Touring Tauranga

Mom and Dad have been here this week and we’ve been exploring the Tauranga area and beyond. I’m trying to take it easy on them, hoping they’ll be prepared for our 10 days traveling in the South Island. (I’ve created an itinerary that has been referred to as “grueling” – but there is so much to see! I may give up this whole teaching thing and focus on tourism instead.)

After our nice weekend, Cory had to return to work, while Mom, Dad, and I filled our days with touristy activities. It’s been fabulous – we’ve taken a million pictures or so, too...

Monday: Dad and I ran along the beach in the morning. After breakfast, we hit the road. Our first stop was a local garden shop. Mom and Dad have been identifying plants left and right. Then we went to Mossop’s Honey, where, after a long time spent chatting with the clerk, she sent us out the door with ice cream cones (“Well, you can have that, but let me just put a little taste of this…and this…and this… There!”) With full bellies, we headed into town to the Tauranga quilting shop. Mom found some great fabric, and a Kiwi quilt is in the works. In the afternoon we checked out the tide pools and the wharf during low tide. We spotted crabs, jellyfish, and, most exciting, a sting ray!

Tuesday: We hiked up to the summit of Mount Maunganui in the morning. The walk was a little steep, but the views were great. We rewarded ourselves with giant ice cream cones from Copenhagen Cones at 10:30 in the morning. (There was no line, though, and this is unheard of – you have to take the advantage when opportunity knocks. Plus, that was a long walk up!) After recovering, we got hopped on a bus and took a tour of the Port of Tauranga. It was really fascinating. Afterwards, we shopped in downtown Maunganui, picking up souvenirs and postcards.

Wednesday: We headed out over the Kaimai mountain range towards the west. Our first stop was the Gordonton quilt shop, where Mom picked up more fabric for her quilt. Then we headed to the Hamilton Gardens. It was a perfect day to wander around the gardens, but Dad burned the top of his feet after insisting that he was going to wear his sandals all day. That night, Mom and Dad had their Burger Fuel “experience” – they, too, are hooked.

Thursday: Dad and I skipped our run this morning, instead opting for a coffee at a café. Then we suited up and headed to the beach. Dad and I tried to ride in on the waves, while Mom people-watched. That afternoon, Dad napped (worn out from all that surf) while Mom and I checked out the local Department of Conservation office and searched for plant guides. That night we ate dinner on the deck before heading to the Mount Hot Pools.

Friday: A cruise ship had arrived early this morning and Mom and Dad were awed with its size. After a quick run around the Mount, we did some laundry and started to pack for our big South Island trip. In the afternoon, we hopped on the Spirit of Tauranga, a ferry that runs between the Mount and Tauranga. We had a great ride, with fantastic views. For dinner, we ate at the Lobster Club. Dad and Cory had the fresh fish, while Mom and I split the seafood platter for two. It should have been listed as seafood platter for 4+, but with help, we did manage to do some damage – crayfish, crab legs, prawns, shrimp, scallops, oysters, mussels, pipis, salmon, tuna, snapper… Oy!