April 14 - Brook - Today we were treated to a trip to Kawau Island. We first drove to sandspit an estuary about 45 min north of Auckland on the west coast of New Zealand. Here we met up with about 25 Rotarians from various clubs who all came out to join us for the day. Once we were all there and had our coffee's for the morning we boarded the Norma Jean. This was a rather largish boat that was chartered for our experience. I was a little worried about how I would fair on the boat ride given my last experience on a boat in New Zealand ended with me jumping off the boat becuase I was feeling too sea sick to continue fishing. I was glad to find that the seas today were very calm and didn't bother me at all. On our way to Kawau Island we passed a beautiful sailing boat, moored out in the bay. It is called the Spirit of New Zealand. Apparently it is a youth training ship that is partially sponsored by Rotary. What an amazing experience to give youth!

We arrived at the Mansion house on Kawau Island and learned about the mining and social history of Kawau. From here we walked with our day host, Dr. Warwick Palmer to the original coppermine then back to his "batch" (vacation home) on the island. Our walk took just over a hour but was beautiful. Once back at Warwick's home in a beautiful placid bay we all quickly got into relaxing mode. We enjoyed a lovely lunch then eventually it was time to go and we boarded the Norma Jean which had come to meet us.

Once on board we had a tour of a few other areas of the Island. Including Vivian bay which is apparently home to New Zealand's oldest Pohutukawa tree. We were able to stop and admire the tree and climb it as a team to have our pictures taken in it.

Finally we headed back to sandspit where we all said good bye and headed home for the day. My ride was with my next host family. We quickly stopped at a boutique vineyard to meet some friends of the family. After a quick hello and good bye I was treated to a bottle of wine to taste with dinner. Then it was back to the Cornish's home for my last night with them.... and a nice glass of New Zealand wine!