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Saturday, Neil decided that we needed yet more excerise and took us by Ferry across the harbour to Rangitoto Island. He had visited this place last time he was in N.Z. (about 10 years ago). We walked (or should I say trekked) up to the top of this now extinct Volcano. Rangitoto was formed about 600 years ago. After reaching the summit which I must admit was well worth the effort we walked down (an easier way) to Yankee Wharf where we had our picnic lunch. From there we took the Costal Path - if one can call it a path - over the lava flows and up and down the very uneven rocky pathway. The signpost said 2 hours but we must be fit as we did it on 1 1/2 hours, so we were pleased with ourselves.
Friday evening we went out to dinner at Tonino's Restaurant. We ate there last time we were here. The restaurant is owned by Dominic's Uncle and we were extremely surprised that he actually remembered us from nearly 4 years ago. We had a lovely meal - as you will see from the photos the pizzas are excellent. Sheila, Mike, Neil and Brian all had pizza but I had veal and salad. If we have time before we leave at the end of January we hope to go back again.
Last week Neil, Brian and I borrowed Mike's car and spent 4 days exploring the Coromandel peninsular. We spent 2 days at a place called Whittianga and then went onto Tauranga. Neil took us on 2 hike's (well I think that is what they were). We walked down to a beautiful beach called Cathedral Cove. It took about 45 mins to get down there and then another 45 mins to climb back up. At Tauranga we went to Mt. Manganui (a volcano) and walked 232mtrs to the top. Half way up it started to rain and did not stop until we had got back down - fortunately I had my umbrella with me!!
Last night we went to Franklin Road. This is a street where most of the residents decorate their homes up for Christmas. I think 1/2 the population of Auckland were there as well. It was rather festive with carol singers etc.
We are now ready for Christmas (well I think Sheila and Mike are). We had visitors for lunch yesterday with their 2 little children. Sheila keeps a box of toys under the stairs which she produced for the children to play with, but as you will see from the photos the "big" children really enjoyed them!! This morning we had guests for breakfast. After they had gone we all went shopping for food.
Tomorrow - Christmas Day - we have all been invited out for breakfast and later in the day for Christmas Dinner at some other of Sheila and Mike's friends. Then on Boxing Day Mike's sister, Maureen, daughter and her 2 girls are coming around for dinner. Christmas does seem different as the weather is now hot and sunny.
Well I think that has brought you all up to date with our comings and goings here in New Zealand.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas.
Brian, Brenda & Neil
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