Crossed the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth via Arthur’s Pass.
A phenomenal journey of wild landscape, changing sky and reflection on beauty.
Category / Adventure!
Christchurch
We were saddened by the devastation of the city centre in the earthquake of 2011. Many buildings are still in much the same state as they were post the big quake and the numerous after shocks.
The original Christchurch Cathedral and Christchurch Transitional Cathedral appear to be poignant and iconic reminders of this journey to reclaim the soul of the city.
Discovered a red balloon between two rows of seats and experienced a strange sense of renewed hope as it soared up towards the cardboard roof.
Sea life
Last night we encountered the Little Blue Penguins who came back to their nests to feed their chicks after dark.
This morning we saw two young male Sperm Whales, dozens of Dusky Dolphins, Albatross and Giant Petrel.
We are full.
Lavender
Visited Kaikoura Lavender Farm and, despite it being early in the growing season, enjoyed the scented beauty of the place.
Today the Southern Pacific Ocean has been moody, the sky grey and the air humid. We head out in the dark tonight in search of the little blue penguins who come up onto the beach at dusk.
Tramping
Tramped the Kaikoura Peninsula and were gifted with stunning vistas of snow capped mountains, azure ocean, fur seals, birds, flowers and shining white limestone cliffs.
Referendum
New Zealanders are voting on which of the five flags below they prefer.
There will be a second referendum in March 2016 to decide whether the winning flag will replace the current NZ flag.
North to South
We travelled the Cook Strait from the North Island to the South Island. A beautiful crossing.
Stopped at Cloudy Bay for a Sauvignon Blanc; then one who did not taste the wine drove us down to Kaikoura where we will hold up for four days, hopefully meeting dolphins and whales.
Tui
A Tui landed on a nearby branch in the botanical gardens. After weeks of hoping it was great to see one so close.
Climate Change
Wellington sightseeing and we are surprised and hugely impressed by a march of thousands protesting against governmental indifference to climate change. All ages – from tiny tots to very old. We join them for a while.
Guest writer – Jen
1930’s
Napier is a wonderful town to wander the streets and look up at the tops of buildings and enjoy the Art Deco style of those built after the devastating earthquake in 1931.
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