Haare Mai

Saturday 6th December 2008

This is going to sound crazy but we woke up this morning not having a clue what we were going to do,so after breakfast we opened up our guidebook and maps to get some inspiration. Now it did take a while but the inspiration came in the form of discount coupons for Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World (we love it when we get money off things!!)

It did seem a shame to head inside when the weather is so good but the place looked interesting so we decided to part with our cash and go.You can see the place from Devonport but because of how Auckland is geologically set we had a drive to get there back over the harbour bridge and through the city along Quay Street and Tamaki Drive.

The oceanarium has been here since 1985 and sits underground in an old disused sewage tank,it was the brain child of Kelly himslef who saw the project through but sadly died 7 weeks after opening aged only 47 but he left behind an educational legacy that Mel and I loved. Inside there was a mock up of the old expedition huts from 1902 which was cool to look around then we got to see how long we could keep our hands in freezing water to simulate the temperatures felt by explorers to Antarctica,after 30 seconds I could stand no more and my hand began to sting,Mel managed a little less and afterwards thought she would pay for it later with her arthritis.

Most of it was set up for kids but luckily it was quiet and Mel and I listened intently to the lady telling us about the 4 stingrays they have here while they were fed,which we watched and they enjoyed slapping their fins on the water and soaking us through.The heaviest of the 4 weighed over 220lbs or the weight of 3 men,they were awesome and so gentle. Next was the snowcat ride past the Gentoo penguins in freezing conditions we got to see them swimming under the water as well,there were even a few babies on the snow too.

Our wildlife senses on overload next was the glide on the travelator through the acrylic tunnel to see the sharks,it was that good we went around twice!!! As we were about to move on a diver dressed as Santa appeared and started to feed the fish which was crazy,about 2000 fish all wanting food,it was frenzied and great to watch.If you book in advance you can dive with the sharks or feed the stingrays which is something we may consider doing.

It took our eyes a few minutes to adjust as we came back out into the sunlight and we had decided to head back and go for a walk but just around the corner we pulled into "Lilliputt" the crazy golf place,we are suckers for crazy golf.The place was packed and we enjoyed 18 holes and getting frustrated with the obstacles on the course.

It had cooled off and we set off for the top of Mt Victoria to burn off a few calories and stretch our legs which invariably ended up calling for a swifty,which led into watching the first half of the LA Galaxy game before heading home.

Sunday 7th November 2008

Another Sunday meant another Santa parade although this one was on a much smaller scale than last week and in Devonport.We followed the crowds and found a good vantage point on Victoria Road with a few thousand other people.It was a mixture of school kids and pipe bands.Float after float passed by,and it was hot both Mel and I had our hats on to protect us from the sun.Right by us a kid had an altercation with a giant pig while trying to retrieve the sweets that had been thrown into the crowd,which ended in tears and screaming.

Down on Windsor Reserve we sat and listened to the Navy band play it's carols to wrap up the parade.With us having such a busy day yesterday we took to the beach for the rest of the day to read the paper and checked the job pages.The beach was the busiest I have seen it and a sign of things to come on Christmas Day,I think.

Lots of Love

M & M

xx