The Last Week in New Zealand

We had the amazing opportunity to go to New Zealand. Dave was attending a conference for international biological control . I was fortunate to be able to come along. It was really a wonderful experience. We have to thank Bill and Terrie Haviland for lovingly holding down the fort back in Bakersfield. They took care of the house and the kids for two weeks and we are so grateful to them.

Kayaking on a river in the jungle.
Jill trying to keep up kayaking.

This is at the base of a waterfall. On the west side of the island ferns and moss and palms grow everywhere.
This is a fern as it is sprouting and ready to unfurl.

Jade stone in its natural state.

One of the many jade stores on the island.

Watch out for penguins! We didn't actually see any but thought the sign was funny.

Sunset on the beach near Punakaiki.

Waiting for the sunset after a day of hiking. Watch out for the biting flies!

Dave exploring the caves on a hike near Punakaiki.

Entrance to the caves.

We felt like we were on a second honeymoon.

Dave hiking in the lush tropical forests. This hike was taken near a cute resort town called Hanmer Springs.

Dave, ready to hike. We just loved the dense vegetation on the wet side of the island.

The famous pancake rocks at Punakaiki.

Jill at the coast. We had to stop and take a look on our drive up the west coast.

Enjoying a relaxing evening in the rain at the hot springs in Hanmer Springs. To locals would say we were taking a plunge in the thermal pools.

This place had about a dozen different thermal pools to soak in. All were different temperatures with different mineral contents. This one was only one of the small connecting pools.

Dave taking a whack at Cricket.