Peas

Road Trip

I think I mentioned before that the classic New Zealander summer vacation consists of an extended camping or road trip that often begins the day after Christmas and lasts for several weeks. I have never been much of a road-tripper, preferring to fly whenever possible, but in a country where many of the best sights are accessible only by car, road trips are inevitable.

We embarked on this summer's road trip (The Minnow's first) with my sister in tow and spent a week driving around New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato region. Like the best summer days, we spent a lot of time doing nothing in particular, just poking around beaches, eating ice cream, hiking, and lounging around in shorts and tees. We also got to see New Zealand's famed cave glow worms, which are just as amazing as they sound and only second in coolness (in my estimation) to fireflies. We returned home yesterday tired, happy to sleep in our own beds, yet eager to revisit some new favorite places we found.

Ruakuri Cave

Ruakuri Cave trail

Passionfruit cheesecake at Coroglen farmers' market

Sunset in Thames

Whitianga Marina, just steps from the apartment we rented

The cutest little starfish ever

Culture

My sister is visiting. Among other hats she wears is the hat of Family Sushi-Making Expert. So today she introduced her favorite nephew to the art. I think it was a success.

My Auntie Is Here . . .

 . . . and it's hair raising!