Last Post with the Schwieders

Weta Workshop

 Thunderbird's are Go

We visited the Weta Workshop where they taught us about making things for movies, ie: weapons, wigs, costumes, vehicles.  It was very interesting.  We also were able to visit the miniatures that were made for the show, Thunderbirds, are Go.  We couldn't take pictures at most of it due to copyright issues and such legalities.  But, we had a good time.

Grandma and Grandpa spent hours reading books, and playing games with the kids.  We loved having them and look forward to seeing them again.  By the way anyone is welcome to visit :)

Seal Safari with Schwieder's

Seal Safari

My parents, Sabrina and I spent a morning exploring the wilderness around Wellington.  We rode in a 4WD vehicle that bumped along tracks up and down the mountain, and through the sand and gravel along the beach.  The trip was fun and beautiful.

  View from the wind turbine above Brooklyn.

Around Wellington

Scorching Bay Beach

Although it was a bit windy and Grandma and Grandpa discovered that New Zealand water is not very warm; we had a good time at the beach.  Eric was introduced to sea glass and started hunting for that along with shells, Hyrum dug a hot tub, we all did a lot of smiling.

 Unfortunately our day ended with me backing into another car. :(  Oh well we made it home and insurance seems to be taking care of things form me.

Wright's Hill Fortress

Only open a few days a year we were able to tour this underground bunker on Waitangi Day.  It was a fortress built during WWII as a protection against attacks from the sea.  We got to see where the huge guns were placed and where the soldiers would have planned and worked.  It was interesting.

Antrim House

The Antrim house is the headquarters of the National Heritage Foundation.  As such there are not usually tours as it is a place of work, but Wataingi day came in handy again.  The stain glass windows and the fireplaces were beautiful.  The history was also fun to learn.

School Begins

School started January 31st for Eric, Wendy and Hyrum.  Eric began his last year at primary school, year 6, Wendy moved to Harakeke Hub at year 4.  Hyrum began year 2 at the Koru Hub.  They were all excited to begin.

Zachary started year 7 at Raroa Intermediate School this year.  He is growing up.  He is in room 12 team 3 with Mr. Morris.  He began February 7th.  He takes the bus to and from school, not wear a uniform, and be among 3 times as many students, so there have been many new experiences for him.

Rotorua

Matai Cultural Evening 

We were able to enjoy the entertainment of the Matai family.  They preformed dances, songs, and taught us about the Mauri weapons, musical instruments, and village life.  We then enjoyed a yummy Hangi meal.  After the meal we saw glowworms and learned abour Kiwi and even saw one.

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland

About 20 minutes outside of Rotorua is a little taste of geothermal activity.  We enjoyed seeing a geyser, mudpots, and walking on a track that passed many caverns, and steamy colorful water.  It was a hot day, but enjoyable and interesting.

  

Lady Knox Geyser goes off at 10am everyday.  This is because they put in a substance that breaks the water pressure so that it will erupt.  It would have erupted on its own every 24-48 hours, but they made a tourist attraction by setting a time daily.

 

Hobbiton

Hobbiton was in full summer time mode.  It was green, bright, and fun to share with grandparents.  Below are a few of the pictures demonstrating our fun.