Christmas Day 2007

We returned from the Bay of Islands (see below) on Christmas Eve. We grabbed tea and then headed out to Franklin Road, Auckland's equivalent to Blackpool illuminations, except it is the houses that have been lit up, and there aren't any trams! We walked along the street accompanied by like minded souls who'd taken children out of bed in pyjamas to see the lights on the last sleep before christmas. It was a great way to get us in the Christmas mood, especially as we were still unconvinced that it was Christmas after spending the afternoon swimming in the sea.

We woke up this morning to a pile of presents under the tree and thick clouds in the sky. After unwrapping a few items, we tucked into a breakfast of smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels.



Festive Lounge



Hannah and Dave



Christmas Breakfast

After breakfast, we decided to stretch our legs and head up One Tree Hill to take in the views. We took along a bottle of Champagne to quench our thirst..



Champage in a volcanic crater



View from the top

We returned to prepare our Christmas Menu, which took the following form:

BBQ Chicken skewers
Salmon a-la BBQ
Paxo Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing
Pigs in Blankets
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Rose Wine

Sadly, the weather had other plans, and chose to bucket down at the crucial time. In true British fashion, we soldiered on in the rain regardless:



Hannah and Dave preparing the dinner



Gareth BBQ'ing in the Rain!



Christmas Dinner in Empire Road

After Dinner, we relaxed and played New Zealand Monopoly, which despite Hannah Standing's occupation of Rangitoto (in the Park Lane spot), resulted in a victory by Gareth founded upon the construction of a hotel on the Ohakune Carrot. Interesting.



Hannah and Gareth in the decider

So, Christmas 2007 draws to a close in New Zealand as the phone rings here with tidings from the UK. Have a wonderful Christmas, wherever you are in the world. All our love and best wishes, Gareth and Hannah

PS, We're taking a few days out to head over to the east cape and do a 4 day great walk around Lake Waikaremoana, and will spend New Year's Eve in a hut on the shore of the lake. We'll update you all on our return. xxx