We've been from Hamilton to Cambridge, Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, Taupo, Turangi, Waiouru, Taihape, Mangaweka, Hunterville, Bulls, Sanson, Foxton, Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Paekakariki, Hutt City, Wellington (and back again!!)
What a trip. Here's the highlights:
DAY ONE: Monday 25 Sept 2006.
Weather - good, up at 5am, we left Hamilton just after 6am. Breakfast at McDs' in Tokoroa, a stop in Taupo for some batteries for the camera, then through to Turangi. Here the kids were shouted a climbing experience they will not forget ..... thanks Raewyn!!
From here it was off to Waiouru, stopping at the museum for some muffins, homemade for the trip by Connie, and back in the truck, stopping again for a couple of great photos on the Desert Road. This was the closest J, B and K had been to the mountains - they were impressed!
It was soon after this that James fell asleep, waking for ice cream at Hunterville, and from here we tried to get the girls to go to sleep. It should be noted at this point, they did not know where we were heading, and the signs pointing to Wellington were becoming more frequent. Some great diversions by James meant that it wasn't until we were driving down the motorway nearing the city that the girls guessed where we were.
Great navigational skills took us straight to our destination www.huttpark.co.nz where our cabin awaited. First job was to unpack and find a supermarket for some essentials (like dinner!). In bed by around 8pm and asleep by 8.05pm, we were all shattered!
DAY TWO: Tuesday 26 Sept 2006
Weather - WET AND WINDY! We left the cabin at about 9.15, arriving at Te Papa at around 9.45. We spent almost five hours here, taking our time at all the exhibitions.
From here we took a drive around Oriental Bay, and back through Mt Victoria Tunnel. The four passengers tried to hold their breath going through it, it is uncertain who actually lasted! We returned to base camp and chilled out, the kids making friends with others there. Had a game of Cranium Cadoo, and into bed.
DAY THREE: Wednesday 27 Sept 2006
Weather - started out good but turned cold, wet and windy, again! Today we headed into town and made it to Parliament for the 10.30 guided tour. While this may sound boring, we all found it very interesting, and Kendall was just excited to see the Beehive! After a wander through the grounds and some more photo opportunities, we visited the Backbencher to see the fun caricatures.
We walked from here to the Cable Car (although not taking the most direct route possible!). By the time we made it to the Botanical Gardens we were all rather peckish, however Ma Bakers Fresh Hot Pies aint got nothing on Big Ben Steak and Cheese! (according to James!). We visited the cable car museum, (this was good) and went to Carter Observatory (waste of money - next time we ask what we are paying for!), and located the children's playground, where some more energy was burnt off.
We headed back to the car (navigational skills were on the wane, we had to walk up and down The Terrace to find the building we were in!) and back to base. Probably walked about 8kms today, made worse by all the hills! In bed pretty early !
DAY FOUR: Thursday 28 Sept 2006
Weather - sunny and hot! - Yay!! Our final day in the city, the children managed to convince us that a visit to the Wellington Zoo was the best way to spend our final day. It was Ian's turn to drive, so far he had co-piloted the trip. Unfortunately, as it was school holidays, a lot of the animals were 'hding' from noisy groups of children, so not many photo opportunities! We spent around three hours here, and left Wellington at around 1pm.
A quick stop in Paraparaumu for lunch supplies, then another stop at Waikanae to eat. Next break was Levin where we stopped at the Adventure Park, a huge playground for all ages 
once again stretching our legs for about half an hour, a quick toilet stop and ice cream at McDs, and the long ride to Turangi, our next stopover, began. 
Mt Ruapehu looked great, so we couldn't resist a few more photos, and we arrived in Turangi at about 7.00pm, only to find the key for the house we were to stay in wasn't there. Quick meal at BK, and a change of plans as we drove home. After over 1000 kms travelled, and we arrived in Hamilton at around 10pm.
DAY FIVE: Friday 29 Sept 2006
Weather - great - Unpacking - yecch!
DAY SIX: Saturday 30 Sept 2006
We are off to Auckland to PARTY with Jack (he's one, so we don't we expect a late night!) and for a wedding. Nicky's old workmate and the other half of a very talented radio duo - Nikki - is getting married north of Auckland, and these festivities are certain to go late into the night, however with our busy week we've had, I'm picking it'll be a quiet one for us!
Over and out - for now!
