The elusive Hooks Bay

This is the third time we try to go to Hooks Bay! The first time we lost the way, second time was with Bas and it was closed for lambing. So this time, we are determined to find the elusive Hooks Bay. We started walking from Stony Batter, and it was estimated to be about 40mins.

Well, it was one of the most difficult track we ever been on because the markings were VERY unclear and confusing! We were crossing farmland, so we observed rules and try to be good hikers. We were looking for the usual yellow-and-green DOC sign post, but after a couple of them, the posts were nowhere to be seen! We were determined to get to Hooks Bay this time, so we decided to just follow the road. Luckily, the view was great with the Pohutukawa trees blooming - the red flowers were unreal! No wonder it is called the Christmas trees of NZ (blooming during Christmas time..)

Finally, we reached Hooks Bay. We had lunch (pita and hummus) on a huge drift log. As we were on the way back, Hannah realised that we should be following the sign-posts with orange cap (instead of the original yellow-green sign posts - she googled it :) ) Well, until next time..  at least we reached Hooks Bay.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Celebrating Christmas in New Zealand is always a challenge - it is summer here, and there is no snow, no cold weather, and hot chocolate just doesn't seem nice on such a hot day! However, Hannah and I decided that we should start our small family Christmas tradition - starting with stockings, fish cakes and duck! :)

We got three Christmas stockings - one for Hannah, one for Jet and Lilith, and the other one is for me. We were giggling at the Christmas stockings because one of them has Santa holding an umbrella and the other Santa is upside down!

On Christmas Eve, Hannah wanted to make cod fish cake, just like what we had when we were back home in Iron Mountain. However, cod fish here is extremely rare and expensive. Thus, we have to use Hoki as a substitute. Hannah was nervous but I assured her that it will turn out good. Indeed, it was wonderful, and the homemade cocktail sauce was delicious as well.

Hannah had some Christmas lights up on the deck. It lit up the deck at night and was very beautiful. The next day (Christmas Day), we woke up early in the morning and was excited to see what were in the stockings. It was full of nice surprises and presents. The only thing that did not "survive" was the chocolate that I bought for Hannah - the warm summer weather melted the chocolate into this "colorful" mess!

For dinner, we had roast duck, potatoes and spicy kale salad. We had bought a bottle of mead from the road trip with my mom and sis, and had a glass with dinner as well. Although we did not have a white Christmas, it was a great lovely day with a gorgeous sunset.

Family ties - Day 10 (Dec 20)

Hannah and I picked up the dogs from the city around noon, and mom had already made lunch by the end we are back. Hannah loved the dark soy-sauce eggs and chicken. Meow Lan was busy packing because they are leaving today. She said they would be on the 5pm ferry to the city, going to Nando's for dinner (as per requested by nephews :)... they loved it when Hannah and I introduce it to them the other day back from the road trip), and then head to the airport.

By 6pm, Hannah and I had the house back to ourselves (and the dogs, of course). We were happy to have some quiet time, but we are going to miss having family buzzing around the house.

It was a good trip.

Family ties - Day 9 (Dec 19)

We ended our road trip today! Everyone was tired but at the end of the day, I think all of us took something away from this trip. The day was gorgeous on the ferry ride back to Waiheke.

Family ties - Day 8 (Dec 18)

Today we visited the Waiotapu thermal park. Hannah and I had visited this place several times, so we decided to let the family enjoyed themselves while we relaxed at the cafe. The only feedback from the nephews were "OK lah" - their usual comment about most things! :P

However, Hannah definitely did enjoy herself at the Waiotapu thermal park - she bought a Moa jacket! More shopping time for Hannah :)

After the thermal park, it was going to be an 3-hour drive back to Auckland, and camp near the airport because we need to return the van early next morning. We had lunch at the NZ only redwood forest - Whakarewarewa forest. It was such a beautiful place, unfortunately the nephews did not know how to appreciate it :(

After lunch, we did a 2-hour drive to camp at Orere campervan campsite. Although the campsite was very nice and peaceful, we were only limited to one 5-min hot shower per person! Well, an early night, and we were all ready to be back home tomorrow.

Day 8 - nearly there..... 

Family ties - Day 7 (Dec 17)

Hannah and I decided that it would be an easier day since they must be tired from the walk. We took a slow easy walk to see the Huka falls. The day wasn't the nicest and it was raining on-and-off throughout the day. 

After some pestering from the nephews, we decided to do something different - well, not we, just Kevin and Jared. They are going to do the Ogo - in short, it is an extreme sport where you are rolled down a slope in a big bubble ball. They really had lots of fun, and we were joking that this might be the highlight of their road trip!

After the Ogo adventure, we started driving, travelling to our (Hannah and I) favorite campsite - Waikite Thermal Valley. We arrived at the campersite relatively early (4pm) and Hannah and I went to soak in the hot pools. Mom, Meow Lan and nephews decided they were just going to rest in the campervan. However, Kevin joined Hannah and I in the hotpool after dinner, while mom joined us early next morning before breakfast! 

Day 7 - fun :D

Family ties - Day 6 (Dec 16)

Hannah, Meow Lan, Kevin and Jared are doing the Tongariro Crossing today. I am going to accompany them for the first two km, and then I would be staying with my mom in the campervan. My job for the day was to entertain my mom, top up grocery, get Meow Lan and the nephews souvenirs for completing the crossing and picked them up at the ending point. So much fun (NOT!). As I was not on the walk, most of what I heard was from Hannah, Meow Lan and the nephews. In short, they enjoyed themselves - it was one of the toughest (if not the toughest) thing they ever done so far, the scenery was unimaginable and the experience was unforgettable!

At the end of the day - Meow Lan got a hat, Kevin a t-shirt, Jared a cap for the completion of the Tongariro crossing. It was not easy, and there might be times where it was worse for Hannah (:P), but we were proud they (Meow Lan, Kevin and Jared) completed it. It took them 10hours - and they had great dinner (Pizza, Coca-cola, Sprite) and Hannah had champagne to celebrate their accomplishment. 

I, on the other hand, survived the 10-hours with my mom - and it was AN ACHIEVEMENT :)