We had such a good time in Wellington that we extended our stay by an extra day, due in large point to our hosts, and new friends, the Duggans, who made us feel right at home.
We had to say goodbye eventually, but our paths will cross again we are sure...
Our trek northwards from Wellington went well. This was our longest drive on the north island, and though we made a few stops for Arlo to stretch, we got into Taupo with just enough time to head to the Aratiatia rapids.
Usually you don't have to worry about the time of day to see a set of rapids, but these ones were always a tourist attraction, until they dammed the river up to create hydro power.
To get the original spectacular look to the rapids they open the dam up a few times a day to give visitors a chance to see what it should look like. It was pretty cool to see the waters rise up to a rushing torrent.
As some of the first rain we saw in NZ fell in Taupo, we stayed only long enough for a night's rest, and a visit to the Huka falls in the morning, before heading to Rotorua. It was even rainier there, so we took in some local culture at Te Puia. It was easy to see why this is one of NZ's premier cultural attractions. Here is a picture of Arlo with a local Maori, dressed in traditional warrior garb. The tongue out is a symbol of challenge to warn others of how serious/dangerous you are. Arlo learned that well (as photos will show later).
Sitting right along the most active fault line on the north island, the Rotorua area is just dotted with bubbling hot springs, boiling pools of mud, and sulphur baths. The whole areas smells like rotten eggs (due to the sulphur). Smelly, but spectacular.
Not the kind of mud Arlo wanted to play in, boiling at over 100 celcius.
It was fun to watch though...
Along with spending time luxuriating in the Polynesian hot pools alongside the lakefront in Rotorua, we also took in the local thermal wonderland where we checked out the geysers and colourful hot pools.
Jenny and Arlo along the shores of a neon yellow hot pool (imagine the smell of thousands of rotten eggs).
Smelly!
After Rotorua we headed north to the Cormandel Penninsula, where Arlo and Ray dug their own hot pool in the beach at Hai He. Hot spring water comes out of the ground at the beachfront here, allowing visitors to dig holes in the sand that fill up, creating instant, natural hot tubs!
Some areas of the beach get more hot than others, depending on how close to the spring you are.
Ray found a hot spot here.
Beach bum.
Arlo in his pj's, taking a stroll along Cook's Bay beach at sunset..
There is his Maori challenge tongue.He challenges anyone to find a more relaxing way to spend an evening.
Norfolk pines, we saw them everywhere, and even if James didn't know what we were talking about, they are a beautiful memory of our time in NZ
Toddling on the beach was a favourite of Arlo's when he was at Cook's beach.
He had a great time enjoying the surf. More than one handful of sand made it's way to his mouth...
The bubbles tickly his nose I guess...
Beach time is time for relaxing...
Can you think of a better way to spend a lazy afternoon in January? Cook's Bay beach is just made for taking it easy...
Arlo and his Moms walking the path to Cathedral Cove.
On the way to Cathedral Cove
Looking out over the coast along Coromandel Penninsula.
Loving the view
Arlo had a great time in the crashing surf at Cathedral Cove. It was well worth the long hike to get there.
A natural water baby!
A family portrait in the 'Cathedral' at Cathedral Cove.
Arlo and his Momma pose for a pic along the wharf in downtown Auckland.
Hanging out in Albert park in downtown Auckland. Dad's happy to be driving a stroller instead of the car for a change. Love the palm trees and Sky tower in the background.
The view of Auckland's waterfront from the Sky Tower.
The whole family high above Auckland on their last day in New Zealand.
One last look at Auckland's skyline. We didn't mind a bit of rain on the day we left.
Moses gives us a traditional Fijian welcome by sharing some Kava drink with us.
Made with water and the powdered root of the Kava plant, this traditional drink is like a cold 'tea' of sorts. It has a variety of relaxing effects on the body, and for us, one cup made our tongues go numb.
He didn't get any of the Kava, but he sure tried. He even had the method of drinking from the coconut cup down pat
Bula!
Arlo tries some Yoga poses while watching the sunset on the beachfront.
Is this one called downward doggie?
You have to stay under the shade in the blazing Fijian sun, even while swimming.
Arlo loved the pool.
A little taste of luxury.
Dinner out in Fiji.
A view from the islands of Fiji.
The view of the mainland from South Sea Island.
Arlo caught some time in the shade during our visit to the offshore islands while mom and dad took snorkelling trips.
This is the life, my own hammock on the beach, with a view!
They woke me up from my nap, but at least I got to see the Fijian dancers and singers.
Those guys behind me sure have rhythm, but I think I want to get back to the beach.
Gee dad, this straw roof looks nice, but will it hold the snow?
I love beach time with Mamma!
You could walk all the way around the island in less than ten minutes.
It sure is windy at the front of the boat.
Hey, no cameras until I check my hair!
A couple of south sea vagabonds.
One last sunset at the pool.
Gee, I wonder what everyone is doing back home???
Our last day in paradise...
Ready for home. Arlo turned eight months old, started crawling, flew on eight different planes, and received stamps in his passport from three different countries. A natural traveller he bounced back from the jetlag before both his parents in New Zealand, and loved all of the action. Hopefully cold wintery Canada isn't too boring for him now. We are all back and glad to be home, but sad to have our trip over. 
No comments:
Post a Comment