Scenes from Hong Kong

Signs from NZ

Taupo cycle challenge

Merv completed the 160kms Lake Taupo cycle challenge while in NZ, along with Jane's brother, Mark, and niece's husband, Jon. Plus another 8,000 or so other cyclists! Fortunately there was good weather this year, although not the hoped-for southerly wind on the eastern side returning to Taupo which made it a bit of a slog. A great ride and a good effort by all.

Bush Walks

We did a number of great walks while in NZ too. In Wellington we made the most of the Tinakori Hill walks right at Jane's mum's doorstep. We also went up Mt Kaukau, the highest point overlooking Wellington harbour giving magnificant views over Wellington, the Hutt Valley and the coast. 

While in Napier we went with friends on a great coastal walk from Waipatiki Beach to Aropaoanui Beach. We ended the walk with a sea swim (not that cold - truly) and a picnic. Perfect. 

Further north while waiting for a cracked car windscreen to be replaced in Whakatane, we did two really lovely walks between Ohope Beach and Whakatane. Lots of tui's singing, fantails flittering and the start of the pohutukawa flowering.

NZ Beaches

We're now back from our 5 week trip to NZ and Hong Kong. We had a fantastic time catching up with family and friends. Blessed with very good weather too, so spent a lot of time enjoying the outdoors at some great beaches, sitting at wonderful cafe's (NZ does cafe's particularly well) and generally having a terrific time.

We were on a mission to find New Chums Beach in the Coromandel. It is rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, but you have to walk to it as it isn't developed at all (part of the charm). We missed the path to it and ended up wandering all over the place for about an hour before hitting upon this gorgeous beach which we had all to ourselves. Then found the path back which, of course, was really obvious!