poi | A Family Afloat

Yes, we’re still here, posting back in time from the New Zealand days. This one is going to be a bit more simple. Some photos and some captions to help explain and jog our memory.

Day to day life was spiced up with some trips away during the school holidays and some weekend excursions. Oh, and we added a dog to the mix. My coworker breeds her Springer Spaniel with a golden miniature poodle and somehow ended up with 4 adorable black Sproodles. Not sure what we were thinking when we made this decision, but at the time the whole family felt it was a good idea and fell in love with the puppies when we went to see them. The idea of adding one to our lives seemed right when we thoroughly (so we thought) weighed out all the pros and cons of having a dog on board.

Some other highlights during this time: Nina had her year 13 formal (aka senior prom) and GRADUATED from Aotea College (HIGH SCHOOL)!, Ellamae turned 13 on Friday the 13th and GRADUATED fromTe Rā Waldorf MIDDLE SCHOOL!, and Taj finished “year 1” with teacher Andre at Te Rā Waldorf School.

It was the beginning of “Spring Break” and the he puppies weren’t quite ready to leave their mama so we made one more visit before a dog free adventure in the camper. We took Ellamae’s friends, Joy and Carina, by to see the dog we chose, and gave him his official name, “Tūī ”, after the endemic bird of New Zealand.

Some of the locals were cooking Lamb’s tail over the fire. It was delicious.

We got a lot of camping in with “Sharkie” in our hands. Mostly freedom camping, but occasionally splurged on a campground or two. This one, the farm camp in Waitotara (no longer in business), we especially enjoyed because of the animals on the farm. This particular stay had a baby pig running around.

We continued up the Taranaki Coast (surf highway 45) in search of surf, where we met up with our friends Steve, Amy and their two sons Van and Beau.

Above: camped at a freedom site in Opunake and then day parked at Opunake Beach.

Below: camped at Oakura Beach Holiday Park.

New Plymouth, Taranaki

We found Rotokare Scenic Reserve by looking for more Kiwi Guardian activities. This reserve was known for its Kiwi population. Its completely fenced off, like Jurassic Park super high, electric double gates, in order to keep the Kiwi protected. We heard them at night and went out with our red headlamps trying to find them, but didn’t have any luck.

Kiriwhakapapa Campsite at the Tararua Forest Park; just Northeast of Masterton.

When the holiday came to an end, we picked up our new dog Tūī and brought him back to the boat.

Ellamae participated in the Kapiti Coast School Sports bike race.

A few of my co-workers all at the same gym class! Tammy, Haley, and Kylie

Fresh Donuts for Ellamae’s 13th birthday from my co-worker Hayley!

Ellamae’s 13th birthday on Friday the 13th! Her friends came to see the boat for the first time.

Josie and her NICU work mates and I celebrating hard work completed with “complex neonatal care course”.

“Local ” Wellington area “Red Rocks” camping in Sharkie…

Coffee date with Nina and a walk with the dog.

Ellamae’s class play “Alice and Wonderland”. Ellamae as the Evil Queen and Cheshire Cat.

Local nature walks to more “Kiwi Guardian” plaques.

And more school activities. Hot lunches and …

Haka and Poi ceremonies with Papa Rongo.

Taj, Alro and Manahi watch the performance.

Just a small clip… see more on our YouTube channel.

Hot cocoa with a chocolate fish and a marshmallow is a classic kiwi kid drink.

The end of the school year is in December in New Zealand, which means Christmas time is near and soon it will be summer! That being said, the Christmas parade in Tawa was windy and cold.

Tui the boat dog watches from the support boat OCtenders as Ellamae takes her sailing class.

Tui enjoying “back porch” seating at the marina.

18 is the legal age to drink alcohol here in NZ.

Birthday coffee, chocolate chip mickey mouse pancakes, and a legal alcoholic drink out with NINA!!!!! Happy 18th!!!!

Fun out on the water… ran into another American sailing family.

Ellamae’s class graduation with teacher Paul.

Nina Graduated High School in New Zealand!

Christmas Eve dinner at Steve and Amy Johnson and the boys.

Christmas on the boat is mostly about the stockings, especially as the kids get older. Space is limited, so money rather than gifts become more common.