Our first stop across the Tasman was windy Wellington, we arrived at midnight on the day that our cricketers were having a fierce fight with the gale force winds against the New Zealanders, (Oz won) many flights were cancelled, but fortunately by midnight the wind had paused allowing us to land. The following morning the sun shone, and we had a delightful walk around the harbour down to the Te Papa Museum, spent a great morning there, including perusing their Pompei Exhibition. We then walked and walked around the "flat" part of the city, checking out the different style of buildings, and a few retail outlets!!
We finished up our day at a delightful, loud, and popular Tex-Mex Cantina in Cuba Street, "The Flying Burrito Brothers" their Fajitas were fabulous. 
The following morning the wind was back with gusto, we picked up our car and headed out of town to Napier in the Hawkes Bay. The scenery we drove through was delightful , even with the cloud cover. Napier prides itself on its "Art Deco" architecture - rebuilt after the deadly 1931 earthquake (NZ's worst natural disaster) in the popular styles of the time.
We spent the first evening walking along the waterfront, admiring the buildings, and thoroughly enjoying a pizza in an old Pub opposite the boardwalk on Marine Parade below.
Next - the Reunion - 21 of us!but I will leave that till another day when I have sorted out the photos. Col and James had organised everything really well. Just great to see everyone again.
*****
In between "events" in our schedule we took time to do a couple of other things. After our great group vineyard tour Colleen, Dennis, Frank and I took off to the Te Mata Peak, the road to the 399 metre summit passes lonesome sheep trails, rickety fences and vertigo-inducing stone escarpments, and can resemble the Scottish highland atmosphere - but not for us, it was a beautiful clear day - just stunning at the top.
Overlooking Hawkes Bay
and the Craggy Range Vineyards
Back down to the Vineyard
After our few days of "reunion" festivities in Napier, we all travelled in different directions, Frank and I headed north and stopped in both Gisborne and Mount Manganui for a night each, before meeting up with Col and Den at their Bach (holiday cottage) at Whangamata, at the start of the Coromandel. I at first thought it was Whakatane, well at least they both start with a "Wha" The aim was to have a relaxing Easter break.
Mount Manganui
Catching up with Col and Den at their Bach
Over Easter we spent quite a bit of time walking around Whangamata, weather was great and the town was very active..
Leigh and Col relaxing
and the guys toasting something!
plus great sunsets
And more lovely morning walks!
What a lovely Easter break!
at Whangamata
