Wellington to Kaikoura

Early start since our end destination today was Kaikoura on the South Island. But first a quick breakfast and a very tough goodbye to Lyn and Glenn. Not sure when we'll see them next and it makes us very sad knowing that we'll be struggling to do another trip like this again in the near future. So privileged to have had the chance to again stay in the same corner of the house that use to be Pernillas home 13 Years ago. Can't thank you enough!!!

Got on the ferry across to the South Island from Wellington at 8:25. 3 hours later after cruising through stunning fjord landscape we reached Picton. Had lunch by the waterfront and was going to chill in the shadow under a palm by the sea. The kids found a pond to play in and to cool down a bit in. But after 5 min we saw that they splashed water on a kid smaller and younger then Oliver. Told them of big time and when they kept pushing the limit with having stupid answers to everything they were thrown in to the car without any ice-cream at all today! Heading straight to Kaikoura. Best landscape I've ever seen. Colour of the water, seal colonies along the beach road, high mountains with snow on top, clear blue sky and 30 degrees outside made the trip go by very quick.

Went for a stroll to town to book a kayak tour for tomorrow that the kids have asked to do. (thanks Klasen!) Then dinner in town. You can tell their speciality is seafood. Soooo good!! Swam in the pool by the alpine Pacific Motel when we got back. Hottest day so far! Can't wait for the sun to go down so that the temperature can be human to sleep in.

Happy birthday Klasen!

Adrenaline Forest

Today Pernilla signed some papers saying that if she die we can't put the blame on anyone else but herself. Then she started to climb higher and higher in the Adrenaline Forest! Last level was at 30 metre on unstable platforms with flying fox from tree top to tree top and balancing on a thin rope. Amazing experience and with adrenaline pumping for several hours which was what it took to complete all levels. Lactic pumping in me forearms and shaky legs just had to be ignored!! And of course it was never an option to finish before completing all levels!

Then had a great time in the sun on Paraparaumu Beach in the afternoon while Daniel picked up some boots for Pernilla and stopped by a pharmacy to get things for the tattoo.
Last dinner for this time with Lyn, Glenn, Cat and Danny! 

Tattoo

Big day today! 10 hours tattooing for Daniel by Tim at Pacific Tatoo in Paekakariki with only a break to eat a pie. Pretty exhausted after those 10 hours, but very happy with the result. A typical maori/samoa tatoo where every little detail reflects something from his life.
While Daniel was under the needle the rest of the family went with Glenn to the National Museum Te Papa in Wellington. Fantastic museum in many ways. Especially how suitable it is for both young kids and adults at the same time. Got to feel an earthquake and to see the biggest octopus in the world!
Nice cooling swim in the pool when we got back and a great catch up and dinner with Dennis and Jane who came around to Lyn and Glenn for the night.

Wellington

What a day! Early breakfast so that we could start our drive into the capital Wellington early enough to be at the Zoo just after they'd opened for the day. But still it was too hot and many animals were hiding in the shadow. So not much fun to look at. But the kids seems to have a great time anyway.
At noon we stopped at another very dear family for fantastic BBQ lunch with bubbles, amazing playmates for our kids, stunning view and lots of talk with wonderful Marisa and Dorian. Realize how much you miss them when you see them and you never feel like leaving. To see you again and to catch up again was sooo nice. And you do have so great kids! Thanks so much for a fantastic lunch and time together.
Manage to squeeze in some turbo shopping in town before heading back home. Had a look at Kathmandu but got so much better service and even % off the price at Macpac so our new winder jackets are now Macpac's. First we got 10% of, then after Daniel said that we weren't sure to go for Kathmandu or Macpac he gave us another 10%!! Haha.....
Went straight to Anna and Craig's for dinner. The fish Daniel got yesterday was very good. So was the paua, the steak, ham, salad, corn...... We sure like food, but in the end not even Fam Berg could eat more! Again thanks to another family for spoiling us!!

Paraparaumu

Hot hot hot.... Fantastic day for Daniel to go out with Craig (NuggZ-Anna's partner) and 2 other friends of his. Good catch and Daniel got a colourful one as well. Tomorrow we'll have fish for dinner at Anna and Craig's place. Can't wait!
Pernilla and the kids went for a long bush walk and spent a couple of hours at the club riding, swinging, 4WDing and helping out in the garden.
After picking some grapes from the back garden and had some fresh grape juice we went around to Caron and Palmer's place for beautiful BBQ. Caron is one of the few that we've stayed in contact with during all these years and who has also been seen in Sweden. Great friend since many years back. Who now has got a gentleman as partner which we got the privilege to spend time with tonight. Thank you so much! Bet you appreciated the a calm and quiet moment after we'd left!:o)

Paraparaumu

It can only happen in NZ!! Duck race in the river and hundreds of people gathered to put a bet on for one of the ducks. Duck as is a yellow plastic duck!! We tried to fit in and did exactly the same and had a blast. Our duck didn't win:-(
In the morning Pernilla went on the local Garden Trail to have a look at open homes. Some of those gardens were amazing and some was just like any bush walk. Got some inspirations as you can see on the pictures. A shame out climate has 6 month of horrible weather which makes most tropical plants die. If there's no job for Pernilla to come back to at Pergo we would have no problem staying.
So hot today we got a bit tired of the heat and had to go inside for a while in the afternoon until it had cooled down a little so that we could have our lamb dinner outside.

Paraparaumu

Clear blue sky and an untouched day!!
Went to the Kapiti Equestrian Centre to drop of Pernilla and Kevin since Pernilla was going to coach a group of younger kids that had come for the holiday program. Always lots of fun with young kids and enthusiastic assistants. Lyn was filming and Glenn was the photographer and I was told they got some new inspiration for some new games and exercises which I'm happy to hear. Oliver and Daniel went to check out the river in the meantime.
We went to Otaki, ordered Pernillas favourite garden/riding boots, then continued to the beach for some relaxing hours. Met up with Lyn at home, had a glass of wine by the pool in the sun, then of to Paraparaumu Beach for some traditional fish & chips which we enjoyed by the playground right next to the beach. Wonderful night with wonderful food, wine and company!!

Paraparaumu

Another day in paradise! A bit cloudy in the morning but clearing up and gave us a nice warm and sunny afternoon and evening.
Kevin had a chance of joining the kids holiday program at the Kapiti Equestrian Club and he got right into it and had a great day. Didn't want to go home after 4 hours of full on activities. Hi did great and showed some great acrobatic skills and wasn't scared of anything. Thanks to Kapiti Equestrian Centre for having us today!! Pernilla got the chance of having a go at the training of a 183cm vaulting horse. I might not be able to walk tomorrow but it was all worth it. I remembered exactly how much fun it use to be. Maybe a comeback should be arranged?!
Daniel and Oliver went to pick strawberries but there was none so had to go for beetroot's and zuccini instead. Not really the same....
Daniel had arranged for me to go and join a combat class in town (not Les Mills :o(  ) Very nice to try something new, but I must confirm that Body Combat is da this!!
Nice dinner at Lyn and Glenn's place.