Happy Monkeys and family visitors

Gong Xi Fa Chai - it is the year of the monkey.

We went to Auckland's Lantern Festival, which turned out to be really lovely - here are a few of the superb lanterns.

 The range and styles were superb

 Even kiwi lanterns - these ones even Baaad!!

 Complete with sheep dog!

 This one is for Callum - who is playing host to 2 rabbits at the moment!

 

 Event the museum was lit up, and the fireworks on the Sunday were excellent, viewed from our patio across the harbour

Helen and Steve are here on a 3 week tour of NZ, so despite the jetlag! we took them all round. Starting with a trip up to our favourite backpackers in Hahei for the weekend where we had a lovely time, swimming, walking to Catherdral cove and catching the water taxi to Whitiaga.

 

 

 MUCH busier than we have ever seen it!

Then back for a quick tour of Devonport, North Head and the Wynyard quarter to look at the super yachts and market etc

 Devonport Folk in the Park was on!

 

They have a busy schedule ahead in both NZ and Australia.

 

 

Back 'home' to the Bay

Wow we have been dashing around such a lot in these last few weeks but it is unbelievable to think that we only have 6 weeks left now!

After Waitangi day we had Valentines weekend, which we spent back down in the Bay of Plenty, staying with Steve and Jen.

The first view of the Mount and Matakana Island as you come into Katikati felt just like coming home!

We spent a lovely weekend catching up with friends, climbing the mount, swimming in Pilot Bay and on the breakers side at the mount. Shona enjoyed a lovely morning with Mary including a swim in the beautiful pool at Pacific Palms.

 Ahh beautiful

 After a brisk walk in the heat, a swim/paddleboard in Pilot Bay was delicious - and amazingly Shona found a live seahorse in the shallows - it was sandy coloured with dark patches, about 6 inches long and wrapped its prehensile tail around her fingers - Steve and Jen had never seen one!

 

Then back to a lovely relaxed BBQ with good friends - such fun.

 

We will miss all these wonderful friendly folk.

The Giants Garden in Akaroa

If you ever go to Akaroa, you must see this quirky and amazing garden and mosaic sculptures.

We rewarded ourselves with afternoon tea in the garden after our 4 day walk.

 Akaroa was first settled by French settlers and had a distinctly French style. The mosaic piano Malcolm is 'playing' played lovely French Edith Piaf type music!

 More like Barcelona!!

 

 The house is also a B&B which would be an amazing place to stay