tane mahuta

On our way back from Bay of Islands we drove along the Kauri coast.  We wanted to drive through natives forests and especially wanted to see the giant kauri trees.  We went on a couple of little hikes.   

This tree bellow is called Tane Mahuta.  It is the largest known living kauri tree.  It is estimated to be between 1200-2500 years old.    

Tane is the Maori god of the forest.  According to Maori mythology Tane is the son of Ranginui, the sky father and Papatuanku, the earth mother. Tane was the child that tore apart his parent's embrace and then clothed his father with stars and his mother with the forest and birds. All living creatures are regarded as Tane's children.  Tane is also Trent's middle name so we offered him up to the tree with whom he shares a name sake Lion King style.  

kiwi culture

New Zealand native pukekos make you think that  Dr Seuss must have come here for inspiration.  They have large orange beaks, blue and black feather and very large feet.

Max likes to chase them.  This one would even chase him back once he out ran Max.

The kids had fun exploring a full scale Maori village, while Lonnie hung out in the car with sleeping Trent.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds were beautiful.   The cultural presentation was impressive and the kids were excited to see the Waka.  Which was about when their patience ended.  They could have done without the tour. 

Cute Nana and Papa at Haruru Falls. 

meat

Max: "Mom, what is meat made out of?"
Mom: "Well, Max.....meat is made out of animals."
Max:"No! Meat is made out of popsicles!"

A couple hours later.....

Mom: "Max, what is meat made out of?"
Max"Meat is made out of chocolate."

A couple hours later....

Max:"Mom, we don't eat animals."
Mom:"Do we eat chickens?"
Max: "Yes, but they aren't animals.  We eat dinner chickens and not animal chickens!"

parks

The people with the loudest votes in our family are Max and Maya, and they love going to parks.  The love even more going to parks with their Nana and Papa....

Mt. Victorica (Takarunga) and North Head......

sitting on mushrooms, exploring old barracks and caves, watching the sun set and enjoying the view.

Onepoto Domain, Northcote....
riding bikes, watching model sail boats, chasing pukekos, playing pirates.

Northboro Park, Belmont....

playing in the sand box, riding on the flying fox, going down the slide, riding bikes.

beaches

We couldn't have my parents come all the way to New Zealand and not spend time at the beach

Pahia, Auckland......

 Russell, Bay of Islands....
Yes, it was still much too cold for swimming but that didn't stop Max and Maya. 

Tapeka Point, Bay of Islands.....
This lovely spot was just at the end of the road from where we stayed for five days in the Bay of Islands.

auckland whale cruise

We just finished a two week visit from my parents.  We went on lots of adventures and took a lot of photos.  I will try and post them in the next couple of days.  

The day after John and Cookie arrived we went on a Whale and Dolphin Cruise in the Auckland Harbour*.   After a very cold week, we were nervous about the weather, but the sun came out, the skies were clear, and it was a glorious day.  We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to New Zealand for John and Cookie.  We saw lots of dolphins, and we were even lucky enough to see several whales.  Max and Maya were great on the boat, except for the one time Max slipped past all of us and out onto the side of the boat just as it lurched almost sending him overboard.  Trent slept happily in his baby carrier, played in his pram, and was passed around between the four adults.   

*We even found half price tickets on GrabOne.