Kia Ora to New Zealand! So we finally made it after an even longer long haul flight to Auckland, this time via Fiji which is recommended as a stopover as they entertain you with live music and free flowers in the transit lounge….
Normal service resumed as we just squeezed our mountain of luggage into the hire car and set about getting immigration medicals, finding a car and most importantly surfboards (Em pretty happy with the blue 9ft longboard and Ethan with his first ever board too). Staying at Ed and Kerri’s house was the perfect start to the trip as they pretty much live in a rainforest and have kids the same age as ours who all got on really well. With the car (more of a minivan with 8 seats and plenty of space for luggage mountain) packed to the max it was time to head north, great to escape the Auckland traffic finally…
…and before we knew it we’d scored an amazing sunny beach with perfect waves at Waipu Cove, Em absolutely loving the new board, finally feeling like a holiday, and less like an endless journey…
Three very pleasant days were had surfing and boating up at the Bay of Islands before rain stopped play, I foolishly said that it only rained a little in New Zealand and of course I was swiftly put in my place by so much rain at the campsite that our giant family tent started floating on water and being battered by strong winds (sadly no pics of the misery!!) and we had to pack quickly and flee back the safety of Auckland and a lovely dinner and real beds Chez Wendy and Peter…
Harrison Family Adventures Down Under 
Amazing stuff Chad. Good luck on this new adventure.
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