Walking in a Kiwi Wonderland

With the arrival of the Man in Red pending, we decided to take a walk into the Auckland CBD so the kids could visit Santa.

Appparently, Santa has digs in Auckland, and we were able to wander through his enchanted forest and visit him in his cosy sitting room.

Half of Auckland seemed to have the same idea, so after a lengthy wait involving lots of starvation and thirst (the kids can't go five minutes without eating or drinking something apparently), C. and H. were firmly planted on Santa's lap and trying to persuade him they've been good all year. (Chance would be a fine thing...)

I have to admit Santa was probably the loveliest I've ever encountered - very jolly and warm with a lovely voice. I swear he was real, though C. remains to be convinced. Anyway, he was much better than some of the fresh-faced Santas we've seen lurking around the shopping centres here lately. Honestly, one of them looks about 12.

Visiting Santa was so much fun!

Then it was time to refuel at Wendy's. C. ate an entire Baconator, just like his Dad!

On the way home, we stopped at Victoria Park where Telecom have erected an awesome tree of lights. They provide bean bags and deck chairs so you can lie on them at night and gaze up at the lights.

There are also phone booths where kids can dial the North Pole and leave messages for Santa.


"And Santa, can I please have a pony?"

"Would you prefer beer or milk to drink on Christmas Eve?"

Speaking of alcohol, here is my Wine of the Week. It's one I shared with L. and Nana when they were here. Always a sucker for marketing, the temptation of winning a trip to Australia helped twist my arm!

The Stables Ngatarawa chardy was very pleasant, with it's ripe citrus flavours and smooth palate made from a blend of Gisborn and Hawke's Bay grapes. Apparently Ngatarawa (pronounced naa-taa-ra-wa) is Maori for between the ridges. The winery is housed in former racing stables, hence the name.

Cheers!

We ran away with the gypsies (kind of)

Did you know there are gypsies in New Zealand?

Neither did we, until we came across a gypsy fair recently.

Of course, we had to stop and investigate, much to the excitement of the kuds (kids).

It was much like a normal fair, except the stall holders travel in gaily-coloured gypsy caravans - no surprises there.

And I guess you normally wouldn't be able to buy a wand, or get a tattoo or piercing at a normal fair.

We didn't plump for the tatts and other gear, but we did give the kids a pony ride. They also tried their hands (mouths?) at blowing darts. Can you believe it is legal to sell them here? Weird. And no, we didn't let C. take one home.

A jumping castle session, and a merry-go-round topped off our day with the gypsies.

And finally, in place of the Wine of the Week, here's proof that my son has gone to the dogs since we moved here. Mmm ... all the goodness and vitality of Chase in every can!

Our weekend of 'bach-ing' it

Kiwis in the North Island call their holiday homes baches. (Pronounced 'batches'). In the South Island, they're cribs.

We enjoyed our first bach experience this weekend, when Husband, kids and I took a day off work and school, and took Nana to the Coromandel Peninsula to explore another part of New Zealand.

As Bach Virgins, we really weren't sure what to expect, so we were thrilled when our chosen beach house was even more gorgeous than it appeared online. Take a look at http://www.bookabach.co.nz/holiday_homes/dsp_listing.cfm?bachId=4911&kwt=New%20Perspective

The owner was delightful to deal with and gave us a really good last minute deal.

Set across from the beach on Thornton Bay, New Perspective was a rambling home, with a huge deck which was perfect for kicking back and enjoying the scenery. It had all the comforts of home and more, with lovely artwork on the walls, comfortable pillows and duvets (we brought our own linen), a well-stocked kitchen, fireplace and electric blankets (which we didn't need to use). There were even bean bags for the kids (which they did use!)

The nearby town of Thames was a good spot for bargain hunting, particularly the Saturday markets, where we picked up some local bread, raspberries, blueberry pie and other goodies for lunch.

The house and beach were so relaxing, we were happy to spend most of the weekend at our home away from home, wandering the beach, collecting shells, reading, and watching the world go by. The kids loved having a garden to play in again too.

All too soon, the weekend was over, but something tells me we'll be back ...

Collecting shells

Beachcombing

Check out the bowling action!

Feeling right at home ...

Crikey, look at this little beauty (C. catches a crab)

What we thought when we had to leave ...

Low tide at Thornton Bay

Collecting driftwood for a sandcastle

It wouldn't be the beach without fish and chips

Sunset

Shags on rocks

Mmmm, ice-cream

Skytower Sunday and Wine of the Week

On Sunday, we treated L. and Nana to one of Kyle's famous Sunday roasts. As a prelude, we sipped on one of the wines we purchased at Ascension Estate at Matakana.
The Holy Cow! chardonnay was just right for a hot and humid Auckland afternoon. Apparently, they are designed for "udderly superb everyday enjoyment." The label claims a glass or three of Holy Cow is a very 'moooving' experience. Whatever, it was delicious.



Sunday roast - this time lamb with all the trimmings. And then it was on to Mission Bay, where we treated Nana to some fish and chips. But not just any fish and chips. At The Fish Pot, snapper, calamari and other seafood delights are treated with the reverence they deserve. It's cheap and cheerful, yet possibly the freshest and most delicious seafood I've ever had the pleasure of devouring.

Afterwards, we went for a walk on the beach (and I didn't fall over, not once) before enjoying gelati for dessert.

Out and about at the Viaduct. Notice the T-shirt.

At Mission Bay, after 'dark' (a case for daylight saving, at least in the city. And yes, the kids do complain, but we tell them it's bed time!)

Mmm - gelati!

Visitors at last!

I’ve just enjoyed the best weekend so far since we came to Auckland.
Here’s what happened:
On Friday, after weeks of anticipation, I picked the kids up from school (they got an early mark) and we set off for the airport to meet Nana.
Unfortunately, about 5 other aircraft were landing at the same time, so we had quite a wait.
Still, that just made the moment the kids spotted their Nana, even sweeter. With squeals of delight, they threw themselves at her.
We drove home, pointing out landmarks along the way, and while Nana settled in, I busied myself baking lasagne and getting the kids organised for bed. I was telling off the little Dude for something, when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye.
Imagine my surprise when I turned around and saw MY SISTER! I almost fell down the stairs!
Turns out, L. had flown from Brisbane to Auckland to surprise me for my birthday. Of course, Husband, who picked her up from the airport, was in on it all along.
It was a perfect excuse to crack open the bubbly we’d been given for looking after a lost Bengal kitten recently.
After a fun evening, the next morning we headed north over the Harbour Bridge to a gorgeous beach called Sandspit. Then it was on to Matakana, where the famous markets were on. L. and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting beer, wine and chocolate, but drew the line at mussel fritters!
We drove on to a lovely winery called the Ascension Estate on Matakana Road.
Those-sized bottles are what I'm talking about...

Gallant Husband was driving, which allowed Nana, L. and I to sample a few of their fabulous wines.
The kids played happily in a well-equipped, playroom next door – what a fabulous idea! We could keep an eye on them through the glass, but enjoy the wine-tasting without worrying about keeping them entertained (or knocking over something frightfully expensive in the gift shop!). Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious lunch in the restaurant, overlooking the vineyards.
While we lingered over lunch, the kids joined a few other kids racing each other up and down the vineyards. The staff assured us that was fine, as long as they didn’t touch the grapes.
We were so impressed by the friendly but professional staff, the quality of the food, wine and service, and the surroundings. Even the kids thought their shared kids’ meal (hamburger for C.; chippies, boiled egg, and nibbles of my meal for H) was great. I thoroughly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.
At home, L. and I visited the nearby Christmas shop and picked up a few provisions at the supermarket. She was delighted to find we were able to taste beer, wine, cheeses and organic fizzy drink as we made our way around the shopping aisles. Grocery shopping is more of a social experience in Auckland than back home.
That night, we enjoyed sampling some of the wine we brought at Ascension (watch the Wine of the Week for more details), with some of the cheeses and dips we picked up at the supermarket.
Next day, Nana and Husband took the kids off to his work’s Kids Christmas Party, while L. and I did the Victoria Park markets, took a ride up the Sky Tower, and enjoyed a light lunch (and a wine – surprise!) at a busy restaurant at the Viaduct. (Stay tuned for more photos – when I get around to posting again).
Then it was back to our place for a swim, and Husband’s Sunday night roast – lamb, Yorkshire puddings, and vegies. Divine!
Sadly, the next morning L. had to return to Brisbane, but it was after a weekend I shall never forget.

Lunch overlooking the vineyard was simply divine...







Even C. enjoyed his burger, while we loved the platter of Kumara chips, roasted baby potatoes, Israeli tablouli, cauliflower and egg which was placed in the middle of the table for sharing.

Wine tasting at Ascension Estate ... I'll drink to that!






Matakana markets ... even the kids got to taste organic apple and orange juices

That sister of mine always has a drink in her hand (unlike me!) Here she is tasting organic beer on behalf of her husband, sons and son-in-law.

Mussel fritters? Erm, not after my last experience with mussels...

Sandspit beach and surrounds

Murder Burger - and birthdays

So I turned 21 again today (not), and The Princess made sure everyone at school knew about it. Including my real age. Cringe.
I'd already been given my present - a lovely landscape painting Husband saw me admiring at a recent art show. But he also plumped for a fab video/camera which is winging its way to me from Hong Kong as I type this. The fab new thingy will allow me to post videos as well as photos apparently.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

I got loads of lovely homemade cards and cuddles from the kids, and they really tried to be on their best behaviour (read between the lines there. They Tried.)
With my lovely mother-in-law arriving tomorrow, and a big weekend planned, I gallantly informed the family I didn't want to go out for my birthday. 'Cos I figure we'll be doing enough (and spending enough) over the next few days. And having craved really nice fish and chips for, oh, about three months, Husband decided we'd try the local takeaway.
But on the way to the fisho, the Princess spotted Murder Burger. Or as she says it: Murger Burder.
We've spotted this everytime we've driven along Ponsonby Road. (Which is a lot). With the image of a white, red-eyed kitty, Murder Burger always makes the kids crack up.
So we decided to go there instead.
Yes, I know. In the old days, pre kids, I would have preferred champagne and silver service. But Murder Burger, with it's funny slogans and fab, honest food, was divine.
The food is organic and healthy, yet cost just a fraction more than we would have paid at somewhere like KFC.
For that we got:
An organic grilled chicken, cheese and salad burger for me
An organic BBQ beef, bacon. cheese burger for him
Chips and sauce for the Princess
Crumbed chicken tenderloins, with garlic mayo dip for the Dude.
Organic preservative-free cola and juices for drinks.

Missy loved swigging from a bottle! C. tucked into his meal with relish, but refused to be photographed.
Friendly service. From people who spoke English! And delivered exactly what we ordered.
It was lovely.

Their marketing team has a sense of humour that really appeals to me too. For example: Meat will make you happy lonely abandoned Nanna/freelance web designer/unmarried 39 year old feature as some of their ads.
Afterwards, I opened a bottle of bubbly at home, while settling down to watch my fave soap here, Shortland Street. It is absolute crap, with bad storylines, wooden acting, wincing, grimacing, and more ... but I am getting slowly addicted.
The best present of all? The kids have gone to sleep in their own beds, without a fuss.