Last Stop, Auckland.

Auckland was a quick three-day stop, just enough time to say hi to Sam and Rach, and most of our friends. Blake had reached Auckland a couple of days before us, from Christchurch, where he had been doing the Coast to Coast race.

Fortunately Blake got to see more of Sam there, as he and Peter were Blake's support crew in the race across the South Island. It was a two-day event, including running, biking and kayaking - something that Blake and his old school friend, Rueben, had been wanting to do for years.

Fun at the park with Uncle Sam, Auntie Rach, Harry, Owen and Elsie.

 

 

The boys meet my friend Cat's girls

 

Then last day, we caught up with the old crew at a garden bar in Glenfield.

 

 

Everyone was just as awesome as ever, or maybe even a little bit more awesome.

 

 

Then it was sayonara once more and we were off on the gargantuan trip back to Switzerland, without a stopover. Horrible.

 

What a trip! It was so good to see all our families and friends, it's a shame Switzerland couldn't be a lot closer.

 

New Zealand - Paekakariki

Before long, it was goodbye to Nelson and hello to Wellington (Paekakariki anyway). Once again it was awesome to see all the family, with Auntie Lisa staying for a few days, plus lots of Auntie Nina, Jordan and Nana.

 

 

Flynn sorts out the gardening for Nana

Benjy took a shine to an old teddy at Nana's, who he called 'Sleepy' and who came on a lot of our outings thereafter.

 

 

 

Paekakariki's old-fashioned charm

 

 

We loved being by the beach and were down there everyday- swimming, building forts and sandcastles or walking

 

 

There are some lovely bush walks nearby in Queen Elizabeth park and on this day we were on the lookout for eels that some signage promised

 



 

 

Ah ha!

 

There was a great little park by the sea in Paraparaumu

 



 

Nice natural shot please ladies

 

Jordy took some serious punishment from the boys, especially Benjy. Fortunately he is a young man of great patience and temperate character.

 



 

 

Another wine Nina?

 

 

Flynn's had a few too.

 

We took at trip to the wonderful Te Papa, where the boys got interactive in the kids' section

 

 

The new Gallipoli section is amazing, with unbelievably realistic, over-sized models, done by Peter Jackson. The section follows a specific route as it tells stories from the viewpoints of the featured characters. There was an understandably sombre mood through this area, which the boys were determined to lighten, so we hurried through before they could upset any more veterans.

And back to the beach

We had a lovely time in Paekakariki and were sad to say our goodbyes.

Next stop Auckland.

 

 

New Zealand - Nelson

We arrived in Nelson to beautiful weather, a nice change from winter in Basel.  Bec and Andy very kindly let us stay at their place in the country, which was awesome.

 

 

It was my birthday a few days after arriving.

 

We headed out to Mapua for lunch, what a beautiful spot!

 



 

 

 

 

Benge can't pass a seagull without giving chase.

 

Lunch with Grandad Peter and Jean.

We caught up with lots of Blake's old school mates.

 

And their kids, a big happy crowd of them.

 

The boys enjoyed spending time with Granddad Jim.

 



And it was great to have Auntie Nina and cousin Jordan come to visit in Nelson for a few days. Jordan cleaned-up in the golf!

The kids begged to go to Smugglers 'cause they love the colourful drinks - it's the small things...

 

 

The boys love the bumper boats too and had the whole pool to themselves...

 

....For a while anyway.

 



I do love a random mid-dive shot...

 

 

You wanna seafood salad Flynn?

What about you Benge?

Well looks good to me!

Bit of rock-jumping at the river.

 



We also enjoyed time with Grandma Julia as well as a fun weekend with Uncle Ollie, Auntie Rosie, Sid and sweet baby Alfie.

It was so nice to see everyone, and sad to say goodbye, but then it was time to pack up and head off to Paekakariki.