What a fantastic final full day in New Zealand! We climbed Mount Maunganui in the morning in the most excellent company of my extended family members Penny & Michelle. We had great fun & although the kids found it heavy going in places (mainly uphill!) we made it!!! Then in the afternoon we met up with the Newlyweds - Mr & Mrs Rickard, and their adorable son Arthur - and went to the beach. I had a good swim in the Pacific with Helen & Bens sist...

A late start this morning. Bad nights sleep then I overslept!!! With "the human gps" (Graeme!!) we got to Helen & Bens for brunch which was a lovely way to end the wedding celebrations. We said goodbye to Barb, Steve, George & Penny there. As the sky was a cerulean blue Jay, Graeme, Aunty Betty, the kids & I headed to the beach for a swim in the Pacific surf. First though we had an important event. I had brought a small bag of mums ashes with me. ...

The big day - the reason for our trip. Helen & Ben's wedding day. We got to the mount Maunganui surf club for a 10am ceremony on the beach. The weather was cloudy (good as the temperature was perfect) the vows were lovely and the bride looked a million dollars. Their little son Arthur shared the ceremony too & managed to keep the miniature copy of his dads outfit (crisp white shirt & chinos) pristine! Hazel & Adam had a go on a bungy trampoline...

We left Napier today. Trish & Keith have been fantastic hosts & we hope to see them in the UK later in the spring. After a quick sight seeing stop & some lunch at Tapou, we visited the thermal springs at Waiotapu on the road to Rotarua. A very strange, beautiful, hot (& smelly!!) place. After that we carried on to Mount Mauganui in preparation for Helen & Bens wedding tomorrow. We caught up with previously visited family at the Lamburn rent...