Well, we had to make sure we fitted in as many activities as possible for them.
The first thing in morning we took the girls to the park across the road to feed the ducks and the pukekos.
Then to the famous NZ ice cream factory for a little tour.
Unfortunately we weren't allow to film or take any pictures during the tour. However, the kids (especially Kentaro :) ) enjoyed watching all sorts of different machinery that they use for mixing the milk and flavours through to packaging them.
The best part? Trying their ice cream after the tour of course :)
After a little break at the Tip Top factory, we drove to Pukekohe to see the Lieshout family. The weather got much better. See the fantastic NZ blue sky!?
The Kobayashi family was truly impressed by the size of the backyard the Lieshout boys get to play on.
We visited them in December last year so the kids got along very very well. Luca was determined to go on the motorbike with Thomas, and Oliver was very keen to play soccer with Monty. Ashley of course was super keen to ride Heather's beautiful horses.
Little (not so little anymore) George took us to the flying fox. Everyone had a go - it was super fun!
Thomas gave Yuhka a ride on the motorbike around the paddock.
Unfortunately Betty the white pony which our kids had rides on in December was not keen to have anyone close to her. Heather tried so hard to get her but NO. So William got his horse ready for us to have a ride. He is so so beautiful. But so much bigger than Betty!
And Ashley had a ride too of course. My photos didn't come out too well but can you see the smiles on her face?
Heather thought I should have a go too. I really love horses but I am always quite scared of riding them. When he was walking gently it was fine but Heather decided he needed a little run around - wow-phew-wow(!) it went a little too fast for me. I was so nervous!
We were supposed to have afternoon tea together but by the time we got back to the house it was almost dinner time! Heather is such a great host. We are so grateful that we kept in contact since we both left Brunei. Her boys are amazing - very kind and caring and full of energy!
I am so glad that the Kobayashi family got to experience some very Kiwi backyard fun.
It was lovely to drive while the sun was setting. We stopped by a sheep farm (must do when you are a first time visitor to NZ right?) I still cannot believe this is only 50km away from Auckland City.
We drove all the way back to the Lone Star Steakhouse in Newmarket. Maybe it was more American than Kiwi but definitely a good place for a family with kids.
The kids had fish and chips and us adults enjoyed meaty dishes.
It was such a long day. The kids were absolutely exhausted and all went straight to bed. I didn't know how Hiroko and Kentaro still had so much energy. We sat down for some more beautiful NZ wine and cheese before heading to bed :)
The white on the left - The Rocks / Pinot Gris was Hiroko's favourite during her stay. I never tried this many bottles of NZ wine in such a short time!
And this was only Day 1 for the Kobayashi family!! Let's see how we spend Day 2 and Day 3.
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