back to summer

OK, enough of this snow.  Let's pretend it's not still white and frozen outside and we're back in New Zealand

.... and here we are at Rotoroa and you've caught Mike training for the Hakka

 incredible walking around the Maori village in Rotorua amongst the thermal hot springs

 then the amazing carvings

 and the erupting mud pools

whoppping great geysers

and rainbow colours of the thermal pools

next was Katharine and Neil's wonderful wedding on Waiheke, in an earlier post, so we'll be zooming to the South Island soon - watch this space . . . .

Oh for a veranda

so this was the lovely Coromandel peninsula

the saloon

smoked fish company

little wooden church

the cutesy laundrette, eat your heart out Dot!

Hot Water Beach - Google it, amazing!!

Cathedral Cove

all the magnificent colours of the South Pacific Ocean!

flat whites to die for at Thames

and our very own balcony at the Green House (and my review)- oh now I am really spoilt!

So this was our first few days in New Zealand in February, and if you want to follow the whole trail, then keep looking out for links at the bottom of each blogpage.

After leaving this amazing peninsula, we went south but still on the North Island, to the mystical Rotorua. 

first day of my life

And talking of Dancing in the Moonlight yesterday, I have to dedicate this page to Katharine and Neil's amazing, romantic beach wedding.  It was such a beautiful happy day and I think the pictures and 'their' song speak for themselves.  Take it away Bright Eyes . .

Under the perfect tree on the beach

Three little maids

Ahh . . . those arty jam jars

and the lanterns

Flip Flops and parasols to take down to the beach

the beautiful vows

the bridesmaid

the blushing bride

the flowers

the sandy feet

our transport to the reception

yummy home brew

grand entrance, returning from Rotoroa Island

OH and just like Mama Mia - SO romantic

the gorgeous table setting and our speech bingo

and the speeches themselves

the happy happy couple

and that first dance - ahhhhhhhhh

 Thanks Mr and Mrs Bolton!  It was the bestest day ever.

dancing in the moonlight

missed a trick not putting this magic song on with the moon blog last night - and this is a great cover version

Here's another moon shot to contemplate with this amazing song, this time from Murcheson, home of the killer bees.   But that's another tale . . . .

and if you want a double dose and like to hear Toploader doing a live performance too, click below . . .

signs of the times