NZ - we Came, we Saw & we're in AWE

The trip home to NZ wasn't all about

wandering round movie sets

Hobbiton, Matamata

Looking up to Bilbo Baggins House with the million$ fake tree above.

Hobbit feet have been here!

 playing in snow

Mt Tongariro

or stopping to play on every playground we saw.

they still have swings!

 One of us discovered new smells.

Not a very good Maori.

and if you've ever been to Rotorua 
you'll know why Stella is pinching her nose
and if you haven't
then think old eggs.

Champagne Pool - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

We indulged in new tastes.

Enjoying a Jelly Tip Ice-cream outside the Dairy from the movie 'Boy'.

Lifting the Hangi at The Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua.

Dulcie Mays Kitchen and Stellas new cookbook.

 discovered new family members

In typical Kiwi fashiong it took Mum & Heather (Dulcies daughter) about 10mins to work out we were related.

and visited some old.

We enjoyed unique accommodation

My bed was in the Cockpit of a Bristol Freighter. Woodlyn Park,Waitomo.

in beautiful places

Balcony of 'Castaways'. Rocky Bay, Waiheke Island

and the whole time it was like driving through a postcard -
the view was always breathtakingly beautiful.

(Mt Ruapahu & Mt Ngauruhoe)

Hicks Bay.

Tokomaru Bay

Trip back from Waiheke Is.

Oysters. Rocky Bay, Waiheke Is.

Foreshore at Holdens Bay, Rotorua

with some places perfect for Workshops!

Abandoned bank - Tokomaru Bay.

Abandoned shops - Tokomaru Bay

Dis-used Produce & Feed Store. Tokomaru Bay.

I was constantly reminded how warm & friendly we Kiwis are 

Mark & his wife write childrens books - he's signing mine. Waiheke Island

Jill used to live in Scarborough WA before moving to Waiheke Island.

I bought some of Jills pink buttons.

Gills shop Victorian Gilt is a Retro, Vintage & Antique Wonderland. Waiheke Is.

Waiheke Island Saturday Market

in fact the whole place is so personable 

that they remind you which side of the road to drive on

and some towns had signs farewelling you 

while also wishing you luck.

This is to avoid tourists killing themselves & others.

 I can't believe out of 1000 photos
I don't have one photo of me wearing my Going Home Coat
as I wore it practically everyday...maybe mum got one.

I've saved the shopping stories for another post...