Diving, Northland, New Zealand - December 2009

Headed on for a diving trip in Northland. First days diving was a return to the Poor Knights Islands. Has to be said that the boat was too big and too full. It was good though to get back in the water, and the sea was calm enough that we did 2 dives that are normally restricted. The Pinicles in particular had a great underwater arch that was just full of fish. Got some photos of this below.

For the next 2 days of diving we relocated to Piahia, Bay of Islands. First day looked like the weather was going to thawt us but by the time we got to the boat it was not too bad. With the inflatable speed boat you have to kit up on the shore than zoom out to deep water. Here we dived the Rainbow Warrior. This is a outstanding world class dive. Sadly the Camera died.

Rainbow Warrior Wreck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pzYgcsEvaI

Next day we headed south on a larger boat and dived the huge Canterbury which is in deep water in the Bay of Islands.

Canterbury Wreck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AYb9GqsFM4

Christmas, Mangawhai Bach, New Zealand - December 2009

We got to the bach a day before everyone else and set up our tent. Nice and peaceful except for the big fat possum waddling past doing disco at 3am. Next day everyone turned up and Christmas was performed in the traditional Kiwi manner. Not a lot was done but drinking and sitting in the sun.

Lord of the Rings "Hobbiton", Middle Earth, New Zealand - December 2009

Lord of the Rings Trilogy was filmed at 127 sites all over New Zealand but only 1 film set survived. The film makers had contracts to remove and make good all film set locations, but rain stopped the demolision of Hobbiton half way through. Locals were queing up to see the set so the farmer spent 2 years getting permission to keep the remains of the set. It was actually a rather fun trip and guided tour.

Taupo, New Zealand - December 2009

Drove from Wellington up into the heart of the north island and stayed at Taupo for 2 nights. The scenery is something special. Helped by several active(ish) volcanos.

Christchurch Christmas Shopping - December 2009

OK, so Steve needed some more Airmiles status points so ... shopping in Christchurch for Christmas was invented. Actually it was very pleasent and quiet by the rest of the world standards. Think Steve got away with it!!