We went into central Christchurch today. The leaves are still falling the same as ever, although the buildings are so altered. Not so many people on the streets, but plenty of parking.
We are holidaying with friends in Oxford this week. Today we went for a walk at Woodend and then stopped for lunch at the Ashley Gorge.
We went to the regatta for the Albertlanders Celebration of 150 years since the arrival of the first settlers at Port Albert.
After the regatta, we took a trip out to look at Minniesdale Chapel, which was built from materials brought over from England by Edwin Brookes in the late 19th century.
We decided the view from one of the side windows would be a natural aid to contemplation.
Another find on this outing was the site of one of the first dwellings built by the Brookes settlers. And on our walk around the rocks, carefully negotiating our way through patches of mud, we came upon a beady eyed crab hiding under a rock.
The contrabass marimba has been the instrument of choice so far.
Faye made a special birthday cake for our second birthday celebration for our 9 year old.
This is a walk to the kauri on a neighbouring property in the Kaipara Hills.
It's great to be able to get out on a farm and have a ride on a Sunday afternoon.
This was the first time we had been for a swim at the old cement works in Warkworth. The water was unexpectedly warm.
The best part of our whole school picnic is always the swim. We had plenty of adults willing to supervise on this balmy day, both in the water and from the shore.
This is an annual event on the Hoteo River. While it is a hotly contested race, the first boat home is not necessarily the winner. In fact, it has been known for the last boat in to be named the winner. This is because, in effect, the "prize" is to host the event in the following year, so you need to be associated with one of the four farms that have land on the river's edge.