Bula! Welcome to Fiji! Jan 26th-Feb 3rd

After an adventurous and very enjoyable time in New Zealand we headed towards the island of Fiji! We were excited to relax, enjoy the sunshine and just enjoy the slow downed pace! We stayed at the Sonaisali Resort just outside Nadi, located on a island. Fiji has experienced some flooding just before we arrived but thankfully the rain stopped when we got there! On the way to the resort we witnessed the many homes that had been severely damaged- some homes were completely submerged. The resort however was ok during the flooding. Sonaisali was quite nice and immersed in Figian culture- which we really liked. We were going to be spending 8 nights relaxing nights here. The food was wonderful and the staff were very kind. We enjoyed a couple special days, such as a couples trip to the spa and a nine course dinner night. One day we even ventured into Nadi for a shopping trip. We had a lovely time in Fiji and were sad to go.

Our room, just along the ocean front. 

Huts along the beach where we would spend some time reading. 

Our jacuzzi milk bath- overloaded with bubbles!

One of the best pools thus far at a resort! 

Traditional Figian singers and dancers

My dance partner 

The spa

Finally learning to use the self timer by myself

Downtown Nadi

Having a traditional Kava ceremony( Figian drink) 

hello sun!

Stuffed after the nine course meal- our dessert in packed up to take back to our rooms  because we were so full!

Farewell Dinner!

Farewell singing 

North Island- New Zealand Jan 16th-26th

Hello Everyone! Sorry but we're keepin this one short and sweet! Enjoy!

Monday January 16th- Stayed in Hamilton for the night at a Hostel before returning our car! It was also here in Hamitlon that I tried on my bridesmaid dress for my friend Joyce's wedding! I got measured so it could be ordered in Canada- very excited!

Tuesday January 17th- Went to Cambridge to see Steve (Mark's boss). Short on time we grabbed his truck so we could return our rental to Auckland airport. Mark drove Steve's ute and I drove the rental. That night we stayed at Frienz place (as hostel, downtown Auckland). Not the best sleep in the world, but we met a nice Dutch couple that night at the bar and enjoyed their company.

Wednesday January 18th- Headed towards the Bay of Islands (northern part of the North Island) at 6 am! We arrived in a small town called Pahia, then headed to the beach, one in particular called Whale Bay was where we spent most of our time as it had the bluest clear water and was nestled in a small private cove- it was wonderful! After spending some time here we decided to head South again but stopped at a hostel just outside Auckland to catch some winks!

Thursday January 19th- Today our sights were set on the infamous hot water beach (towards the west coast) We arrived just before noon and unfortunately we missed the low tide and could not dig a hole in the sand to enjoy the warm water so we spent some time on Hahei beach- which was very lovely! That night, after settling into a hostel(which was situated along hot water beach) we decided to go for a walk along the beach around 9pm. The sun was just going down and tonnes of people were arriving with shovels and coolers. We realized that the low tide was happening so we quickly went back to grab our shovels! Digging was pretty fun and in some spots the water was burning hot- too hot to even touch! We were bucketing in cold water from the ocean just to keep our "water hole" just right! We stayed until about 12:30am and chatted with fellow beach goers.

Wonderful sights along our drive- such as these rushing waters!

Thermal areas we stopped at- it was really stinky but really neat!

Geyser holes- not in action unfortunately

Thermal pool

Whale Bay

Me swimmin

Off we go to dig!

May the best hole win!

Careful not to burn your feet!

So warm! : ) 

January 20th-26th

We spent the remainder of our time in New Zealand with Mark's former boss Steve at his home in Cambridge. We arrived at his home on 20th and that night we had a lovely dinner at his parents home.


Saturday January 21st-  Today we spent the day with our friend Daan Lekkerkerker. Daan is a friend from Holland- his brother worked on the Sterkholm farm for a couple years and we became very good friend with him and his family. Daan came to visit the farm nearly 5 years ago now and we were looking forward to visiting him! Daan is working for a contracting company in Reporea, a town about 1 hour drive from Cambridge. We spent the day in Rotorua, luging, sky-swinging and zorbing!

Daan, his friend Jessica, Mark and Me- ready to luge! 

The dreaded sky swing! 200 meters up, going 150km/hr ! We were a little nervous but it was quite fun!

The rest of the week we spent time doing some farm tours, visiting beaches, the Hobbiton movie set and enjoying Steve's company- we enjoyed seeing all the farms and Mark loved seeing the equipment!)

Sams house!

Bilbo Baggins house!

Sheep Shearin!