Mount Kaukau, Khandallah, Wellington, New Zealand

You may have heard us referring to living on the side of Mt Kaukau but we had never been up it. So on a bright sunny Christmas weekday we headed up to see the views. There are actually several routes up and it intersects with several major walking routes, but on this occasion we just went up via the Khandallah swimming pool to see the view and TV mast from the top and then back down via the Broadmeadows route.

Christmas Day, Wellington, New Zealand - December 2010

Wellington presented us with some fantastic weather for Christmas day so after breakfast and presents we headed off to the beach. First drove to Scorching Bay where many families go, then headed to Oriental Parade firstly for an icecream on top of the fishermans bandstand then on to the beach for a game of beach boules.

Blondie at Alana Estate, Martinborough, New Zealand - December 2010

Only just got around to uploading these as we have only just recovered from it. Pretenders were up first followed by Blondie. Oh my god, Blondie !

Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand - December 2010

Waikehe Island is a semi tropical island floating up near Auckland so is a cross between a holiday resort, commuter town, a city slickers weekend retreat and a hippy community all competing. It is a very beautiful spot and you can get away from it all there (although we visited just before the school holidays start so god help the place when Auckland empties into it next week). The vineyards and restaurants are high quality, as we now expect from New Zelaand, but higher priced than you see elsewhere, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thorndon Fair, Wellington - December 2010

Just a quick few photos of Thorndon Fair where we wandered around for the morning. At least Linda and Mads wandered around, Baz and Steve went to the pub and watched England versus Australia (Live second test third day). Had to explain to some Americans why the batsman could just hit the ball and not run if they wanted 'surely they could be in for ever' they asked, 'no just 5 days !'. They left after half an hour. Anyway Aussies can't bat for 5 days, they only lasted a few bless them. 1:0 England.