Waiheke Island

January 9th 2009
After a couple of days rest at Barb and Ray's home, we were collected by Lorraine and Tony for an overnight trip to Waiheke Island. The 1 hour ferry crossing quickly left Auckland City in our wake.

A popular concept in New Zealand (and a way to free yourself of
some disposal income) is the purchase of individual, personalised,
vehicle registration plates.
This idea is also popular in the UK but hardly heard of in Ireland.

Here is one that I spotted on the ferry, which might appeal to the parents amongst us !

The dream takes shape !

January 4th 2009

Ita and Nick had previously lived in New Zealand for 14 years, but returned to Ireland in 1998.
One of the things we had always promised ourselves was a return trip 'down-under' in order to catch up with some of the great friends we had left behind. After more than 10 years dreaming, we finally made that dream come true in 2009.

January 6th 2009
We were collected at Auckland Airport (which is much bigger than we remember) by Barbara, Ray and Nikki. Back at Barb & Ray's house we were joined by Ann, in time for dinner. When Nick heard the suggestion from Barb to Ray that he could "throw something on the barbie" he knew he had finally arrived!