With so much to see we had to do a cruise. We choose the one out to the Hole in the Rock. On the way we pulled up for our own flipper display..it never cease to entertain us, watching the dolphins.
Typical scenery of New Zealand, gob smacking in its beauty.
The Hole in the Rock......
and yes we did go through!!!!!!!
Just check out the water colour...this is the cave area next to the hole in the rock....and thought to be the next hole in the making.
The next day we picked up a car and headed North to the Bay of Islands. On one of the back road, we found one of the original caravans...the things you see!
We arrived in a area just outside the town of Russell. We jagged ourselves an A frame unit with spa bath..... and Stephen made some of the best hamburgers we have had..the fresh produce was expensive but well worth it..the red wine was not bad either!
The private beach with views across the bay, out to the Bay of Islands.
One of the locals!!!
Stephen And I spent the day in Auckland. This amazing City which boasts a fantastic harbour was great to see from the top of the Sky Tower.
This Tower is were the idiots do a free fall to the ground. This picture is taken from the cafe, high up the tower...they stop the individual here so that they can have photo's taken then they drop you...the rope brings you to a controlled landing many meters below!!!!! No way Jose!!!
This is more my style...the Maori carvings in the foyer were just the beginning of the many examples that we saw while in New Zealand.
We then went for Lunch and a walk around the harbour area...Stephen found his dream boat...check out that wood work decking!
Then, just before we went back to Howard and Liz's, we stopped of at one of the many volcanoes that surround Auckland. This one is called One Tree Hill, with beautiful views all around.
We traveled to the West Coast as well...we were heading from Auckland to Muriwai to get to the Gannet Colony. On the way we stopped at the Tourist Centre...they are always so good. Arataki Visitors Centre is a must if you are in the area.
Local water fall...Stephen trying out the new camera...seems to work to me!!
Stopped for a picnic lunch at the highest point of the trip. From here we could still see the waterfall from the previous picture. And 360 degree views.
Then the Gannets. Watching them in light was fantastic..they soar so easily. There were a few chicks still in the nesting area.
Incredible coast line...next stop Australia.
After a "big night" this picture doesn't need a description!!!!! but "your the bloody nurse, but I'm sure it used to be there!! comes to mind.
The scenery was lovely and with all the chatter a greet time was had by all.
We traveled round the coast to Cathedral Rock...then on to
Hot Water Beach....you can literally dig a hole and broil yourself. This small patch gives temperatures in the 60 degrees at the low tide....burnt the bottom of my feet!!
The first one was at the Driving Creek Railway and Potteries that has been hand built by a potter who started by needing to get some clay down the hill. He built the first stage and then just kept going. This view is from the Eyefull Tower...get it!!!!!
All the way up and down you have pottery and sculptures and some of the retaining walls are made of wine bottles... obviously a man with a thirst!
The Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery was a fascinating 100 year old gold processing museum. The water wheel drives the battery.
Our tour guide was Ashley and such a character...the hour long tour was nearly 2 hours and very interesting.
The four of us hung around and chatted with much information being gleaned. Luckily we were the last tour of the day and certainly got our monies worth.
Ashley also showed us this Gold bearing rock from down in the harbour, the amount of gold in them there hills is phenomenal!
This is Layla, Stephen's Great Niece and the first girl Dewsnap in 60 plus years. Welcome to the family....absolutely gorgeous!!! (This post is very late, she turns 1 in a few days).
Caught up with Kristian at Barbara and Ken's and met another new arrival. All puppies are cute but this Boxer Pup was extra cute!!!! Stephen's not that much shorter than Kristian but he bent down for this photo!
Alan and Alys were are hosts again while we were staying in Melbourne...and then they threw us a dinner party..thanks A & A. 
While in Melbourne we went to the Melbourne Aquarium and visited the penguins along with the other exhibits....I love this photo with the above and below effect.
