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We've been to Piha several times but we've never found this spot before. We had it all to ourselves too.  How's that for a kitchen!  Councils all over New Zealand maintain parks like this, large and small.  Many of them have BBQs like this one.  (Most have a roof)     All you have to do is press a button and the gas fired hot plate will heat for 10 minutes or so, then you just press the button again periodically until you've finished with it.  No payment needed.  The waterfall is 3/4 hour walk from here.

Saw a roadside sign today,   Pony Poo    PYO   There's optimism for you

Back in Auckland we were on grandchildren minding duties for the 4 days up to Christmas.  Did we ever have as much energy as they have?

Christmas Day; Santa had parked on the lawn and brought the presents in leaving snowy footprints.  Lots for everyone, Yippee.

Later friends and family visited and some stayed for the day.  The red circle shows where Skytower is, also inset.  Steve doubles as a bouncy castle.

Left; a train set in a Christmas tree Right; a house dedicated to Christmas, every room, even the garage. Below; Auckland New Year fireworks

How to speak New Zilland

Any amendments to   please

above left;  Hunua Falls   right; waterlillies at Waihi

below from left; avocado trees at John & Wendy Hallen's Whangamata POP, a praying mantis (about 2 cm long) and a skylark's nest

Simpsons Beach campground was busy but there was still plenty of room on the beach. Didn't fancy a swim though ... Sharks at Matarangi

We've driven past the Bird Gardens at Katikati several times over the years.  We had missed a treat.  John got mugged by the doves, the goose was a mottled grey, with a lime green bill, pink legs and black feet.  Make unknown!  The last one is a caged kea.  That's the best pic I could get through the wire.

Next, we found a new POP.  Ian breeds alpacas and lives in a great spot which he shares with us Wingers.  Thank you Ian.   It had rained overnight before I took these pics
I was very tempted to get the hairdryer out !  Aren't they sweet?

Opape Beach;  we met a wonderful family who introduced us to 'damper'.  That's scone mix, no sugar, wrapped on a stick and cooked over a driftwood fire.  When it's nicely browned and crisp, slide it off the stick, push a marshmallow into the hole at one end and fill the remaining space with jam or syrup.  It's very good.  As you can see, all the children love it.  Thank you Derek, Donna, Joshua, Victoria and Hannah.  We all had a great time.