Can't believe it is midwinter ! I started the day with a great run around Meadowbank here in just shorts and a t-shirt. Beautiful weather !

We started the day with a climb up "one tree hill " - now only a tree stump remains. The climb up through fields was quite steep and we had to manoever around sheep ( what a surprise in NZ ) and their droppings. From the top - great views over Auckland city and the extinct Island Volcano Rangitito. Lots of lovely native kiwi trees - kauri, pohutakawa and euclayptus. Despite breaking his arm only 6 wks ago, Jake was not put off and straight up the more climbable one !

Then off to Waiwera and visit the thermal pools. At the 36 - 40 degrees it was very relaxing. The warm water slides though soon woke us up ! Mum having to pretend to her sons that she was really loving it ! ( actually it was quite frightening ) - they were very fast, dark and long ! Even 75 yr old Grandpa had a go. Thank goodness he has a strong heart - shame I didn't have a camera at the ready when he sped out the end !

We dropped into the Snowpark on the way back - Auckland's version of the Tamworth snow dome, but surrounded by green fields and sheep !

Off home to cook some prime beef on the barbie ...