Waterworks and some hiking

It seems today we woke without much jet lag or even any significant effects from the vaccinations, but my arm is a little sore. Again, Zane immediately wanted to jump on the giant pillow outside but it wasn't inflated until 9am. Probably best because he can't stop laughing when he's on it. 

Today we spent a few hours at Waterworks Park  (map) and did two small hikes, one to a waterfall another to see giant Kauri trees. All of these are on the same road and only a few minutes drive from each other.

Before Waterworks we stopped at Waiau Falls and hiked around the falls and down the creek a little. Then Zane lead a bushwhacking party right through the jungle back to the main trail. That boy has got a sense of adventure and direction, way to go big Z that was fun. The hike to the waterfall from the road was less than 5min but that part didn't require any bushwhacking, it's a well kept path. 

Waterworks Park was a lot of fun for all of us. There were signboards along the path you follow with interesting and funny factoids and stories to read, at least for the parents. Everything on the park is made from recycled materials and is powered from the creek nearby or from solar. Many of the displays have a small interactive feature, others are automatic but all were fun to observe. The grounds were very large. As you get further down the path you begin to run into a maze, various swings and see-saws, climbing towers, a water slide (questionable) and zip lines. The zip lines were short and do-it-yourself but very fun. The larger one really sweeps through the trees, took Zane some convincing to get on but once down he had to go again of course!

 

 

The owner and builder of Waterworks was very kind and suggested that we go see the giant Kauri trees (map) in a small grove just past the waterfall. The sign for the hike says it takes about 30mins round trip. We were hungry for lunch so it may have been shorter for us but it's an easy hike, Zane did just fine. Lil' tree hugger.

Unfortunately, after lunch everything seemed to ketch up with us all. Nicole was really tired form lack of sleep and I almost lost my voice as my scratchy throat got worse from the plane ride. Zane had it worst though, he got sick in bed while relaxing but Mom took care of cleaning while I held the big guy. Sorry babe that's not fun but you're such a great Mom. We all spent the rest of the day laying around and eventually everyone fell asleep pretty early.