All together in NZ!

Three weeks ago Mum, Dad and Ruth arrived in NZ, it was great to see them after a long 10 months. James and I met them at Ohakune train station and after lots of hugs and a quick stop at the lodge we set off on a road trip. First stop was Mt Manganui in the Bay of Plenty, North Island, where we had booked a trip to go swimming with dolphins, unfortunately we couldn't find any dolphins! We did however see a seal...But still we got to go to the beach and have a swim in the Pacific which pleased everyone. Then it was onto Rotorua to look at the thermal activity and we stopped at a great place with free thermal hot pools! From Rotorua we went to Taupo and walked up to the Huka Falls, which is a beautiful place and one of the most visited places in NZ. We did a bit of shopping and then the next day James went back to work in Ohakune and the four of us went on the bus to Napier for the weekend. It was gorgeous weather and we had a great time walking around looking at the architecture, swimming and of course shopping for me and Ruth!Napier was hit by a huge earthquake in 1931 and it was rebuilt in an Art Deco style which is gorgeous.
It was then back to Ohakune for a few days where we all relaxed (well James and I worked!)and did a few walks and showed Mum, Dad and Ruth around the place we live. We also took them on a scenic chair lift ride round at Whakapapa, which Mum and Ruth loved, but I'm not sure Dad did! Still it was a great fun and they got to see some Lord of the Rings territory, including 'Mt Doom.'
Then three of them headed off to Waitomo caves to see the glow worms for a couple of days while we were busy at work and our final trip together was down to Wellington. We spent the day in Wellington looking at the 'Beehive' parliament buildings, the museum Te Papa and again shopping! As it was Mum and Dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary we went out for a lovely meal at a 'Polish fusion' restaurant which was really nice and we all ate plenty! The plan was to go to Christchurch but due to obvious reasons that didn't happen so it was back to Ohakune for a couple of days before they left for Auckland on the bus. Sad to say goodbye again but we had a great time showing them around New Zealand, next time we will do the South Island...!