Day 1 (Friday 6 Mar'26)
As to be expected, a travel day. A 4:30am alarm to allow us to catch the 6am Murrays Express bus to Sydney International so as to avoid the well known Qantas cancellation's (and guess what, the 6:10am CBR-SYD flight was cancelled...)
Just over 3.5 hours later we were checking in for our Air New Zealand flight to Auckland and then just on 5:45pm (3:45pm CBR), we arrived. I must say, very impressed with their Premium Economy service. After a little wait at Budget for our rental car, we were on our way to Waihi, just on 2 hours (normally) south east of Auckland.
At this point in time, I should point out that despite all the carry-on about Canberra being a big town, in reality it is small. We of course left the airport just on evening rush hour on a Friday afternoon and for some 40 kilometres, it was bumper to bumper on the freeway.
8:30pm saw us finally check-in to our abode (Trailblazer Studios) for the next 7 nights, which is a nice little self-contained unit and if you are out that way, can highly recommend.
Triona and Liam, Di's daughter and son-in-law popped in to say g'day and after a little chat, it was time to hit the hay, some 18 hours after waking.
Tomorrow see's us undertake part of the reason for the visit, that is being Bob the Builder's...
Day 2
Today was flatpack "heaven". A few weeks prior to us arriving in NZ, Di had organised a couple of (or so I was led to believe) different flatpacks from IKEA, to be delivered to Triona and Liam as a birthday present for Triona and help make their new home a little more "homely". So just after 9am, we arrived , ready for a day of construction, friendly banter and perhaps some harsh words (that's Di & I!!!) and undertake Project Happy Home.
First cab off the rank was a shoe cupboard that would also serve as a tea/coffee preparation station... Then a shelving unit for books/DVD's and Playstation games.
This would also serve as a place to put the Playstation unit and provide storage that currently, wasn't there.
Last, but no means least, a small shelving unit to fill in on a small wall to allow for a display of knick knacks...
So that was the end of a good days work. Back to the room for a quick shower before heading off to a local restaurant, Down Thyme owned by a friend of Liam's family. He also happens to be the Head Chef.
Roland is a German, who previously worked in a Michelin 4 Star venue. The service, whilst laid back was immaculate, the food, unbelievable!!! The food was my Lamb Rack.and all I can say is, "Get in my belly!!! (Said with a very strong Scottish accent)...
