Arrival at Wellington Airport, 21 April 2011

I missed the opportunity to witness my youngest brother’s wedding in the Philippines in January 2008.  And though I had the chance to visit his family in Singapore during our family reunion in April 2010, there’s so much catching up to do especially with their bundle of joy, Isabel!  So when they finally decided to visit NZ in April of this year, I was so thrilled!

While eagerly counting down the days before their arrival, Pumpkin Patch had been my favorite destination after work.  Wrapping up Isabel in autumn comfort and style was an exciting challenge as I had the slightest idea of how much she has actually grown.  True enough, the shoes I initially bought for her didn’t do justice – luckily, the store gladly replaced it with a snuggly ugg-inspired boots which were absolutely awesome on her.  This little sweetie is such a fashionista at 19 months!

Love your smile, Isabel!

In the eyes of a professional “shooter”, I know Noel will find NZ a genuine haven for his lenses – well, hopefully he did!  First, we explored Wellington City and its MUST-DOs, such as the cable car ride to the Botanic Garden, visit to Te Papa Museum, a peek at Mt. Victoria’s 360-degree lookout point, beach-side hopping and wee bit of al fresco dining.

View of Wellington CBD from the Botanic Garden

Any visit to NZ will not be complete without a quick look at Weta Cave and some significant location sites for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Amidst Kaitoke Park, about 45 minutes drive north of Wellington, lies an enchanting spot known as Rivendell, the rallying place for elves in the LOTR trilogy.  Apart from its movie appeal, it is also an ideal camping and picnic site for families and group outings where one can swim in the shallow river waters (alongside friendly ducks!) or walk the Ridge track for the avid adventure-seekers.

The "shooter" at work!

With a promising weather, it was time to explore the outskirts of Wellington, with Noel in the driver’s seat – lucky me!  Topping the list of our road-trip favorites was our visit to Castlepoint – undeniably one of the most spectacular sights along the Wairarapa coast.  Limestone reef, sheltered sandy beaches and the stunning Castle Rock Lighthouse completes this picture-perfect experience.  Truly awesome!

View is just indescribable from every angle!

And farther away – we jumped aboard the Interislander bound to Picton for a scenic ferry ride crossing the sparkling waters of the Cook Strait, separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand.   It was my second time to visit Picton but I’m still equally amazed by its serenity and picturesque waterfront.  Our day tour didn’t allow us to discover much of its lush countryside and renowned wineries – but the journey itself is an experience not to be missed!  After a sumptuous lunch, we rummaged through interesting souvenir shops, walked in the breezy park and simply enjoyed a relaxing afternoon under large palm trees, munching on fresh fish ‘n’ chips as we watched the sun set on the harbor views.

Picturesque Picton!

The days passed so quickly and it was time to wind down with just two days before the end of their 12-day visit.  Isabel and I had our own bonding moments watching Nick Jr at home; while Noel and Cecille took the chance to walk around Wellington CBD, traveled by bus and train, and discovered the sights and sounds of the inner city.  They spent half a day at fascinating Cuba Street, one of the bohemian areas of Wellington, with its wide array of cafes, second-hand shops, art galleries, and music stores – a watering hole for coffee addicts and keen shoppers seeking for something different!

I wasn’t expecting a shopping spree in Wellington for Noel and Cecille being residents of Singapore, a haven for the ultimate shop-a-holics.  But Noel really went crazy with rock-bottom priced blue-ray movies as we went through every mall and Warehouse outlet to complete his movie title list.  Isabel had her own share of comfy clothes, child-friendly wooden toys and number magnets; while Cecille filled her “santa stockings” with proudly NZ-made Whittaker chocolate blocks and Aromatherapy diffusers as “pasalubong” for friends back home.

Missing you all!

It was an absolute joy having Noel, Cecille and Isabel even for just a few days.  Their visit wasn’t long enough to make up for lost times, but the cherished moments we shared were truly heart-warming, enough to rekindle family ties and find fresh source of inspiration.

I didn’t say goodbye to this lovable family ’coz I would rather say …

“see you all again soon!”