The next few days after Taupo we drove closer to Auckland finally making it there. Andy and I got our fix at a Mexican restaurant, surprisingly good. It was Andy's 25th Bday and we went out for some drinks which was fun, the Bartender was a miniature Jared. We then saw a Movie, we'd recommend you see The Fastest Indian, it's a Kiwi film starring Anthony Hopkins. We then picked up Phil around 4 in the morning and drove about an hour and a half to our friend Campbell and Catherine's beach house. Which is the picture above here. The house is as well designed on the inside as the outside. Their Mom is an Interior Decorator and she's got a lot of personality and flare. The house sits only 75 yards or so from the beach. It's in the Coramandel which is on the East Coast of the North Island, very warm and beautiful. Driving through the country side reminded me a lot of Costa Rica, Jared you'll have to come check it out. Good surfing too!

This isn't the boat we were on but it gives an idea how large these carving are. We were asked to guess how old they are and while everyone guessed 100 years plus, Andy says 20 years old. We come to find out that in the late 70's two men from Taupo came back to give something to their community. They carved this immaculate image in the perfect location which is only accessible by boat. There are a few close ups to see how intricate each piece really is. Next time we go back we have to skydive, it's suppose to be the best place in all of New Zealand as far as beauty and fun. Anyone game?

After Wellington we headed to Lake Taupo which is an incredibly large lake. It was a volcano and its eruption was 1000 times the size of Mt. St. Helens. The lake is gorgeous and there are Black Swans everywhere. On the bottom picture here, it's hard to see but there is a boat that we took to see some amazing carvings.

We made it to the ferry, which was huge and full of cars, a movie theater, cafe's, a deck on top and around the boat, different types of seating, lounges, airline decliners, couches, it's pretty incredible. Then we came into Wellington, the shot here doesn't justify the city. It's a lot like Portland but much smaller with even more of a Cosmopolitan flare. The people have a Savvy style but still maintain the friendly kiwi appeal. We ate dinner at this wonderful Thai Restaurant....which is suppose to venture onto Christchurch! Cross your fingers!

After Stewart Island the 3 of us were headed to Auckland to meet up with Phil. It's a big haul, but we made it fun. Here's a shot of what it's like to drive 'downunder'....lots of fun. Also we stopped just north of Kaikoura, which is just 2 hours north from us in Christchurch to see these fur seals. They're only native in NZ and they were so much fun to watch. Especially the playful pups swimming around in their pool. We have to go back to Kaikoura so we can swim with the dolphins!

The bottom picture here is a Kiwi, if you can make it out. We went on a night tour and spotted him on the beach. They're quite big....the one above is a Weka. They're quite friendly and slightly resemble the kiwi. The top is the friendly Robin. One actually pecked Andy's foot on a tramp. This guy was on Ulva Island right off of Stewart Island. We saw all sorts of birds like Parakeets and even an Elephant Seal that was visitng from Antarctica.

So my mom showed up in March and Andy and I took her to Stewart Island. It's a small Island on the south tip of the South Island. It's one of the last places to see a kiwi bird in the wild and has an inhabitant of 384 people and a 6 hole golf course. The people were so warm and welcoming!

This is Lake Wanaka, which is our favorite place yet. The town is quaint, but full of character. The top picture here is a Vineyard that goes directly down onto the lake shore. As you can tell the scenary is beautiful and we love the South Island!

These are the Moeraki Boulders which are on the East Coast.....scientists say that the boulders are 60 million years old. They started as lime crystals, which then attracted other minerals around it to make the boulder shape.