Monday, September 19, 2011

Bay of Islands


Bay Of Islands in day.
I grew up in the around the Bay Of Islands, so with my parents still living there, it's great taking the kids to the old stomping grounds.
First stop the Kawakawa train. We pass through Kawakawa all the time and I had promised to take the kids on it for the longest time. Today was their lucky day. It goes right through the town to the Taumarere stop, about a half an hour round trip. So fun, the kids loved it.



 The famous Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. If you need a tinkle...make sure you tinkle there ;)


It's quite unique having a train come right through the middle of town really. As member of the community it used to be quite an annoyance having to wait for it to pass through before you could proceed on to your destination. But when you experience from the other side it's quite fun.

Later on we went to the Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri. So pretty and a great little walk.





On our way out of Kerikeri I found this chocolate store open. And the first thing the salesperson does it offer us some samples. And oh... my...goodness...that was it..I spent way too much. I bought this .Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch. Traditional toffee made with wicked amounts of real New Zealand butter, laced with macadamia chips, coated with milk chocolates on both sides and dusted with macadamia fines
....so delicious



  
  It had a great little viewing platform for the kids to watch.



 Next we headed to Paihia Wharf


The kids found the RWC flags painted on the path and played hop scotch


And that is only scratching the surface...there is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the country. It was great to be home for a day.
              

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Ah, my stomping ground too- love going back for little get aways!

TracyP said...

I have only ever visited but I love the BOI beautiful amazing place! I must make a trip there with the kids one day soon!

Brigitte said...

Oh fun times!!
That chocolate factory looks dangerous....! (for the hips)...
A very beautiful part of the world *sigh* :)

Leonie said...

Looks like an awesome day! I love BOI but sadly didnt take the kids up while we were back...silly me!

dearfutureme... said...

Looks like an awesome trip - LOVE makana chocolate!

Gail said...

I love it up there. Do you pop into the trainspotter cafe too?

That toffee looks AMAZING. Drool.

PaisleyJade said...

Love the train going right through the township! Looks like such a fab trip - must visit that choc factory... mmmmm!!!

Sammy said...

That chocolate toffee looks AMAZING! And I love that part of the world, man, we are so blessed to live in NZ!
P.S. GO The All Blacks!

Aru said...

It was an awesome day. Really enjoyed being with the kids. Hadn't seen them for a couple weeks and spending time with them on such an outing was awesome.