New Zealand - Christchurch and onwards.....
KIA ORA from AOTEAROA- ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’. Christchurch Top Ten was very busy and we figured that this was partly due to the nearby airport facility and the fact that it was a weekend...... We went along to the International Antarctic Centre – advertising itself as the “World’s Best Antarctic Attraction....” We had anticipated that this day was going to be a very special for Jemma’s imminent birthday. We took the Antarctic Storm experience where the wind chill sank to -15 degrees C, and a ride in the Hagglund - a genuine Antarctic all-terrain amphibious vehicle. We would describe the centre as a very virtual Antarctica with plenty of information to read ...although it was not really as we had imagined it would be..... The main penguin attraction centred around the ‘Little Blue Penguins’- who – albeit adorable and cute- are not connected to Antarctica at all! When the children went to ask if there were any animals that were actually from the Antarctic –they were told ‘No’ and this was disappointing (apart from a stuffed leopard seal!). Even more so- as all the advertising for this centre promotes the Emperor/King Penguins –and we were looking forward to being able to see these amazing creatures....we guess we’ll have to wait until Auckland to get our ‘big’ penguin fix? Out of the mouths of babes – time 9am - quote – “Has the sun actually come up yet?” We were not having the best of luck with the weather conditions!! Our spirits rose when we arrived into Kaikora, as, even though it was still raining, we were very happy to be able to visit the New Zealand Fur Seal Colony on the Peninsula. The colony was very big and the seals were either sleeping on the rocks and by the side of the road or playing in the waves, just off the shore line! It was great to see nature in action. We had parked the camper very close to the shore line wall and as we watched the wildlife show, the waves began to come over the rocks, as the wind and rain increased...... As we were just deciding that we should move the camper soon (as it would be difficult to explain how it had been swept away!) we found ourselves in another awkward situation. A seal pup had come out of the waves and slithered underneath our camper for some shelter! Not being content with this, the babe had then climbed up the rear axle for a bit of warmth! We were unable to move and as the rain lashed down and the waves swept across, there was soon a flood all around us. It is not easy to convince a seal who is all snug and warm –to PLEASE move! We must have looked a sight- trying to plead with and beckon to the seal babe! Eventually, it agreed with our plan and we were safe to move. We quickly found the Kaikora Top Ten Campground and we even gave ourselves the treat of a cabin for a couple of days. It was a novelty to be able to spread out and helped to dry us all out too! We enjoyed a birthday weekend for Jemma here..... Before heading to Blenheim, we called back into the seals once more and were able to enjoy them in the sunshine this time! We spent some time at Richmond and Nelson before trekking back to Picton. The scenic route between Nelson and Picton was stunning through the windy roads and coastal lakes. We were thrilled to see a couple of albatross as we made the Interislander journey, leaving the South Island behind and returning to the North Island. In Wellington, The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa offered a world-leading, innovative and interactive experience. There were many activity- packed levels to investigate and our experiences included an earthquake simulation, and an enormous colossal squid! There was a marae and plenty of examples and information about the indigenous people, their beliefs, history and culture. The museum has become a National Symbol and is now affectionately known as ‘Our Place’, as it celebrates the very essence of New Zealand and its people. The children enjoyed the many ‘hands- on’ discovery centres and learnt how to weave a bridge, at one of the weekend arts and craft sessions which was held at the museum. Onwards and upwards – we will hope to catch some more of the sights of Wellington when we return towards the end of June. We travelled through the Ashhurst Domain and managed to find the place with the LONGEST name – in the world! Are you ready? – it goes a bit like this – “TAUMATAWHAKATANGIHANGAKOAUAUOTAMATEATURIPUKAAKAPIKIMAUNGAHORONUKUPOKAIWHENUAKITANATAHU” We will give you a helping hand and say that in our estimation that longest name has 85 letters! It is difficult to believe-but this is actually the abbreviated form of ‘ The brow of a hill where Tamatea, the Man with the big knees, who slid, climbed, and swallowed mountains, known as Land Eater, played his flute to his Brother’. We enjoyed our time at Hastings and the first class attention from James and his gang at the Hastings Top Ten Camp Site. We had an interesting visit to the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre at Hawkes Bay, where we took a look into the fascinating world of the honey bee and had a yummy honey tasting session! Afterwards we enjoyed a stroll around the Haumoana Farmyard Zoo and saw a wide variety of animals. Napier was a very interesting place as the area was devastated by an earthquake in 1931. This was a catastrophic quake and measured 7.9 on the Richter Scale. The number of fatalities rose to 258 and the Hawkes Bay Museum provided us with lots more information about this natural disaster. A major rebuilding plan was instigated and the town was re-built. It is now one of the most uniformed Art-Deco style Cities in the world, which helps to create a unique location. From the Bluff Hill lookout, we saw the views over Napier, Hawke Bay and the inner harbour, which has been raised from the seabed by the earthquake. At Morere we had our first experience of relaxing in a natural geothermal hot spring. These were unique hot water springs in the scenic Morere rainforest reserve. In the bush setting, there were several baths, of varying temperatures to choose from. This natural spring water has many minerals that are said to be very good for the skin and general well-being. We stayed at Mahia Beach and then went back to Morere to conquer the rainforest bush walk..... At Gisborne we fitted in a game of crazy golf around our trek to find all the Captain Cook statues and monuments in the city (and also Young Nick, Cook’s cabin boy too!) Check the next update for our news of Whakatane.........in the Bay of Plenty......
Monday, 22 June 2009 10:03:09 (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)      Comments [0]  New Zealand