- Queenstown, NZ. This town has been described as the adrenaline capital and they are plenty of activities offered to attest to that. In fact, I think the bungees jumping craze started here. However, only a few minutes walk from the town centre is quite tranquil.
- A much cooler day in Queenstown and the sun is hiding but the scenery is still spectacular.
- Took a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The bus ride there and back offered some fantastic views and the cruise on the Milford Sound itself was spectacular. I think the government does s reasonable job regulating the crowd by controlling access. The famous Milford Sound Track Will take 4 days but limited to 50 people a day. The mass could access the Sound but there’s only one road.
- A spectacular day at Milford Sound!
- Arrowtown Historic Chinese Settlement. In 1880, over 3,000 Chinese came to Arrowtown during a gold rush. They were forced to live in huts at the edge of town. They probably had to brave the bitter cold winters and work under difficult conditions. The saying on one display etched in my mind because it’s how many people still feel about foreign workers: “Invited but Unwelcome”.
- Wellington, NZ. When I visit a new city, I usually join a walking tour. It’s a good way to get oriented and learn more about the place.
- Little Penang restaurant. Enjoying some Nasi Lemak (coconut rice, chicken, curry and comes with a side of a chicken wing)
- The National Museum of NZ has a permanent collection of the signed treaties between the European settlers and the different native tribes. The treaties were signed in English and the different native languages. However, because of the different wordings, the same treaty doesn’t mean the same thing. For instance, the natives did not have a word or a concept of sovereignty and certainly did not know what that have signed away.
- I may be the only passenger on this ride up to the lookout and the Botanical Garden.
- Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington.
So many different types with wonderful names: Windermere, Tess, Goodyla, Best Wishes, Outta the Blue, Heart of Gold, Red Sox, Platinum, and my personal favourite, Peace.
- Wellington Central Library. You wouldn’t think I would pass up a chance to visit a local library, would you? It’s interesting that the library keeps and displays the current electoral rolls and the City Council’s consultation documents in a predominant fashion.
- Auckland — things that are vertical.
- Auckland — things that are horizontal.
- Arrived at the pier this morning to discover no more ticket to Rangitoto for the day, unless I join a tour. So, ended up doing a walking tour and a short ferry ride to Devonport instead. The volcano would have to wait for tomorrow.
- Davenport merits its own video.
- Another city, another “Free” Walking Tour. The guide, Marty, was excellent and it’s good to learn more about the city from a local.
- I have participated in quite a number of them in various cities now and today’s tour was great. I mean how often you get a farewell song at the end of the tour. His name is Marty.
- Rangitoto Part 1 Rangitoto Island was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions about 6000 years ago. The most recent eruption is about 600 years ago. The island is accessible via a ferry but there are no commercial activities on the island. This means visitors are expected to bring in their own provisions. There is also no trash can on the island. Whatever you carry in, you must carry out.
- Rangitoto Part 2. The hike up to the summit took about 1.5 hours and it was a well-travelled incline. The landscape is certainly unusual and I was surprised to see the number of vegetations. The view of the crater was spectacular but it was difficult to capture it with a phone camera. A drone would have been handy.
- 1.5 hours climb later. A spectacular 360 view from the peak of Rangitoto.
- You should know by now about me and libraries. This is the Central City Library in Auckland. Great location, good cafe, and well organized. Of course, free and fast WiFi. The security guards, they have a few when I visited, were a bit intimidating though.
- Within an hour of walking in Auckland, I took photos of e-bikes that are scattered around the city. I’m not sure how the system works but I was told you just need the app and you can pick one or drop off anywhere. The company has people going around to recharge the battery for the electric motors.
- If you are a rugby fan, you probably recognize the haka dance because of the All Blacks. The haka is a ceremonial or war dance In the Maori culture. I filmed this at the Memorial Museum in Auckland with permission.
- The Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira (part 1 of 2) is a both a Museum and a war memorial. It has an extensive collection in the history of New Zealand. The impressive building was first erected to commemorate WWI but has since expanded to include other wars.
- The Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira (part 2 of 2) is a both a Museum and a war memorial. It has an extensive collection in the history of New Zealand. The impressive building was first erected to commemorate WWI but has since expanded to include other wars.