Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Long Drive to Sydney 1 of 2
On Tuesday the 28th, we got up before 5 and were in the road by 5:15. It's a 1000km (about 600 miles) drive from Phillip Island to Sydney and we had to have the rental car returned to the downtown office by 5:00.
It was a beautiful day, amazing scenery, and the kids were rockstars. We made three quick stops for refreshments, gas, bathrooms. We car danced, visited, and napped. We saw kangaroos, and lots of interesting roadkill. Joel and I took turns driving (we're both feeling pretty confident about driving on the left now, although I always announce, "I am turning right but staying left!") and it went really well!
We checked the kids into the hotel by 4ish and had the rental car turned in nearby by 4:30. Joel and I walked back to the condo, stopping for dinner groceries on the way. After dinner we all went out for a short walk to explore the area.
We are in a great location in Sydney. Just a few minutes walk to many sights or to the subway. We're on the 10th floor and our apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a small kitchenette.
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It was a beautiful day, amazing scenery, and the kids were rockstars. We made three quick stops for refreshments, gas, bathrooms. We car danced, visited, and napped. We saw kangaroos, and lots of interesting roadkill. Joel and I took turns driving (we're both feeling pretty confident about driving on the left now, although I always announce, "I am turning right but staying left!") and it went really well!
We checked the kids into the hotel by 4ish and had the rental car turned in nearby by 4:30. Joel and I walked back to the condo, stopping for dinner groceries on the way. After dinner we all went out for a short walk to explore the area.
We are in a great location in Sydney. Just a few minutes walk to many sights or to the subway. We're on the 10th floor and our apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a small kitchenette.
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Melbourne 1 of 3
On Monday, June 27, we headed to spend the day in Melbourne. It's a big city with a European feel and there is a lot to do there.
Unfortunately, it was really cold and really rainy, so that kind of put a damper on things.
We did ride the trolley circuit around the downtown area to see some of the sites, and we sprung for the 30 minute observation wheel to get an aerial view of the city. (Both of these activities were warm and dry!) We had to forgo the bike ride we were planning.
We did get to do our self guided walking tour of the historic arcades- not the kind of arcades our kids were hoping to see- here the covered alleys filled with little shops and restaurants are called arcades.
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Unfortunately, it was really cold and really rainy, so that kind of put a damper on things.
We did ride the trolley circuit around the downtown area to see some of the sites, and we sprung for the 30 minute observation wheel to get an aerial view of the city. (Both of these activities were warm and dry!) We had to forgo the bike ride we were planning.
We did get to do our self guided walking tour of the historic arcades- not the kind of arcades our kids were hoping to see- here the covered alleys filled with little shops and restaurants are called arcades.
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Phillip Island 3 of 3
Phillip Island 1 of 3
On Saturday the 25th we said goodbye to our place in Rotorua and headed to Auckland. We flew Qantas to Melbourne, Australia and I'm fairly sure from now on I'm only flying Qantas. I realize my destinations may be limited, but man. Worth it!
Once we got to Melbourne it was about 5, we eventually got our rental car (huge van) and headed south to Phillip Island. After our two hour drive we found some food and settled in for the night.
The next morning it was cool, but bright and sunny. Maddy and I went to find coffee and wifi. Cowes is a cute little beachfront town on the edge of Phillip Island.
Once we all got ready for the day we set out. First stop was a beautiful little beach. There were some surfers out and a few people enjoying the morning sun. We explored the tide pools and collected shells. Perfect way to start our Phillip Island day!
Next stop was the Koala conservation reserve. We had high hopes and were not disappointed! Most of the Koalas were snuggled into balls, sleeping in the crooks of eucalyptus trees. They were so cute. So fun to see. Later we saw one that was awake, eating. They are so funny to watch! We were sure it was going to fall as it reached for leaves higher and further. We eventually tore ourselves away and continued our walk around the sanctuary. Before we left Joel and Carter went over to see the 'active' koala once more. It was still at it, and as they stood there it climbed down the tree and walked right at them! It passed about 2 feet (or less!) in front of them. They both have video, it was so awesome. Afterward Joel said, "That was the coolest thing I've ever done."
"Cooler than Hot Water Beach?" I asked?
He answered, "Sarri. I basically just high fived a koala." Was definitely a highlight!
Next we tried to find lunch which turned into a whole ordeal. When you're on a budget, traveling with kids who range from picky to having food allergies, eating can be pretty tricky. Thankfully our kids are all generally good natured and easy people but things got a little dicey since we were all hungry. Eventually we resolved the situation, ate, and then immediately went to the grocery store to get stuff for dinner!
Then we got all bundled up, including all the extra blankets from our cottage, and drove out to The Nobbies. On this part of the island there is a penguin colony. Driving down the road the little burrows, both man made and penguin made can be spotted. We visited the Antarctic exhibit in the visitor center and walked the boardwalks outside to take in the view and see more penguin burrows. Apparently in 1985 the colony was almost extinct, but they restored the area to the natural habitat (removing hundreds of houses and a small town), built thousands of wooden burrows and removed foxes from the island, and now the colony is around 30,000 Little Penguins again!
Anyway, it was really really cold and windy. We were all walking around in many layers with our blankets wrapped around us too. Super classy! We fueled up with hot chocolate and coffee and went to wait for the penguin parade.
We were on bleacher type seating, built into the cliff. Below us was a small beach. It must have been high tide because the people at the bottom of the bleachers got splashed a few times. There were some park rangers there, making announcements and giving instructions. We'd been there close to an hour and it was almost dark when the penguins started to arrive. They come to the shore in pairs or groups, safety in numbers. Many of them are so full they can't walk upright; they lean forward so much that they sometimes just lay on their bellies for a second. It's hilarious to watch. In that spot on the island there are 4 or 5 different trails so before it got very dark we could also see penguins down the beach.
Once they cross the sand they hop and climb up the rocks as they make way to their burrows. It's really amazing to watch.
We watched for about 50 minutes. At the very end there was a lone penguin who couldn't seem to get to shore. He'd kind of half heartedly try it, get swept back out by the tide, and then float around for a while before trying again. Right before we left he was trying this for the 4th or 5th and he was almost out of the water. Just then another penguin shows up and the first one runs over is obviously thrilled to see his peer. It was so fantastic. Then they start across the sand but there are menacing seagulls there! So the penguins go back into the water and come out again, still together, in the shadows, where the gulls can't see them! The penguins were all stealthy, scurrying right past the gulls. It was something straight out of Saturday morning cartoons, seriously. So cool.
We were the last to leave the bleachers and as we walked the pathway back to the car, there were penguins all over both sides of the walkways, heading to burrows and already in burrows. They were vocalizing about something, super loud. Park rangers would stop us to let penguins cross the path. We got to see them so close.
Eventually we made it back to the car, checked under it for penguins, and headed back to the cottage. On our way we saw our first wild kangaroo/wallaby (we aren't sure which). We were all quite excited!
Back to the cottage for hot tea, a late dinner, and planning for tomorrow!
Sent from my iPhone
Once we got to Melbourne it was about 5, we eventually got our rental car (huge van) and headed south to Phillip Island. After our two hour drive we found some food and settled in for the night.
The next morning it was cool, but bright and sunny. Maddy and I went to find coffee and wifi. Cowes is a cute little beachfront town on the edge of Phillip Island.
Once we all got ready for the day we set out. First stop was a beautiful little beach. There were some surfers out and a few people enjoying the morning sun. We explored the tide pools and collected shells. Perfect way to start our Phillip Island day!
Next stop was the Koala conservation reserve. We had high hopes and were not disappointed! Most of the Koalas were snuggled into balls, sleeping in the crooks of eucalyptus trees. They were so cute. So fun to see. Later we saw one that was awake, eating. They are so funny to watch! We were sure it was going to fall as it reached for leaves higher and further. We eventually tore ourselves away and continued our walk around the sanctuary. Before we left Joel and Carter went over to see the 'active' koala once more. It was still at it, and as they stood there it climbed down the tree and walked right at them! It passed about 2 feet (or less!) in front of them. They both have video, it was so awesome. Afterward Joel said, "That was the coolest thing I've ever done."
"Cooler than Hot Water Beach?" I asked?
He answered, "Sarri. I basically just high fived a koala." Was definitely a highlight!
Next we tried to find lunch which turned into a whole ordeal. When you're on a budget, traveling with kids who range from picky to having food allergies, eating can be pretty tricky. Thankfully our kids are all generally good natured and easy people but things got a little dicey since we were all hungry. Eventually we resolved the situation, ate, and then immediately went to the grocery store to get stuff for dinner!
Then we got all bundled up, including all the extra blankets from our cottage, and drove out to The Nobbies. On this part of the island there is a penguin colony. Driving down the road the little burrows, both man made and penguin made can be spotted. We visited the Antarctic exhibit in the visitor center and walked the boardwalks outside to take in the view and see more penguin burrows. Apparently in 1985 the colony was almost extinct, but they restored the area to the natural habitat (removing hundreds of houses and a small town), built thousands of wooden burrows and removed foxes from the island, and now the colony is around 30,000 Little Penguins again!
Anyway, it was really really cold and windy. We were all walking around in many layers with our blankets wrapped around us too. Super classy! We fueled up with hot chocolate and coffee and went to wait for the penguin parade.
We were on bleacher type seating, built into the cliff. Below us was a small beach. It must have been high tide because the people at the bottom of the bleachers got splashed a few times. There were some park rangers there, making announcements and giving instructions. We'd been there close to an hour and it was almost dark when the penguins started to arrive. They come to the shore in pairs or groups, safety in numbers. Many of them are so full they can't walk upright; they lean forward so much that they sometimes just lay on their bellies for a second. It's hilarious to watch. In that spot on the island there are 4 or 5 different trails so before it got very dark we could also see penguins down the beach.
Once they cross the sand they hop and climb up the rocks as they make way to their burrows. It's really amazing to watch.
We watched for about 50 minutes. At the very end there was a lone penguin who couldn't seem to get to shore. He'd kind of half heartedly try it, get swept back out by the tide, and then float around for a while before trying again. Right before we left he was trying this for the 4th or 5th and he was almost out of the water. Just then another penguin shows up and the first one runs over is obviously thrilled to see his peer. It was so fantastic. Then they start across the sand but there are menacing seagulls there! So the penguins go back into the water and come out again, still together, in the shadows, where the gulls can't see them! The penguins were all stealthy, scurrying right past the gulls. It was something straight out of Saturday morning cartoons, seriously. So cool.
We were the last to leave the bleachers and as we walked the pathway back to the car, there were penguins all over both sides of the walkways, heading to burrows and already in burrows. They were vocalizing about something, super loud. Park rangers would stop us to let penguins cross the path. We got to see them so close.
Eventually we made it back to the car, checked under it for penguins, and headed back to the cottage. On our way we saw our first wild kangaroo/wallaby (we aren't sure which). We were all quite excited!
Back to the cottage for hot tea, a late dinner, and planning for tomorrow!
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Tauranga, Karangahake, and Zorbing Part 1 of 3
Friday, June 24
Our last full day in NZ! Definitely not enough time.
R was completely set on seeing the statue characters from the children's book series by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd. If you have kids, know kids, or even just like children's lit, you should order these books about Hairy MacLary and gang. We made a special trip to Taranga just to make it happen. Totally worth it! Taranga was a gorgeous port/beach town and we all wished that we had tons more time there!
Next we headed to Karangahake gorge. We'd intended to bike ride there on the old railroad bed but there were no kid bikes for hire so we decided to walk instead. It turned out to be a great choice- we walked through old mine tunnels on a walk called 'Windows'- aptly named due to the windows, looking into the gorge, placed periodically through the tunnel to help with light. Much of the tunnel was very, very dark! Scenery was gorgeous. New Zealand is just so cool.
Last stop on our circuit was Zorbing! The kids had been waiting for this one! Maddy didn't feel great and I was soooo cold. In order to Zorb, one must be in a swimsuit and the employees put warm water in it. I just couldn't do it. But watching was so great! Joel went once and all 3 kids went 2ce. R was soooo brave!!!
We hit Buger Fuel one more time (YUM), then McDs for wifi once more, and then went home to pack!
Sent from my iPhone
Our last full day in NZ! Definitely not enough time.
R was completely set on seeing the statue characters from the children's book series by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd. If you have kids, know kids, or even just like children's lit, you should order these books about Hairy MacLary and gang. We made a special trip to Taranga just to make it happen. Totally worth it! Taranga was a gorgeous port/beach town and we all wished that we had tons more time there!
Next we headed to Karangahake gorge. We'd intended to bike ride there on the old railroad bed but there were no kid bikes for hire so we decided to walk instead. It turned out to be a great choice- we walked through old mine tunnels on a walk called 'Windows'- aptly named due to the windows, looking into the gorge, placed periodically through the tunnel to help with light. Much of the tunnel was very, very dark! Scenery was gorgeous. New Zealand is just so cool.
Last stop on our circuit was Zorbing! The kids had been waiting for this one! Maddy didn't feel great and I was soooo cold. In order to Zorb, one must be in a swimsuit and the employees put warm water in it. I just couldn't do it. But watching was so great! Joel went once and all 3 kids went 2ce. R was soooo brave!!!
We hit Buger Fuel one more time (YUM), then McDs for wifi once more, and then went home to pack!
Sent from my iPhone
Tourist Day Part 2 of 2
Friday, June 24, 2016
Tourist Day Part 1 of 2
Thursday, June 23
Today was a drive to Waitomo to visit the Glow Worm Caves, and the later to see Hobbiton. Maddy was not feeling well, so decided it was a good day for her to opt out and get some rest. Not fun but definitely the best choice.
It had poured like crazy all night, we had woken up several times because of the rain on the roof. Our rental GPS always takes us the most bizarre, off the beaten track routes do we got to see a lot of flooding!
There are no photos allowed in the caves but I did take the one with the river as a back drop after we got off. The cave tour was short but interesting. It was a walk through a fairly developed cave and then down to a boat that was in a river that ran through the cave. The boat ride was about 10 minutes, but it was so amazing. We silently floated through the cave, hardly able to see anything, except what the thousands of glow worms' lights were illuminating. You should search Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Really interesting! We weren't able to do any other caves because those tours were full.
We ate lunch and headed over to Hobbiton. We were lucky enough to be between rain showers and it was stunningly gorgeous. Huge green hills, lots of sheep grazing.
The tour was really cool. I'm don't know a lot about the movies and while I did read the books, I don't remember a lot of details. Still, I appreciated the attention to detail and the gorgeous setting and I thought the tour was really well done.
It ended in the cozy Green Dragon pub with complimentary drinks all around- beers and ciders brewed just for Hobbiton. The kids got a ginger beer which was amazing. We got warm by the fire and headed back to Rotorua.
We tried a local chain, Burger Fuel, for dinner. It had good reviews and seemed to be friendly for people with dietary restrictions. Turned out to be a great choice. It. Was. Delicious.
Sent from my iPhone
Today was a drive to Waitomo to visit the Glow Worm Caves, and the later to see Hobbiton. Maddy was not feeling well, so decided it was a good day for her to opt out and get some rest. Not fun but definitely the best choice.
It had poured like crazy all night, we had woken up several times because of the rain on the roof. Our rental GPS always takes us the most bizarre, off the beaten track routes do we got to see a lot of flooding!
There are no photos allowed in the caves but I did take the one with the river as a back drop after we got off. The cave tour was short but interesting. It was a walk through a fairly developed cave and then down to a boat that was in a river that ran through the cave. The boat ride was about 10 minutes, but it was so amazing. We silently floated through the cave, hardly able to see anything, except what the thousands of glow worms' lights were illuminating. You should search Waitomo Glow Worm caves. Really interesting! We weren't able to do any other caves because those tours were full.
We ate lunch and headed over to Hobbiton. We were lucky enough to be between rain showers and it was stunningly gorgeous. Huge green hills, lots of sheep grazing.
The tour was really cool. I'm don't know a lot about the movies and while I did read the books, I don't remember a lot of details. Still, I appreciated the attention to detail and the gorgeous setting and I thought the tour was really well done.
It ended in the cozy Green Dragon pub with complimentary drinks all around- beers and ciders brewed just for Hobbiton. The kids got a ginger beer which was amazing. We got warm by the fire and headed back to Rotorua.
We tried a local chain, Burger Fuel, for dinner. It had good reviews and seemed to be friendly for people with dietary restrictions. Turned out to be a great choice. It. Was. Delicious.
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, June 23, 2016
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