Well, the five
of us spent the entire month of July (1998), down under. Two
weeks in New Zealand (NZ) in a camper van, and another two
weeks touring the east coast of Australia (Oz) by planes, trains,
and automobiles.
Since it's likely to be our last big hurrah as a family group, we wanted to give the kids something to remember, a better feel for the larger world, and something to aspire to (to see the world) as they make decisions over the next few years.
As we got into writing this, it turned more into a book or journal than
a brief intro to our adventures. Our best recommendation... poke
around to see what interests you, and if you really don't have a life,
have some fun reading the whole blasted thing! Send
us mail! We'd love to hear from you.
Waitamo and the Glow Worm Caves - Cool caves, with glow in the dark worms on ceiling
Rotorura - In the east-central part of the North Island, this city, and surrounding area, is a beautiful place to visit. A large lake, a Maori cultural center and university, and lots of geothermal activity.
Taupo - Thermal areas, one massive volcanic crater, and a nice warm swimming pool.
Waimangu - One old time paddle boat
Wellington, the inter-island ferry, and Picton -
Christchurch and Skiing on Mt. Hutt
-
Sidney - The Opera House, inside and out. Touring the Blue Mountains (with more furry critters). City night view [need pix].
From Sidney to Melbourne by train - Don't leaving your video camera on the platform at the Sidney train station! A stay at the Hanerica farm... sheep, horses, locals on vacation, and lots of food!
Melbourne - The BMX World Cup, a marvelous inner-city, All about spiders,
[need pix].