Wednesday, November 30, 2016

NewZealand16πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ίfinal

Day 16 and finale entry for this adventure. 

Our last day in Wellington and the amazing country of New Zealand.  Proud to say, we are finally getting down how to talk New Zealand -- ish. Like, let's meet at 2:30...ish. This works pretty well unless you are getting on a plane or bus...

There is no doubt that is was an honor and pleasure to meet and travel with this amazing compliment of intrepid travelers. Our guide is superb. No doubt, made our travel experience seamless and smooth. Even found interesting activities on those inclement weather days. A huge thank you to Josh!  

Here are some parting shots...













Readers, thank you for traveling with us.  Cheers

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

NewZealand15πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

Day 15. Welly welly Wellington. Or more accurately, windy Wellington. 
The city sign says it for sure. 



They have a zephometer - a needle that shows the wind direction. They had to replace it and move it farther from the traffic when then wind blew it over and hit trucks going by. Now that's windy!



First stop on the Windy City tour, the Wellington botanical gardens. 










Next stop, was a thrill. The Roxy theater and meet Jamie Selkirk! Academy award winner for his film editing for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We were treated to a scone, coffee, a talk by Jamie and a film about Weta Workshop and studios. Very cool!









Then up the hill to Mount Victoria for fabulous views of this fair city. 







The afternoon was a mini craft beer tour. Josh expertly guided us from one yummy beer to another. When down at the wharf, we saw another celebrity, Peter Arnett, CNN journalist for the Vietnam and gulf wars. Most known for his interview with Obama bin Laden. One just never knows who you might see out and about.  Another couple of this travel group saw The king of Jordan. He did not wave back.... not sure why...







Group dinner tonight and our farewell dinner tomorrow.  One more entry in this blog, keep reading!

Monday, November 28, 2016

NewZealand14πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

Day 14. West to east coast, Christchurch and fly to Wellington.   Bye bye Hokitika



Rascally rabbit



Historic stop at an 1800's stagecoach hotel complete with lots and lots of old stuff



Is that a bit hanging from the clothesline?


I see you!!



Arthur's Pass





A Kea, not IKEA.  So cool he came to say hi



Braided river, neat huh?




a sheep & cattle farm... an OAT staple 




Possum imitation...and a good one



Christchurch. Still noticeable heavy damage from the quakes in 2011 and 2012. The process of rebuilding has a ways to go



180 chairs, memorial for those who died in the quakes 


911 memorial - girders from the world trade building 


Blue penguins!!  Getting psyched for the next trip!



Our last but not least destination, Wellington.  Very cool city on the south coast of the north island and the capital city.  Tomorrow, exploring. Stay tuned. 

Sunday, November 27, 2016

NewZealand13πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

Enjoy pics of today's adventure. Punakaiki, or also known as Pancake rocks. 

Apparently it is a bad thing to ride a bike on railroad tracks....








Windy Vivian?





Bye bye Hokitika, hello Wellington, our last destination before our journey home 
More adventure to come!