New Zealand

Orewa Beach Half Marathon

2012-04-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Waiheke Island

2012-04-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Waiheke Island

Jedi

2012-03-08T20:01:00.001-08:00

The Swimming Master!

Love is in the air...

2012-02-14T18:31:00.001-08:00

Love is in the air

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I Hope your loved one got you something special…just like me x

Baylys Surf Comp

2012-02-13T18:26:00.008-08:00

Baylys

Surf Competition!

It’s Waitangi day, (which celebrates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi)

And at Baylys Beach, it’s the annual competition for the local surfers… all 25 of them.

They all competed in teams of 5, with only 1 surfer from each team claiming “the whammy” which gains them double points for a good wave. It was Mikko’s FIRST surf competition, and luckily it was more fun than serious, even though he got the most points from his team and won a prize for being the tallest surfer!

Congratulations Mikko!

Albany

2012-02-13T14:49:00.001-08:00

Sports Expo

We head to Auckland for the day to support Nathan’s Sport Expo.

Unfortunately the rain clouds gathered and we soon had torrential rain, but before we left we had to visit Danalle and co! I hadn’t seen them for nearly 5 months so it was time to see them! Oh my, it was such a lovely moment getting a big hug from little Chloe (that’s not so little) and my favourite Kiwi buddy Danalle!

Girls you are definitely my flower girl and bridesmaid!

Toka Toka

2012-02-07T18:41:00.006-08:00

Toka Toka

The adventure

It was all about timing and good weather! As we were heading there via canoe we needed the tide to be just right, at the right time of day and good weather to admire the fascinating view!

This time…we had a dog! Extra weight and extra wobbly! We nearly capsized…due to Jedi being nosey but luckily we made it to the other side without getting too wet!

After securing the canoe, and getting out of the mud we made our way towards Toka Toka, up, around the roads and through the woodland, within half an hour we were sipping a beer as the king of the hill.

Grow your own..

2012-01-27T20:46:00.002-08:00

Vegie Patch!

If you would like to know how to make your own vegie patch (like mine) all you need to know is… water your plants!

Rather than take my advice…I suggest some gardening books!

But as an amateur gardener I was truly impressed with my hard work, after a few months I had fresh, juicy tomatoes straight from the vine, delicious cucumber full of flavour, peas in a pod so green and tasty!

EVEN… green beans, spinach, Lettuce and peppers too!

January

2012-01-26T20:15:00.001-08:00

The Kiwi Summer

It’s January, the schools are quiet and the beaches are busy, it’s the summer holidays and it’s hot, Hot, HOT!

Prime time to top up the sun tan, keep fit, and love life in the great Kiwi Summer!

My Chrsitmas Video

2012-01-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

The N.Z Christmas!

After WEEKS of long, hard work I have finally made my Christmas home movie.

So sit down, have a cuppa and enjoy the next ten minutes!

2012

2012-01-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

A year Flies By

...Before you know it

Yep, it’s the 6^th January 2012, we have been here for 1 whole year! Sitting in Heathrow airport really doesn’t feel so long ago and for 26 hours, time stopped as we travelled half way across the world. It’s been such an amazing year. We travelled around the North Island of N.Z for 3 months, lived in a van for 5 months, and explored so many different places whilst meeting so many different people. It’s been an incredible year.

But I think this year will be an even better one, summers here and in 5 months we will be travelling to Europe, Indonesia AND seeing METALLICA at The Download Festival, then coming back here to N.Z

So, the only thing left to say is,

Happy New Year!

We hope 2012 is a good year for you all!

Sunday

2012-01-06T15:20:00.001-08:00

New Year’s Day

Another day, a new year!

It's 2012!

The year the world will end! (APPARENTLY)
But hopefully not, as we have alot of travelling to do! : )

But today was the day of new beginnings, so lets enjoy it!...

Saturday...

2012-01-06T15:19:00.002-08:00

New Year’s Eve

It’s Saturday morning, 8am, time to pack up the van and head to the beach, it’s low tide so there’s no time to waste!

We meet up with Logan (with a truck) and Kev (with a 4WD) at Glinks Gully, before heading across the beach, which was actually half busy! It was the third stream we were heading to and after 10-15 minutes we arrived at our destination!

Friday

2012-01-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve Eve

It was off to the Tavern, Santiago and the band were performing tonight and it’s about time we went to see them!

First up was Duncan (the Canadian), he gave us a solo performance of his musical skills, singing some folk music whilst playing acoustic guitar.

Then Oli (the local) he’s just returned from travelling the world performing his own music, very talented guy, I’m sure he will make a career from his music!

After a short break, Santiago (the Argentinian) joins Oli and Duncan for a jam on the drums.

Boxing Day

2012-01-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day

Relaxation, Christmas food and sleep.

Chrsitmas Day!!

2012-01-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas From New Zealand!

Christmas Day

Waking up on a beautiful beach…on a hot summers, Christmas day,

What more could we ask for?!

Its 8am, time for breakfast by the open fire, whilst listening and looking out at the beautiful blue ocean and crystal clear waves. The tide was quickly coming in, which meant only a short time before high tide, so it’s time to make a move!

As I started the engine, it was clear we were going nowhere but down, “down down, deeper and down” It was time for some manpower! Whilst I slammed my foot on the gas the boys put their almighty strength into pushing the van out, “Houston, we have lift off”

Off I went to a ‘safe spot’ on wet sand, we quickly picked up the surfboards before heading out of there. It was Mikko’s turn to drive, but there wasn’t much beach left to drive on, after 500 metres the van started slowing down, Logan had a bright idea, to follow the tracks on the soft sand, I could see it ending badly, so suggested to head for damp sand but before we knew it, the van came to a halt. Oh dear, it was like a desert, with ocean. No people, no cars, no houses, no radio or phone signal. The tide was now reaching the tyres, there’s no time to waste. Plan A I got in the driver’s seat as the two guys pushed, the wheels spun, sand everywhere and deeper the tyres went. Plan B, Mikko run’s back to camp, whilst me and Logan frantically try digging the sand out, from under the van, and propping the back tyres up with 1 plank of wood. But then, in the distance we see 4 people running with planks of wood! Hurray! The waves were now washing under the van, it was now or never! So as Mikko, Logan, Santiago, Sol and Alvarito all pushed, I stepped on the gas, 2^nd gear, pure determination, and yes it lives! I drove as fast as the van would let me, whilst trying to keep it steady as possible. I could see the water coming closer and closer, the van wanted to slide and the adrenaline was immense, soon the end was in sight, but this meant getting over the stream and across the dry sand, I knew I could get there, and surely enough I was over the stream and up and over the dry sand on to gravel road! I leaped out of the car, Jedi too! Ran to the beach cheering and jumping around, what a relief! Our legendary van had made it out of there!

We quickly took the van to the beach house and went for a surf. Perfect clean waves, good for all skill levels! Then out of nowhere Santa appeared, with his surfboard! He ran across the dunes, then down to the beach, he limbered up before running into the water, and off he swam into the distance. Next minute he caught a wave, surfing like a pro! Onlookers couldn’t believe their eyes! What a day to remember!

After all this excitement, I had to get back in the water and have a little surf before it was Jedi’s turn! With a little more practice he will be catching the waves all by himself!

By afternoon we couldn’t stop thinking about our Christmas dinner, it was time to go home and prepare all the food!

Today’s Menu:

Roast Ham or Mushroom Wellington

Roast Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips, Yorkshire Puddings (delicious English recipe), stuffing balls, Rossoli (a Finnish salad) and Porkana Laatkko (Finnish vegetable bake)

This was the first time of preparing such food! And in such huge amount!

It was late evening before dinner was served; we pulled those crackers, put on those hats and told those silly jokes!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love from Tina, Mikko & Jedi

Add caption

"I'm Beautiful"

Its time for...

2012-01-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

As we awoke, the sun was shining; I peered out the bedroom window, to see clear blue skies. It was Christmas Eve on the southern hemisphere, a perfect summer’s day.

After a hearty breakfast, we packed some essentials before heading to the beach.

Whilst Jedi was busy sniffing out rotten fish on the sand dunes, Mikko got some perfect waves, whilst I did a spot of sunbathing and photography!

It was mid-day and Mikko went to do some watering at the other farm, which gave me chance to prepare Christmas munchies! I got my baking fingers on, and made Mince pies, Fairy Cakes, Orange and Chocolate Brownies and bread! As I left the oven to do the rest of the work, I sat down for a lovely glass of Baileys! Mmmmmmmmmm! My perfect Christmas drink!

Late afternoon, our neighbours popped over and the decision was made to spend the night at the beach. As I was busy with Christmas food preparation, Mikko put the bed back together in the van, I can’t explain how excited I was about sleeping in the van again! Good memories of our traveling van! We had to time it right, we needed to get across the beach at low tide…otherwise we would get stuck on dry sand. A 2WD van with low profile tyres are no good on a beach! But it was all good, and we made it to our little camp, the surf spot named bathroom 1.

We made a camp fire before sunset, then before we knew it, Santa and Rudolf arrived! Santa climbed the hillside before rolling back down, and losing his hat!

Christmas is a great time for all, after meeting so people I’ve realised how different it can be! Especially when the weather is 23 °C

In England, Santa arrives after midnight whilst children are sleeping, when you wake up on Christmas Day your presents are under the tree waiting, then when everyone is awake you can open your presents! You have change to use your new toys before Christmas dinner is served around 1pm.

In Finland, Santa comes and visits the children on Christmas Eve, and then the presents are opened, but with Christmas Dinner still eaten on Christmas Day.

Now Argentina is slightly different, Santa arrives at midnight! Children are woken up at midnight to see Santa, and open the presents! Christmas dinner is still Christmas day, but towards the evening, as it’s summer time.

But in Germany, Christmas dinner is eaten on Christmas Eve, then presents are given out and opened in the evening, and Christmas day it’s all over.

New Zealand is not quite as festive, it’s BBQ’s on the beach, party music and hot sunny weather.

It's the weekend...

2011-12-29T17:00:00.003-08:00

Fun after planting

The first weekend after planting, we have a little more spare time, so we make the most of the weekend, whilst the boys are out surfing, Myself, Sol and Henriette go in search of a fishing rod, hook and bait! Success and its back to the beach for a spot of sea fishing! Henriette was first up… first time with a fishing rod, and it’s not going too well and the bait was soon gone. Next up, we have Sol, she has fishing experience but does she have the strategy? Unfortunately not, no fish this time. Well, last but not least its Tina... ooh me! Ok, first cast… got one! It’s not a big fella but it’s the first fish I’ve caught from a beach! So this lucky fish gets to swim another day!.

Later that day we make cookies and flapjacks before heading to Tangiteroria,

where the yearly sheep shearing competition takes place! It’s an opportunity not to be missed! The fastest time was 26 seconds! My god this dude was fast! Then they had a novelty competition, 1 person must eat a dry Weetbix, 1 person skulls a jug of beer (half pint) and the 3^rd person shears the sheep, now the winners of this, took less the 1 minute! Wow! What an epic weekend.

Christmas Cheer!

2011-12-29T16:58:00.001-08:00

Tina & Mikko’s Christmas Party

Since moving into our Farm House we haven’t had a house warming party! Mainly due to the lack of neighbours or nearby Friends!

The Christmas season is here. So let us celebrate and have some fun!

We started the evening with a few Celebrity name games, before the card games, and drinking games began! I was the D.J and chef for the night and kept the night fun and lively for all! What a good night it was!

End of the Season...

2011-12-27T23:08:00.001-08:00

Break up Party

The hard work’s done, and once again it’s time for the boss to throw a party! Free booze, free food, music and song.

The star of night was Jedi, after me and Lena eventually got Jedi in his Christmas outfit, he made a grand entrance and was soon centre of attention.

We had a variety of singing from various cultures. First up was Derek, he sang in Maori, unsure of what he was singing about, but we all enjoyed it. Next was Mikko, he sang a beautiful Finnish song until he forgot the words. Then the German girls had a bash at singing some Christmas songs, before the two Malaysian boys sang us some more Christmas cheer.

The night ended with… yep…’The Macarena’ thanks to me and my laptop!

Merry Christmas

It's December!

2011-12-27T23:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from New Zealand

It’s the first weekend of December and our first Christmas living together, in a beautiful country, with beautiful weather!

So, there’s no better time to put up our Christmas Tree!

I must say, I was very impressed with Mikko’s tree decorating skills, very impressive…especially for a male, it was a great team effort and Jedi didn’t even EAT it!

WakeBoarding

2011-12-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

Wake Boarding

Oh yes, the time had come! Kai Iwi Lakes HERE WE COME!

We arrived early afternoon, the boys launched the boat into the lake and I climbed aboard, leaving little Jedi on the launch ramp. In a matter of seconds he was whimpering and whining as he was left behind, unsure of what to do. But he quickly found his swimming legs and paddled out to us! Mikko with his big, long arms reached over the boat and grabbed him out the water.

We cruised around the lake in Hayden’s control, before Mikko took over and went full pelt! Awesome fun! But, the day far from over and the others arrived so we headed back to land to get action on the wakeboard.

I took the girls to the rope swing, which was extremely comical! No one could hold on but me! Hilarious to watch when someone falls off or doesn’t even reach water! Eventually, most of them got the idea! Jedi was feeling a little left out, so we got him back in the water for a swim before he went surfing…

Ah yes, woohoo! The moment I’ve been waiting for! I quickly got my wetsuit on and off I popped into the boat, eagerly waiting my turn. David tried giving me a few tips before I got to the water, but that didn’t help much! I leaped into the water…THEN put the lifejacket on…Pfffft how silly! Ok, so, the board is on my feet, I signal over to the driver and held on tight… arms straight, yep yep up I went, and down went the board, and the rope went flying out of my hands! Dammit! This happened every time, and Mikko (the pro) wasn’t on board the boat to give me any top tips!

Back on land again, and it’s time to be towed on the surfboard! Mikko showed us how it’s done, and got straight up from the pier and made it look easy, as the boat turned around, the rope swung out, and Mikko almost hit dry land. Estaban also wanted to try it out on the surfboard, and after a couple of attempts got the hang of it. Last but not least, it’s me! First attempt I was up!... and down again. But then I got it! Yes! It was a lot easier from the pier, but harder on the surfboard as your feet aren’t strapped it, but I managed to stay on for several seconds! I was so proud of myself! I got the biggest cheer from the audience!

What a fantastic day!

Fullers Half Marathon

2011-12-16T14:52:00.003-08:00

Keri Keri

One of our New Year resolutions was to take part in a half Marathon, and back in September we were told of the Fullers KeriKeri half marathon which would take place on November 18^th. But first we needed some good quality running shoes, before starting our training. Success…I immediately fell in love with some Grey and florescent Nike trainers whilst Mikko was like a woman in a clothes shop.

We had 7 weeks until the half marathon, and it was now or never. I was a novice at this malarkey so wanted to be well prepared. Mr Fitness on the other hand hardly had to train; he ran 10km on his first run and found it easy! I see I have my work cut out here.

By the second week I was getting the hang of this, I was running further and further and taking tougher routes.

BUT…1 week to go and I wake up with a football for a foot! For some unknown reason my foot was swollen… I thought nothing of it and took Jedi to the beach whilst Mikko surfed. But it gradually worsened…it was that bad I could hardly walk and it was getting painful. Oh no…the next day I couldn’t walk on it... time to see a professional! The pharmacist gave me some antihistamine tablets, but was doubtful I’d be walking the half marathon never mind run it! Looks like am allergic to white tailed spider bites!

As the days were counting down to the half marathon…it was becoming clear I wouldn’t be running any time soon, I couldn’t even go to work.

The day arrived and although I couldn’t take part I was hoping Mikko and Logan would do well. It was 7am when arrived in KeriKeri, The race started at 8am from ………so I wished them luck before the bus whisked them away to the start line.

It had only been 1 hour since the race started and the first person came striding through towards the finish line! 21km in 1 hour! This guy didn’t even look red faced or even out of breath! LEGEND.

I eagerly waited by the finish line hoping to get a snap of my man crossing the line. Then before I knew it, 1 hour 48 minutes he came running over the line! I was so proud!

If you are thinking of running a marathon…. get the right size shoes! Otherwise you will be running like a pigeon and end up with black toe nails before they drop off.

After getting his breath back, he got a well earnt recovery massage, just before Logan crossed the finish line in 2 hour 35 minutes! Pretty good for a guy who hasn’t done any training!

Time for a nice cold beer, Subway and relaxation in the sun!

Aratapu

2011-12-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Aratapu Tavern

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” I was once told.

It was Friday night, and not sure of our plans, until our good friend Logan came over and got us in the party spirit, we quickly got our party frocks on before meeting up with the fellow travellers at the beach for a few drinks before the courtesy car came to take us to the pub!

The evening started off with LIVE MUSIC.… A bad singer on Karaoke Eek! But after a couple of drink she sounded great. A short while later the DJ came to rescue the night with party songs galore and we ended the night with the Macarena!!

Bonfire Night

2011-11-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Bonfire Night

We may be the other side of the world, thousands of miles away, but Guy Fawkes is still known and celebrated with fireworks and bonfires. So I arranged it for Saturday night down on the beach at Glinks Gully, inviting the new backpackers from England, Germany,Mexico and Chili.