Mt Maunganui and the Knox family

We met the Knox’s in Peru and were so pleased to be able to visit them at home in New Zealand. Not only friends, they have also been critical holiday planners for us – helping us figure out what to see and where to go!

We stayed with Amanda at her University abode in Hamilton, where she gave us a talk about the best NZ chocolates to look out for (which Sophie was verrry interested in), and showed us the best take away Thai. We were lucky enough to all get tickets to the All Blacks vs. Argentina match that night, which was a great game and experience (despite getting drenched by rain in the second half). Go All Blacks!

Julie and Steve welcomed us into their home, and we were treated with some very tasty meals, as well as being shown around lots of sights. It was great to catch up, to learn more about New Zealand cuisine and home life, and also to see all their Peru holiday snaps!

We all went for a day’s cycling and walking from Peroa, making our way through long dark tunnels, and old gold-mining caves. We climbed the Mt Maunganui itself, rewarding ourselves with thermal baths and Copenhagen ice cream afterwards. We were also welcomed by Julie’s parents, who showed us their kiwi fruit farm, and let us have a go on their water sport toys – sea kayaks and a jet ski.

Thank you very much to all the Knox family, for looking after us, and making our stay so special.

World famous (in NZ) L&P chocolate on the Mount

Rainbows and beaches, what a nice place to live

Julie, Olly, Steve and Sophie outside the longest, darkest tunnel

At the stadium before the All Blacks victory

Sea kayaking

Captain Amanda on the jet ski