New Zealand 2007
Two volcanoes in this picture: Mt. Ruapehu is the big one on the left.
Amanda's birthday cake - probably the best chocolate cake we have ever tasted. And it is scary how much Amanda enjoyed that knife... And then Jeremiah and Amanda in front of the New Zealand War Memorial in Hamilton, NZ.
We took a lovely drive out to the tiny coastal town of Kawhia (pronounced Kaffia) and it was a quite unique little town. So, everyone always saw us coming with this announcement on our rental car. Keith did a great job of driving on the correct side of the road (they take after the British in this respect) but a couple of times...well, they understood when they saw the doors of the car.
In Waitomo they raise these rabbits for their angora coats. They assured us that if they were not sheared frequently they would overheat and die. And they said stretching them out on this machine was for the rabbit's comfort and safety...yeah, we still couldn't help squirming while we watched.
We saw a kiwi-bird habitat, but unfortunately since they are nocturnal creatures none of our pictures came out so well. It appears the exhibit exhausted Jeremiah and Amanda. We went to a Kiwi Cultural Show - and Jeremiah learned first hand about how hard it was to clear the New Zealand bush. The entire island was real jungle - and when you see how much of it is cleared for farming you realize what a huge endeavor it was to tame this land.
We stayed at a farmstay B & B at an ostrich farm. Learned that ostriches are pretty scary birds. Definitely want to stay on the correct side of the fence.
Ok, so we found the food to be fabulous in New Zealand - desserts too! Lots of waterfalls on our hours of scenic driving. The entire island only has two-lane highways except right around Auckland and Wellington. Plenty of time to see the countryside.
Now we are in Amanda's city of Wellington. Joining us for a day of the museum and sightseeing was Amanda's native-Kiwi friend Graham.
These pictures were from the National Museum - Te Papa - which translated from Maori means "Our Place".
  This is the view from our hotel room. We had a great room that looked out over the harbor and downtown. We walked along the waterfront all the way across where you can see in this picture.
The Treaty of Waitangi is what created the country of New Zealand. It was a treaty that would keep the native people's integral in the development of the country. Although the Maori culture is definitely very visible everywhere you go, and New Zealanders are all taught the Maori history, some language and culture in school, they did end up getting ripped off as in most deals struck with Europeans and native peoples. At the top of the hill above Wellington and Amanda's school and flat.
No explanation necessary if you know the Creiglows... Sitting in Oriental Bay - one of Amanda's favorite spots and a lovely walk.
A sundial at the botanical gardens. It was accurate. Amanda with the buildings on Victoria University behind her.
Had a great evening with Amanda's flatmates and her friend Felicity's family. The flatmates (just missing one that went home over break).
A stopover for dinner in Lake Taupo. What a beautiful place. We will definitely spend more time here the next time we visit.
Took a helicopter ride out to White Island - an active volcano. Scientists were there studying it as the huge lake filling the crater had just evaporated within the last two weeks. It was an amazing trip.
The most amazing horseback riding we have ever done. Such gorgeous landscape and well behaved horses. Also our first time on English saddles. That took a little getting used to since there was no saddle horn to hold on to. But the trip could not have been more perfect.
We spent 5 lovely days in this beachhouse in Pukehina Beach. Great for long walks on the beach, relaxing, and hanging out as a family.  
On our way from Pukehina to Auckland we passed through the town of Matamata. As you can see they were having a fertiliser drive. Also, Matamata is famous because right outside of town is where they created the Shire for Lord of the Rings so it has the nickname of Hobbiton.