Leg 2 - New Zealand

We arrived in Auckland and the welcoming party were there to greet us - Don, Bev, Andrew, Teresa, Clarke and Hugh!

We all trapsed back to Don and Bev's for a beautiful BBQ dinner with everyone including NZ lamb of course.

Monday was great as we all went to visit Linc's grandmother and the birthplace of his father - Paeroa. This included Don and Bev, Linc, Clarke and myself. On the way down Clarke and Linc insisted on stopping at the Castle for a New Zealand thick shake. After much annoyance, Don finally gave in and stopped.

After arriving at Judith and Cliff's house (Don's sister), we had a lovely lunch and spent a couple of hours with Linc's nanna before heading off to the Lemon and Paeroa bottle in town. (the town is the birthplace of the oldest drink in NZ - "L&P". It's the 100th anniversary this year, and Nanna may be the star of their advertising campaign - "Take the top off a 100 year old". Serious. Look out for her photo on the back of buses in a town near you!

Tuesday - Waitangi Day

Public holiday over hear. Had a boozy lunch with some of Linc's mates then met up with Brendan and Nat on Kokomo (Adam's new 52m Alloy Yachts sloop). Had a indulgent night on the town including a drink at 'Minus 5' - an ice bar, before returning home for Lincoln to serenade the white throne.

Wednesday

Hungover during day. But made it to Varekai in the evening - the latest show by Cirque du Soleill - a very generous present from Andrew and Teresa. Fantastic show.

Thursday

Shopping.....wedding outfits and lunch with Nat and Brenden and Harley.

Friday

More shopping......sun set drinks with Linc's friends Liz and Petra on the Viaduct, before meeting with Andrew and Teresa and friends for another night on the town and a nice thai dinner then it was Sally's turn to serenade the white throne at Andrew's place. Disgraceful behaviour.

Saturday

Yum Cha for brunch (Dim Sum sort of) with Andrew and Harley and Emma. Then we went for a stunning drive up to Omaha Beach for a swim and chilled on the beach. Finished off with a BBQ at Harley's 'Lifestyle Block'/farm looking over the west coast of NZ and spent the night.

Sunday

Drove back to Auckland and had lunch with Linc's parents before going out for dinner with Linc's friends.....more food!!!

Monday

Planned to go for a drive down South, but decided we needed a day off and just stayed at Don and Bevs for the day catching up. We invited Brenden and Nat over for dinner - Linc produced a fantastic belly of pork on the BBQ and this time it was Bev's turn to join the party and serenade the white throne. Bit of theme going on here!! Promise we have been doing things other than eat and drink excessively!!

Tuesday

Shopping.....finally sorted for the wedding we think. Lunch with Davo and Hannah then a quick visit to Kelly Tarltons' underwater world before an Indian meal with the family.

Wednesday.....off to Queenstown. To be continued.......