From Wellington to Waikanae

A super luxury - we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn.
By 9am our luggage stood in readiness to be taken to the bus.
That was so handy - we had our hands free to do a wander round Wellington.
Time for a relaxing breakfast- it was a good and well filled buffet. We enjoyed every mouthful.

After a brief chat with some of our traveler friends we left to discover some of capital's beauty.
My energy level was almost sub zero as I had a almost sleepless night. Mum has developed a cold - and although she couldn't do anything about it, she kept me awake with the snoring. I know she felt bad - but it couldn't be helped.
I will try to get some shut eye later to catch up.

We walk around town catching sight of the Beehive ( Government's head office so to speak) 

and venture on to Te Papa, New Zealand's most beautiful museum.

It is HUGE.
Due to my fatigue I just can't get the most out of my visit.
Such a pity but there it is!

Around 12:30 we head off back to the main entrance where we find tante Trees waiting patiently. Oom Wim has gone in search of us.
We have to wait for the driver of the bus before we ca retrieve our luggage.
Once we have that we are off.

By taxi we are off to my cousin Tineke's home. She and her husband Colin are hosting lunch.
Lucelle, also my cousin, is also there with Hunter her son.
How lovely to meet my relations is such a relaxed setting.
A most enjoyable and memorable visit.

The table is laden with delicious food. Colin even caught some fish which he prepares for us on the BBQ

I was so tired, that after having snacked some and finished my cup of tea I closed my eyes for some much needed sleep. I was so disappointed I couldn't stay awake. Here I was meeting my family and they put on such a lovely time and I just want to sleep.

After my nap we continued on to Waikanae by train. This is where tante Trees and oom Wim live.

I had so looked forward to that trip - and I fell asleep! Oh no, what a pity I didn't get to see the lovely sights from the train.

What a lovely serene and restful area.
The house is so comfortable and the surroundings beautiful.
We get a short tour and then have some tea.
Even though it is getting late oom Wim  makes us a tosti.
That went down very well.

At 20:30 we retired and went for a well deserved and much needed sleep.