wednesday 8th February 2012        Route Map

Woke again at 07.30 and it was such a lovely morning SL and JB went for an early morning walk before breakfast just down to the river where we had been the evening before. It was just as stunning in the morning light.

Had breakfast and packed a picnic lunch. Left at 10.00 and JB drove to Coromandel via Whenauakite, Coroglen, Kaimarama and The 309 Road to Waiau Falls and the Kauri Grove where we saw Siamese Kauri Trees joined at the root. Had coffee at Waiau Waterworks and into Coromandel where we had a picnic lunch.

The Siamese kauri tree

Had to stop for wild boar in the road

 Between Coromandel along the 309 we had to stop the car because of wild boars wandering into the road.

Wild Boar piglets just 8 days old

The farmer was happy to let us hold the piglets

 On to Te Rerenga and Whangapoua where we had ice creams and played on the swings in the childrens playground.

The real children were back at school.

Sandra in the childrens playground

Back to Te Rerenga, Kuaotunu and Whitianga

Whitianga to Cooks Bay Ferry boat

Walked around Whitianga and watched the little ferry boat crossing from Cooks Beach.
Home via Mill Creek and stopped at Purang and delicious charcoaled pizzas for tea.

One game of canasta which M&M won again. They were really happy to have broken Sandra's winning streak.

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