Monday, March 12, 2012

Tour of New Zealand!

Finally, at long last, we have updated our blog for our trip around New Zealand - read on for an update of what we’ve been doing.  We entered New Zealand on October 29, 2011 - here’s some photo’s upon our arrival to this fabulous country and lots more pictures to follow.

Entrance to New Zealand Pictures


Marsden Cove, North Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is good place to hang for six months during the South Pacific cyclone/hurricane season (November 1 to May 1).  While in New Zealand, we had a new main sail made, pulled the boat out for bottom work (work done at Riverside boatyard), and completed many other boat projects; plus we did a land circum-navigation of New Zealand by auto for a change.  For most of our stay in NZ, ole’ Lardo rested in Marsden Cove Marina when we went back to the States and toured New Zealand.

Marsden Cove and Lardo Pictures




Torrington Family - Waiwera/Auckland Area, North Island, New Zealand

Our daughter-in-law, Jane Millard, is from Wellington - here are some photo’s of her lovely family, the Torrington’s – Mom, sister and niece and nephew – who were wonderful to us during our stay in New Zealand.

Torrington Family Pictures


Torrington Family Pictures



Whangarie and Pine Harbour Area, North Island, New Zealand

Before we headed back to the states for the holidays, we visited Whangarie, Whangarie Heads, and Pine Harbour.  Lots of wonderful beaches and rich dairy on this island. Friends Don and Paulie Grover (StormHaven) joined us on our day trip to Pine Harbour.

Whangarie Heads Pictures



Whangarie Heads Pictures




Whangarie Pictures




Pine Harbour Pictures


Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

In November, we explored the undeniably pretty Bay of Islands, located at the northern end of the north island, to see Opua, Pahia and Russell.  It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.  Russell was once known as ‘the hellhole of the Pacific.’  We visited the historic Anglican Church in Russell which contained needle point seat covers for all of the pews.