on the road again....

The Buzz wagon is on the road again!  We left Ohope on Tuesday morning and drove ALL the way to Wellington. (7 hours)  Most NZ people thought we were a little crazy to be going so far in one day- but we were given the "oh you are crazy Canadians" excuse because we live in such a spread out country.  The kids were great for the entire trip.  They all know that if they ask "how much longer?"  the standard answer- regardless of accuracy- is 10 minutes.  So they don't ask that question.  Keith and I do know that small doses of ice cream and treats will make the trip more fun!

As we drove down from Ohope we saw beautiful farm land with amazing corn crops, Lake Taupo- a huge lake that is also a crater, Turangi- the trout fishing capital of the world, Mount Rupahu- an active volcano with a snow covered peak, desert land after the volcano- no real vegetation to speak of, more amazing farm land with canola, barley and oats growing (my farmin' man was crunching numbers) and some neat towns along the way.  The ocean  showed up again just before Wellington and so did lots of traffic!  We thankfully found our hotel and I did fine with the map- I didn't have to turn it upside down for it to make sense either.  I must be getting used to kiwi roads and cars!

From our motel we could walk to the train station and take a train directly into Wellington- yahoo- no driving in traffic!  The kids had never been on a train- they loved the sights and asked lots of questions!  We totally look like tourists!  In Wellington we saw the parliament buildings and went on a tour.  We ate our packed lunch by the WINDY harbour and found Starbucks- yum.  The museum in Wellinton is incredible- more like Science World!  Luke loved the giant squid, Megan enjoyed the 3-D squid show and Ellie was interested in the Edgecumbe earthquake simulator.  There was so much to see- it got old when the kids got hungry!  

Tomorrow we will get on the ferry and cross from Wellington to Picton!  We have assured Megan MANY times that the boat will not sink and Luke is keen to see if there is an arcade.  Keith and I are hoping the weather will be clear and we can get some good looks at the coastlines!

I cannot imagine all the snow at home!  Good grief!  Stay safe all you loved ones!   A few people have  promised to save some snow for us when we get home!  Really it's not necessary!  We'll bring the sun home instead!