Svetcovs' Kiwi Experience: February 2009

Two weeks ago, taking advantage of a great weather during the weekend, we ventured out of Auckland suburbia again. Being a bit tired of travelling long distances, we chose a place only 45 minutes away from home, the Goat Island (also known as the Cape-Rodney-to-Okakari-Point Marine Reserve or Leigh Marine Reserve). Since its official opening in 1977, the Reserve has been used extensively for scientific research, as a training ground for diving, and inspiration for many people who come to visit the place to enjoy the sea life and the beautiful beach.

I rented snorkelling gear and swam to the actual Goat Island. I saw some snapper fish and a few other kinds of fish but after snorkelling in Fiji, I was not impressed. Sadly, also, without my glasses and shoes (the rock that constitutes the island is very rough and it was difficult to walk around) I was unable to explore the island properly.

Meantime the boys enjoyed some snacks on the beach.

After a swim (Eric refused to get in the water complaining about its low temperature), I set off to explore the less busy parts of the beach.

On my way back, I stopped to watch a few kids collecting all sorts of sea creatures from the rock pools.

Inspired by those youngsters, I took E on a rock-pool-fishing expedition. He loved watching me fish out crabs and snails and putting them in our bucket.

Thankfully, Eric showed up to help me out when we found a starfish (Yuck!).

It was an ejoyable morning and it was great to be able to drive back home and take a nap afterwards.

A couple weeks after we unpacked our suitcases, we headed out again. We were going to visit Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui situated on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, in the Bay of Plenty (3 hours away from Auckland).

Tauranga is the main centre of the region and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. It is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand and nestled beside the magnificent Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Tauranga is also home to the country’s biggest export port, Port of Tauranga.

We rented a cozy little cottage in one of the city's suburbs.

It was nice to take a break to read while seated on the vine covered porch.

On Saturday morning, we went for a walk around downtown Tauranga. The Strand, waterfront area features a children’s play area with water feature (where E had a swell time), seating areas, a number of cafés (where E enjoyed his "fluffy"), restaurants and pubs.

We had a quick look at the ornately carved traditional war canoe. It is still used on ceremonial occasions on the harbour.

As we continued our walk, we came across The Elms Mission House (one of NZ's oldest homes finished in 1847.

In the afternoon, we went to see Mossop's Honey. We were very excited about their educational beehive and beekeeping display with four live working beehives... Unfortunately, when we arrived, we learnt that the place had burnt down before the holidays and had not reopened yet. We were able to taste some honey ice-cream and buy a jar of great Manuka honey.

We hopped into the car, undeterred by this small setback, and headed for the only local winery, Mills Reef Winery. The cellar door open 7 days a week happened to be closed during that weekend to host a concert...

Still quite positive, surprisingly too, we decided to venture a little further from Tauranga. We went to the beautiful McLaren Falls Park.

Within this park there is the unique Marshalls Animal Park, where one can hand feed a large selection of animals (some quite unusual). We all enjoyed the experience.

After a great time at the park, we drove to Papamoa Beach, where E had his dinner picnic style (one of his favourite, Fish and Chips).

And this is E's version of picture perfect "CHEESE!"

On Sunday morning we made our way to Mt. Maunganui - all the way to the top. Even though the hike up and the walk down were a bit challenging (especially to Eric who carried E), the views from the top and from around the base were well worth it.