Lava caves

Sorry about the photos, good excuse to get a new posh one. About 3/4 the way up we went on a slight detour to the Lava Caves as we had a total of seven children with us, we spent the day with the Hines who have four energetic children who were also Pokemon fans. So many wonderful discussions to enjoy. We felt that simply walking to the top would not be enough for them, even though pies and pasties were promised, so we quickly headed to the caves. They loved them and there was three very diverse ones to explore. We were on a tight schedule as the ferry departure was only an hour and half away so we had to move on. They would have stayed there for hours otherwise and we weren't very popular leaving. Our reasons for leaving didn't go down well either, 'But the view will be spectacular'.

Rangitoto

The weather forecast was good we planned something we have wanted to do for ages and that's climb the summit of Rangitoto. We look at it everyday and it only seemed right we have a closer look! The depths of winter has finally arrived and the temperatures have recently plummeted to 8 degrees, and it feels particularly cold especially when there is no cloud cover.

Even though the sun was shining the boys quickly zoomed back into the house to grab wooly hats! We arrived at Devonport for the ferry at about 9.15 and Tom was pleased to have a map to guide us to the top. The sea was choppy but we didn't feel it too much until we arrived at the Wharf of Rangitoto and the ferry seemed to rock around a lot. Fran was not impressed. Fortunately it wasn't long before we were on our travels and we could enjoy the volcanic scenery.

Buckleton Beach

There are plenty of beaches nearby and its amazing how one beach will be a 10 min visit and others will be 3 hours! That was Buckleton Beach. There were plenty of swings off the trees to explore as well as the trees themselves. Kept the boys entertained for ages. We then ventured across the rocks to see how far we can get around and got so far then we turned back. Oli was very good at finding green crabs, Tom wanted to save every starfish out of water and Alex wanted to climb higher than his brothers - no matter what! Highly recommended beach.

Dome Forest Walkway - to the summit!

It was too late for us to turn back by the time the boys realised 'to the summit' meant going up and up! Unfortunately the actual walk was pretty uneventful bar going up lots of steps, slipping on lots of roots although the summit view was spectacular. The boys didn't see it that way although the Cadburys Easter Caramel Bunnies seemed spectacular to them and helped ease the pain. On our return we rewarded them with a popsicle and a smoothie. We were so pleased that the cafe had a puzzle on each table which the boys insisted trying to work out and dragging us around to complete them all - them all! Longest coffee we have ever had - not recommended unless you love torturing yourself over wooden shaped puzzles. Why? I could really do with a coffee and wooden shaped puzzle this afternoon - I know, let's go to the Dome Cafe outside Warkworth?!

Matakana Country Park

Here is the reason why Oli wanted to leave - climbing to the top of wooden boat. It may have something to do with all the other climbing things he could explore as well although Alex attempted to structure his play with bases and Pokemon attacks!? We left them to it and had a coffee.

No raincoats, the sun is back!

However, wellies (gumboots as the kiwi would say) were still needed. There was a serious amount of water everywhere. We kitted ourselves for a busy day exploring and first stop was Campbells Beach which was a 2 min walk away. A jet-ski with a waveboarder kept us entertained for ten minutes before Oli disappeared onto the nearby play area. We then ventured down the beach to a frustrating dead end particularly for mummy as she was keen to risk going over some rocks but Oli was adamant we head to the country park immediately!

Campbells Beach and Matakana

For our long weekend we booked a bach at Campbells Beach which is 10 mins from Matakana. When we left the weather was terrible being very windy with heavy rain. It didn't change. The views from the bach were spectacular but we couldn't appreciate it! Not to be beaten we determinedly went the to the famous Matakana market to the joy of the boys in their raincoats and wellies! The market was great with some interesting stalls such as Lothlorien wine (Fejoa), whitebait fritters and amazing bakery stands as well. Unfortunately, the rain got heavier and the boys were losing the will to live so we quickly headed to a reliable cafe, with a burning fire! The boys enjoyed a chocolate smoothie. It was only eleven o'clock and a long day indoors was facing us. The bach had a distinct lack of DVD's although the board games of 'The Game of Life' and 'Battleships' were something to look forward to but we needed reinforcements! There was a Warehouse at Snells Beach so we headed there to stock up for the day. Alex is Pokemon obsessed and purchased a series of 26 episodes, Tom went for Mr Men and Oli thankfully went for something a little more viewable, Garfield 1 and 2. We stocked up with firewood and popped into a cafe for chips where Oli artistically used the ketchup! We had a lovely warm day in the bach watching DVD's and playing 'old' games which included 'Atmosphere' (remember that!) with our PJ's!