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Can you guess where we are going?? It is time to put thoughts of snow and ice behind us and escape to the southern hemisphere.

We are taking a respite from our winter trip. Everyone just rest and relax and we will resume this trip in Australia in about a week. How does that sound? You are on your own! Try not to get arrested.

I don't think so. Kerikeri, the largest town in the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand, is a popular tourist destination about three hours drive north of Auckland, and 80 km north of Whangarei. It is often described as the Cradle Of The Nation, being the site of the first permanent mission station in the country, and it has some of the most historic buildings in the country.
Maybe we will get to see some of the Maori people and their culture.

Piha Beach is about 45 miles west of Auckland and it a famous surfing beach.
Why don't we give it a try? Maybe we can find some cute fella to give us lessons.

Ben Ainslie's British team which was founded to compete in the next America's Cup had an unbeaten record going into the second stage of the two week regatta.

But on a difficult day of shifty breezes, they were defeated by Brad Butterworth's team who crossed the finish line 15 seconds ahead, even though Ainslie, who was celebrating his 32nd birthday, had been in front for most of the race.

Auckland has a luge track. I thought we might try it out. Here is a shot of the track.

The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is a match race regatta in America's Cup Class yachts in Auckland, New Zealand during January and February 2009. Racing starts on January 30. The Louis Vuitton Pacific Series is being organised in association with the New Zealand Government, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Auckland City and Sky City Entertainment Group. Bruno Troublé is Louis Vuitton's organizer and spokesperson for the Series.

The creation of this event is in response to the legal battle surrounding the America's Cup yachting competition. Up to twelve syndicates are expected to participate in the event. All twelve teams will use boats loaned for the regatta from Team New Zealand and BMW Oracle Racing to make participation more affordable.

Described by its creators as a "fun and friendly event", the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series relies on the concept of loaned boats and quick and short races with an abbreviated schedule to pack 72 match races into a three week period. There will be racing every day except on two scheduled lay days.

New Zealand has a top-notch team called the All Blacks. Before each game they perform the haka which is a traditional posture dance of the Maoris.

OK, let's forget about the Australian Open. We probably couldn't get tickets anyway. There are lots of things to do in Auckland. Wellington doesn't have a lot happening right now. I saw this ad for a kayaking tour.

Matakana River Kayaks
Escape for a couple of hours and join us for a leisurely paddle along the beauitful Matakana River into the Sandspit outlet and along the coastline to Buckleton's Beach. There you will climb into our adventurous Land rover defender for a complimentary ride back to the scenic Matakana Wharf for some tasty homemade treats and organic plunger coffee and a selection of teas. An excellent way to spend a few hours before slipping on your glad-rags and dining out at the many colorful brasseries, in the village.

We might want to consider heading to Australia at the end of this month so we can catch the finals of the Australian Open.
The women play the final on the 31st and the men's final is Feb. 1st.