It was nice to have a lie in this morning aided by the fact I had a whole double bed to myself. I think I basically slept in it sideways in the end! After spending a while just relaxing in bed I picked up on another dull football result, although I at least knew we hadn't lost as my phone stayed silent all night. It was then onto a quick shower which easily beats what's on offer at the hostel, before finally settling down for breakfast!
It was all pretty relaxing this morning having a nice chats about everything and looking at various things. I couldn't resist showing my bungy video either which went down well I think! It was also very interesting to hear about all the genealogy research into the family, something which I have always wanted to do but have never really had the motivation to really go into any depth.
After an interesting morning we went out for a walk round the surprisingly large retirement village which included this massive leisure complex. With a swimming pool, darts room, pool table and an outdoor bowling green amongst the things on offer, I would have been in my element. After looking round here it was off for a walk along this small forest walk which ran next to this lake. There were lots of allotments and interesting plants along here, even seeing an grapefruit tree amongst other things!
After returning home, the next thing we did was go for a drive round Paraparaumu where I was shown many of the sights round the place. First stop was this lookout up a hill where I got a 360 view of the nearby area, including Kapiti Island which I was tempted to visit but opted against because it is strictly only 86 people a day. The island is home to many of NZs protected bird species as it is free from predators. We also saw this new housing development up top which were all these bungalows. Apparently the town is growing at a rapid rate.
After getting back into the car and passing all the newly built houses, each one completely unique to another, we continued our drive right down to the coastline although the sea was a little rough. Whilst here we stopped off a couple of times to take in the views before stopping off at the beachfront shopping area which was only small for a lunch of fish and chips. It was a proper piece of fish and nice way to finish the morning.
Having a quick look round the shops which were dominated by cafes open on this Easter Sunday, we drove over to the other side of town, this time to check out the river. After crossing this swing bridge we were going to walk right down to the estuary although the heavens just opened so we turned around and came straight back. From here we therefore drove just out of town to the Southward Car Museum, passing construction work for this expressway being built right through the middle of Paraparaumu.
Upon arrival at the museum it was gleaming sun once again although whilst inside the heaven's just opened! Spread over three floors, this museum showcased many old cars, planes, bikes and other quirky little things in-between. Among the highlights included this futuristic white pod, this weird dog thing, and what I think was a plane from the war. There was so much to see from all over the world, and after finishing we went to the cafe where we had an ice cream before leaving after a pretty full on day, going via a country housing estate on the way home, also getting a glimpse of this new express way to be built.
When returning home on what was a brilliant day exploring the town, I just relaxed, aided by the fact I had computer access! Before long it was time for dinner which this evening was fillet steak with mash and vegetables, followed by the amazing pavlova for dessert! This was them followed by these homemade sponge cake things, and by this point I couldn't help but think I was being spoilt! The evening was then spent watching tv which was all UK based for a change, before eventually heading to bed after watching a show about deaths in the tower of London!
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