New Zealand

after another 12 hour flight, we arrive Auckland, New Zealand, on the day of my 40th birthday, Champagne n birthday cake then, every one's buzzing in the lovely warm south pacific sunshine, its 7:00AM.

happy birthday to you

So first things first, off to the excellent Domain Museum, to see the dinosaur's.
http://www.aucklandmuseum.com

T-rex named Sue

In the Weird and Wonderful children's gallery, the kids get down and dirty,

diggin for dem bones

In the afternoon temperatures soar to 32 degrees Celsius. Kids love it, lots of suntan lotion and hats though.

splash

ready for the beach

Auckland water front is home to Kelly Tarltons aquarium, lots of sharks and antarctic encounters, its nice and cool inside.
www.kellytarltons.co.nz

lobsters big as your arm, yum

After a week in Auckland doing the sights, we head to the Coramandel peninsular. www.thecoromandel.com a remote land covered in lush green bush and golden sandy beaches,
we hire a holiday cottage for the week

rent a batch

There's nothing much to do but go to the beach, perfect

Matarangi beach

temperatures come down to about 28,

which is just fine by me

native kiwi bush

just love it

Back to Auckland for Valentines, our favorite seafood restaurant, right on the harbour

Kermadec, dozen oysters each

The holiday is going just to fast, soon be back on the plane to Hong Kong, we spend our last day at the zoo.

white rinos

Thames loves a day at the zoo.