Back to Auckland

On 5th January - After i had been to the hospital (i am allowed to fly :-) ) We went up Mount Eden. Its actually a volcano. The views were amazing. 

Later, we were going to the restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower, but a man was going to jump off it so we weren't allowed into the Sky Tower. We waited 10 o 15 minutes, but the man didn't get down, so we went to the waterfront to find a restaurant. I wanted to go to Kermedec restaurant because I couldn't remember what it was like when we went before. Me and Lara had fish and chips like we did before. After dinner we went back to the Sky Tower to see if the man was still up there. He wasn't. The tower was open so we got to go inside to have a look. We travelled up to the deck in a lift with a glass bottom. Mummy was too scared to look down. When we got to the top we could see all around Auckland. It was 'awesome'. 

Smelly mud

From Wellington we drove to Napier. It was a 3-4 hour drive. I quite like Napier but I did get bored. We found our campsite by the sea. Lara and I splashed in the sea. After that we got dressed to walk to the Elephant Winery. There was good food there. We walked back to our campsite. We could hear the waves from our bed.

Outside the Elephant Winery

Inside the Elephant Winery

The next morning we drove to Rotorua. On the way we stopped at Huka Falls. Daddy told me there was 20,000 litres of water going down the waterfall every second. Enough to fill 5 Olympic swimming pools every minute. It was amazing how fast the water went down. 

Huka Falls

When we got to Rotorua we went to a Maori village, built between the thermal pools. There were hot mud pools - stinky, smelly mud pools. There were boiling water pools. The pools were so hot the Maoris cook their food in there. They can cook 5kg of rice in 5 minutes. Mummy like the pool called the champagne pool. All of a sudden tiny bubbles would rise to the surface. 

We also saw a show. Real Maoris acted out the songs, dances and war dances of the Maori people. We had our photo taken with them. 

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As soon as we got to our campsite we went in the swimming pool. We were so hot and tired after all that driving. 

Windy Welly

On New Year's Day we caught the ferry back to the North Island.  It was very windy on deck so we had to go inside.

Very windy on the Interislander

On the 2nd, Daddy went to see the North Island croquet championship and we went to Te papa museum in Wellington. I really like the Game Masters section and also making 'Tentacals' - our own giant squid- on the computer. We can visit him again on the computer or iPad. We spent the whole day there and then went on the Wellington Cable Car to the top of the botanical gardens. We had a wander and a play on some slides and flying fox zip wire then walked back to the train station. Wellington is called Windy Welly and it really was windy. Lara nearly got blown away. Finally, we got the train back to our station where daddy was waiting for us. Me and Lara ran to cuddle daddy. 

Inside a whale's heart at Te Papa

Happy New Year 2013

Pictures from the fireworks in Picton harbour last night.

I had a swim in the pool this morning, now we are off to catch the ferry to the North Island.

On the road again

Saturday morning we woke up by the lovely lake and then went into Tekapo to have breakfast. I had sausage, bacon, homemade baked beans and bread with maple syrup. It was delicious except the bread which mummy ate. We stayed at the cafe for ages. Mum and dad wouldn't move. After that we drove Akaroa, near Christchurch. It was another long drive. We arrived just before the swimming pool was closed so we went for a swim. It was freezing! We then walked down the hill into town and had dinner.

View to Akaroa

Swimming pool at Akaroa campsite

The next next morning we fiddled around in Akaroa and then mum went to swim with dolphins and Lara  and I stayed with dad while he played croquet. I really wanted to go with mum but dad and I decided I had better not just in case I was poorly. Mum and I were sad, but mum says we will definitely go another time. I was excited for mum though.

We rushed to see mum and in the shop we got a picture book of mum swimming with the dolphins. Before we left we had fish n chips sitting onthe jetty. They were the best fish and chips and it was fun being on the jetty. 

From the bay in Akaroa

We're in Picton now to see the fireworks for New Years Eve. 

Lake Tekapo

On Friday we got up early and drove to Lake Tekapo. It was a four and a half hour journey. We finally arrived just in time for lunch. We had lunch on top of a mountain called mount John. The views were amazing and so were the hot chocolates.

All the way along the road into Tekapo there were big bunches of flowers. Mum told me they are called Lupins. They smell really nice too. 

There was no room at the campsite so we had to go to another place but it was horrible. Mum and Dad said we definitely weren't staying there. On the way back to the main road there was a place looking out to a lake - that was beautiful and very quiet so we stopped there. 

Lara and I caught up on some Strictly Come Dancing that Dad had recorded for us while Mum and Dad sat outside drinking wine. 

The wildlife of Dunedin

Beating daddy with my brain 

On Boxing Day Dunedin was the coldest town in New Zealand. It was 15 degrees. We went to a museum. First we went into a science play area bit. There was a game where you had to blow a ball into a basketball hoop. There was also a bit where you had to sit down and relax with a special headband on. By relaxing you can move a ball into your opponent's goal. Lara beat me, but I beat daddy. 

Then we went into a forest bit where the butterflies actually land on you. To make them land on us, Uncle Nick told us to rub some butterfly food on our hands. 

Here is a picture with my favourite butterfly on me.

This is my favourite butterfly

Also on Boxing Day, we went to see the Glow Worms. We walked into the forest near Uncle Nick's house and had to wait until it was dark. Little lights appeared all around us. It was amazing but I was very tired because it was very late. 

On Thursday 27th we went to a swimming pool by the sea. We all went in except daddy and Grumpfer. There was a small pool and big pool filled with salt water. In the afternoon, we drove to the end of the peninsular to see the Albatrosses. They were very big. I looked through Uncle Nick's binoculars and saw some seals on the rocks nearby. They were sunbathing. 

Later on Thursday, we drove back to the same place to see the Blue Penguins. They were going across the beach beside us, back to their nests. The Blue Penguins were scared of the sea lions and so swam quickly to the shore and waddled up the beach. I liked this better than the Glow worms. 

Christmas Day in Dunedin

On Christmas Eve we drove all day to Dunedin.  On the way we stopped at Moeraki Boulder beach.  We walked on the beach and Mum took some photos at the boulders and there was a little bit of water round them.  

Then we walked back to the camper van and finished the journey to Uncle Nick's house.  It was a late night.  On Christmas Day we were very excited.  Then we got out of bed and found a stocking full of nice things including a toy Kiwi.  I named it ......... Kiwi !

We had breakfast sitting outside in the sunshine.  

At Uncle Nick's we had another stocking and more presents.  We had Roast Turkey for Christmas lunch.  It was very sunny and we had a swim in the pool after lunch. 

In our campervan

Just picked up the van

I am now out of hospital and so far have had lots of brilliant days. We are travelling south to Dunedin. On the first night, still on the north island, we stopped at a campsite in Rotorua. It was quite late so we didn't get a chance to look around. It was our first time sleeping in the camper van. Me and Lara are sleeping in a little upstairs bit. We have to climb up a ladder to bed.

Our den bedroom

On Saturday, we drove all the way to the ferry in Wellington. It was a 3 hour crossing fron the north island to the south. When we got off the ferry, daddy then drove us through the night to Kaikoura. We camped by the side of the road. We were all exhausted. Sunday morning we drove into Kaikoura town and we went food shopping and then found a campsite. The sun came out and Lara and I went swimming. There were 3 pools. Two were really warm and the big one was really cold. Here's a picture. 

Cool pool at Alpine Pacific campsite

In the afternoon, mummy took us on a 3 hour walk just to find a sandy beach. We had across a river. Dad was too scared paddle so he tried to jump, but failed and his foot landed in the river! At the end of our walk, there wasn't even a sandy beach. We got a taxi back to the campsite and the driver said we'd walked straight past it! It was quite funny!

At night time, me and Lara went back into the swimming pool, then dad made us a barbecue. It was small but very yummy.

I have really enjoyed being in Kaikoura. Today we have a huge journey, all the way to Dunedin. I'm looking forward to seeing uncle Nick and everyone.

Not very well

We arrived in nz on the 18th.  That evening when we were in nz I had a seizure, we had to go to hospital in an ambulance. I couldn't remember what had happened but mummy said I was really poorly. I've had lots of tests and I was very brave. Now it's 21st and I'm much better and the doctor says I'm allowed out of hospital. I have to take some medicine every day to stop me having another seizure and I have to come back to Starship Hospital on 5th January to check I am well enough to fly home. 

I'm looking forward to starting my holiday properly now. 

Thanks for your comments

While sipping on a Mojito and children entertained I thought I'd say hello!

Our day of touring yesterday confirmed that Langkawi is indeed beautiful. Hiring the car was easy as was the drive as cars are right-hand drive and they drive on the left. Concierge did look at me somewhat strangely when I specified a manual drive: I guess they're used to Americans! Or maybe it's another sign that I'm behind the times!

The Waterfall (Temurun) we visited is a short distance from the hotel and , I was told, is 200m high. Seb is right: it was beautiful. Photos don't do it justice, but let's try

      Seb and Lara were playing quite happily in the pool until the monkey joined us. As Seb said, not all monkeys cause a problem. The Dusky Langurs are very placid. They sit at the top of the trees around the hotel munching on leaves (that's herbivores for you). The ones that visited us in the lounge and at the waterfall are of the Omnivore variety, so will quite happily snatch food, or bags they think might contain food, out of your hands. Also now that Lulu read the NHS guidance on visiting Malaysia, she (and to a certain extent, Seb) are concerned about Rabies.  In fact, there is no more of a problem here than several of the other places we've visited in and around Europe for example. Try convincing a 6yr old who knows her own mind though :-)

The other highlight of the day for me was the meal at Fish Farm. Quite a 'rustic' place- authentic - but the food was delicious. It made me smile that both Seb and Lara opted for chicken, but I enjoyed choosing my giant prawns/crayfish from the tanks.

So all in all, driving  round gave a good snapshot of the place and people (who were very helpful when asked for directions!). The geography is very varied - rainforest, paddy fields, rubber plantations, ramshackle townships and then busy Kuah (capital) and Patai Cenang (main resorts). All of it is very accessible to a first-time visitor so, in short, I'd definitely recommend it.

Hope you're enjoying Seb's blog. It's lovely to have comments from you all. He is really enjoying posting despite various snags with the technology. Sal x

Very nice day

We got up at 6.00 and went to have our breakfast. Then we walked until we got to the taxi. The taxi took us to Kuah town to jetty point. Then we walked till we got to the boat. When we got there we got changed and put our life jackets,snorkels and our masks on and went into the sea and snorkelled to the beach. Then we had a rest on the beach

Here's a picture of what the sea looked like

There was coral underneath the sea the coral was pointy so you aren't allowed to step on it because it will hurt your feet. We saw lots of lovely fish there was a multi-coloured fish. 

Here's a picture of some fish

There was also a platform so that you could swim to that before you swam to the beach. 

By the way we went down into an underwater  tunnel, which had a poster of the different fish on the reef, to see what fish are called it was good.

Packing Complete Ready to go to Heathrow

Morning Seb,

I have just got up and am having my coffee while tidying the house before going to Heathrow this evening.  The rabbits are going to have savoy cabbage leaves as a special treat !

All Apps are sync'd and electronic devices charged.  I even have a paper book with me !

Its quite warm here, well 7 degrees, not quite as warm as Langkawi at 30 degrees.  Just time to fit in a game of croquet before I leave.  Lots of love, Dad xx

Touring Langkawi

Today, we hired a car Mum thought it would be a good idea if we toured round Langkawi.

First we went to the waterfall- the waterfall was beautiful. Later when Lara turned round We spotted a monkey. It perched on the railings I was scared that he would touch me.
But luckily the monkey didn't touch me I was happy when I got passed him.

Our second stop was at the cable car. Sadly there was a long queue, so we decided we'd go back later. Then we walked around the village. It was very busy and hot.

After that we went to Underwater World. Underwater World is an aquarium. We saw lots of really colourful or interesting fish, including jelly fish, sea horses and Stingrays. We also saw penguins.

Seahorses at Underwater World

Clown fish like Nemo

By then we were starving. Mum wanted to go to a restaurant called Fish Farm.

I had sweet and sour chicken, watermelon juice ( lovely!), Sprite and fresh fruit. Lara tried a little bit of mums Tiger beer while mum was choosing her prawns from the tank.

Lara and me waiting for lunch

Since getting back to the hotel, we've had a bit of a rest and I've done my blog.

Day 2 in Langkawi

Today we went on a forest walk we thought it was going to be 

 

Interesting but it wasn't  Interesting.

Then we went to breakfast and I had 2 pancakes, 2 chocolate donuts and some strawberry milkshake. Then I had some fruit because I knew I wasn't being healthy.

We went to the swimming pool and sea for the rest of the day. Lara and I tried our snorkels. At 4 o clock in the afternoon we went to a coral nursery to have a waterproof camera experience. That was fun. I took a brilliant photo of a hermit crab. They will email it to me tomorrow so I can upload it.

So now were going for dinner soon - I don't know what I'll have yet, but I am hungry!

See you later and thank you for your comments xx

In Langkawi

Pool slide at Andaman hotel

Its Thursday 13th. We're in Langkawi and its a lot warmer than home. Here is a photo of me and Lara this morning .






Just now, we were having a drink and some monkeys came and stole the nuts. We were a bit scared, but the hotel lady scared the monkeys away. Mum took a photo.

Flight Tracker

Seb, I have just checked on a flight tracking site and I can see that your plane has just crossed from Germany into Poland en route to KL.  Hope the delay on the ground wasn't too bad.  How is the food on Malaysian Airlines ?  I bet you are watching a film.  Love Dad xx

Flight to Kuala Lumpur

Hi Seb,

Hope your flight to Kuala Lumpur went well and that you got plenty of electronics time (and maybe a bit of sleep as well).  What was it like on a plane as big as the A380 ?  Did you look after Mum ?  Let me know what its like in Langkawi.  Lots of love, Dad.

Hi Seb,

Great first post on your new blog! One more sleep to go and we will be off on our holidays. Make sure you pack all your in-flight essentials: DS: iPod: chocolate: Horrid Henry books: Rush hour: 2 special toys and 'blankie': more chocolate (for sharing with your mum!) xx

My trip to N.Z

There are two days to go until we set off to N.Z...we are very exited.
The flight is twenty four hours altogether. We are stopping at Malaysia. The journey from England to Malaysia is over thirteen hours altogether.

We are flying on an Airbus A380. Here is a picture!