In and around Hamilton

In January we left for our annual trip to New Zealand!  We had planned to go via Fiji after visiting with Dani and Don there, but that was not to be.  The flight to Fiji was over-sold and we were unable to get on.  We did get to see Dani and Don for a few moments before they went through security, but that was all.

So, we went to New Zealand via Sydney.  We didn't get on the flight the first night we stood by, but did get on the second night.  So we had a short 3 day vacation in El Segundo before our real vacation.

Bryan and Peter and Tony and Deane met our flight in Auckland and it was great to see them.  The weather was wonderful - lovely and warm.  It was great for us to leave the cold, wet dreary winter season in the northern hemisphere and go to summer in the southern hemisphere!

Unfortunately for New Zealand, they were experiencing a drought that lasted for the entire 6 weeks we were there, and continued after we left.  There were watering restrictions that became more drastic as time went on, and the farmers were having a terrible time with crops and livestock - very sad!

Following are some pictures in and around Hamilton, Kawhia, Raglan and Matamata.

Our traditional walk around Hamilton Lake, which is a great antidote to jet lag!

Bryan and Peter's garden

As water restrictions increased, only hand-watering was allowed.  Bryan found a relaxing way to water the lawn.

Downtown Raglan - we were able to spend two weekends at the beach house in Raglan

Raglan harbor as seen from Bryan and Peter's beach house

Wind surfers on the beach at Raglan

These "seeds" were all around the beach, being blown out to sea by the wind

A "blow-kart" on the beach at Raglan - those things can really move!

Relaxing on the deck at Raglan - no stress here!

The space-ship structure in the back ground was for sale and we were going to an open house

The inside of the space ship.  It actually sold and was being moved to the South Island

Carving at Raglan

Dinner at Richards!  The giant checker board he built looked like a lot of fun

The "Fab 5"!  This is a traditional picture that we take each time we visit - the first one was taken probably 20 years ago.

The arts and crafts market in Cambridge

There were lots of unique crafts there - fortunately we didn't have room to bring anything home

Dinner at Jo's under the shade of the tree - lovely!

The harbor at Kawhia, located on the west coast of the north island, south of Raglan

John and Peter 

Lunch in Kawhia

The Kawhia museum

Wearable art - clothing made from dried plants!  Very still and scratchy!

A dress constructed from plants.

"Hobbiton" in Matamata

The "Hobbiton" inspired visitor's center

Lee and the All Blacks - New Zealand Rugby team

Italian gardens at the Hamilton Gardens

Japanese Garden

Through the entrance to the Japanese garden

Stone bridge and bamboo forest

Filtered light through the bamboo

Lee and Peter in the Indian garden

Entrance to the Maori garden

Kumura (sweet potatoes) growing in the Maori garden

Newest garden still under construction - Tudor Garden

Kiwi fruit vine

With lots of kiwi fruit!

Ducks on the Hamilton river

We packed a picnic dinner on Valentine's Day and enjoyed it on the banks of the Hamilton river

John, Pat and Dianne

Peter

Lee, Bryan and Jo - as you can see, it cooled off as the sun went down

At the Tamahere market with Bryan and his Mum, Zoe.  We love this market - we came home with all kinds of stuff!