Ice Carvings

An ice carver drew a large crowd at the AMEX Queenstown Winter Festival launch in Auckland on Friday. He did a fantastic job racing the heat as the ice melted in our lingering summer weather. The Winter Festival is one of the events that Tourism NZ is involved with this year in a sponsorship role :)

Kaikohe Demolition Derby!

On Easter Saturday we took the car ferry back across the harbour to hunt down a kauri tree Dad used to visit when he was small, stopped by a cheese factory, and headed for our final destination - the Kaikohe Demolition derby! It was such a hoot joining the locals for their annual speed racing!

Good Friday

We headed up north over Easter with Mum and Dad. It was wonderful to get out of the city, and away from any temptation to continue with our ever-consuming house hunting! The time away gave us space to reflect on an offer we'd put on a two bedroom unit a few days before... We've since withdrawn that offer having decided to look for a three beddie to give us more space for longer :)

On Good Friday we walked to the top of Flagstaff Hill between Russell and Tapeka Point. I loved stepping into the shade to discover that the flagpole is shaped like a cross. I was able to ponder the thoughts and circumstances of the unlookers as our Lord was crucified.

Cornwall Park Wedding

We went along to witness and celebrate the marriage of a guy who was recently renting space from Wayne. What a stunning day to be married in Cornwall Park! Most of Wayne's staff and their families come along to join in the festivities :)

Refreshed and Inspired

We just had a fabulous long weekend in Sydney travelling and fellowshipping with special friends. It had been ten years or so since I was in Sydney and I just couldn't get over how beautiful the city is with it's rugged coastline, extensive harbour, and well established old suburbs. These photos are dedicated to you Tomomi x

Reunion in Sydney!

It was wonderful to see Wendy in Sydney last weekend!!! I shed tears of joy as we worshipped together at Hillsong on Sunday morning after more than two years since seeing each other in Japan. The three of us went for a delicious Italian meal at Bondi Beach the night before where we talked for hours about settling back "home." I can't wait to see Wendy again, hopefully in Auckland next time :)

Muriwai Beach

Wayne and I have been to lots of lots of local beaches this summer! Here are photos we took with a few families at Muriwai Beach, just an hour from the centre of Auckland on the west coast. I was so surprised at how packed the long black-sand beach and the surf was! There's a gannet colony just around the corner too.

Rangitoto

Earlier in the year we took the ferry to climb Rangitoto - my favourite landmark in Auckland. Rangitoto is an uninhabited dormant volcano which looks the same from whichever direction you view it from. The hour climb is a definite half day trip for locals and tourists!