(That title is far more alliterative than it looks, the “Wh” is pronounced “F”)
We have just come back from five fabulous nights with the McFadgen family in a beach holiday house near Whangarei Heads. We met up with Emma, James and William at Orewa Beach for lunch on Sunday and then made our way up north arriving just in time for a quick swim at the very pretty but also very rocky beach just down the hill from the house.
My children are now addicted to L&P, Caitlin feels she can’t possibly survive back in Australia without it. Thank you New Zealand, I’m now stuck with a mission of obtaining obscure softdrink for a small child when back in Sydney. (Not really, she’ll just have to go through withdrawal :P)
Caitlin couldn’t find her watch and new New Zealand charm bracelet when we were packing up to leave Rotarua last weekend. We searched the hotel room without success and eventually left saying to her they MUST be in someone’s luggage somewhere. They were still missing after we unpacked at the beach house. Five days later as she dressed to leave this morning, she found them. In her shoe. Emma tells us this means she is becoming a true Kiwi – barefoot by preference!
I’m linking up to Friday Fragments at Mrs 4444’s place, ’cause with a title like that up there, how could I not? Click through to Half-Past Kissin’ Time to see what all the other Friday Fragmenting bloggers have to offer! I’ll be doing my blog visiting and commenting once we’re back in Sydney – only two more sleeps of New Zealand holiday left, back to reality on Sunday night.
Mim's Muddle 
Wow, that is such a spectacularly placed house and the beach looks beautiful. Glad you had a great holiday.
I notice the only phoneme you provide for Whangarei is the "F". When I was up that way I swear I heard 37 different pronunciations, and that was just by the locals. :)It's stunning though. Love that mountain.
Lovely pictures. What a wonderful trip! Seriously jealous.Normally the only thing I find in my shoes are Legos. 🙂
Now I have to go to New Zealand! I love the photos, Mim. The beach is gorgeous. I want to sit under a Pohutukawa! (I'd also like to know how to pronounce it:)) I never knew crabs were so pretty – what colors!
Poe (as in Edgar Allen)Hoot (what an owl does)ta (English for Thank-you)Car (Something Mim and her entourage is Well sick of)Wa (an expression of surprise)
oooh AND this is why I only took about 4 photos for our entire trip… Have you broken a thousand yet?
Ocean Beach is teh awesome. Did you know there is a particular protuberance of rock near Mt Manaia nicknamed "Penis Rock"? Just thought you should know that.
I read the alliteration without even reading the instructions, as I should bloody well hope I would, being a New Zealander and all. I'm so glad you've had such a wonderful time in this beautiful country. Come back! Soon!!
Amazing scenery!!
GORGEOUS!!! Hard to pick a favorite picture, they're all great!
Wow-These are GORGEOUS. I'm very happy for you, that you got to enjoy such a beautiful vacation. You should link this up on Saturday!