New Zealand 2017

Towards the end of October, Eliz & I took about three weeks holiday in New Zealand, having signed up for Haka Tours North-South island adventure tour. This was my selfish birthday present to Elizabeth, and I had insisted despite our busy schedules that we go before the end of the calendar year. We had a terrific time, and met a wonderful group of young people who had also signed on. (While Haka assured us we wouldn't be the oldest ones on our tour, we had at least a quarter century on all of them.)

Between us, we took almost 3000 photos, which I've winnowed down to about 750. I've further broken these into 24 pages, which you can jump between more easily. A few of the pages have linked video, or will have when I get around to uploading them.

Page 1, wherein we arrive to Auckland and explore the town and harbor.

Page 2, wherein we meet our tour group and head in the bus for our first destination on the north island, Whtianga.

Page 3, wherein a handful of our group go on a "black water rafting" adventure and check out a glow worm cave.

Page 4, wherein we check out a swing bridge and the Blue Spring, where the majority of New Zealand's bottled water originates. That night, we dine with the Mitai tribe and are treated to a demonstration of some Maori traditions.

Page 5, wherein Elizabeth and I go zip-lining in a native rain forest.

Page 6, wherein we visit the Waiotapu Thermal Park and check out the natural hot springs and Huka waterfall in Taupo.

Page 7, wherein we sail Lake Taupo on a boat that once belonged to Errol Flynn.

Page 8, wherein we enjoy a group barbecue and try our hands at Gumboot Throwing. We arrive to Wellington and enjoy a nice dinner.

Page 9, wherein Eliz and I hike to a view atop Mount Victoria, then check out the Wellington museum and the botanical gardens.

Page 10, wherein we meet the others for some street food and fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. The next morning, we leave our bus for a ferry ride to the south island. (Just in time as it turns out, since Ronnie lost her rear suspension towards the end and broke down completely when the next group took her over.)

Page 11, wherein we travel to Kaikoura, and Eliz & I swim with some dolphins. We end the day at a nice Haka lodge in Christchurch.

Page 12, wherein we go hot-air ballooning with Yen & Brian, then check out the Christchurch Art Museum.

Page 13, wherein we meet up with our group and head out to Tekapo, where we wer all surprised by a snowstorm in the night.

Page 14, wherein we enjoy our first afternoon in Queenstown and take a gondola up to Bob's Peak to be amazed by the view and learn how to luge.

Page 15, wherein Eliz & I are joined by Lauren on a horse trek near Glenorchy.

Page 16, wherein Jon, Brian, and Yen join us in a "canyoning" adventure that was more than we'd signed up for.

Page 17, wherein Eliz & I enjoy a leisurely day on Lake Wakapitu.

Page 18, wherein we drive over a mountain pass to get to Wanaka. The following day, most of us take a hike up Mount Iron. Some of us also go to see "The Lonely Tree"

Page 19, wherein we make a number of stops for beauty on the way to the Franz Josef glacier.

Page 20, wherein some of our group hike to see the glacier.

Page 21, wherein about half of us go on a final group kayaking adventure on Lake Mapourika.

Page 22, wherein some brave singers stand up for karaoke night at the pub. The next day, we stop in Hokitika and see some live kiwi birds on our way to catch the train in Greymouth.

Page 23, wherein everyone but our leader boards the Alpine Express bound for Christchurch, the final destination for the organized part of our trip.

Page 24, wherein Eliz & I have a final day on our own in Christchurch, which we spend wandering in search of good eats and take a ferry to Diamond harbor.

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Eliz & I planned an extra day in Christchurch after our tour ended, ostensibly to see penguins in Akaroa.

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We walked around and had a nice dinner before retiring at our B&B.

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This was probably the best meal we had in New Zealand at The Villas, and it wasn’t too expensive.

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The next morning, we found out that we would have had to catch an early bus to Akaroa if we wanted to see the penguins, which we had missed.

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So, we wandered around some more and had lunch again at the Containers.

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This was one of the earthquake memorial installations.

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The church was propped up in hopes of restoring it, I guess.

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Someone we met at lunch suggested we take the ferry out of Lyttelton Harbor as a nice afternoon excursion.

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Lyttelton Harbor

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The ferry was very nice, and certainly not crowded, as there were just a few of us on board.

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Diamond Harbor

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We took a short walk to a cafe up the hill from the harbor.

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We came upon someone operating a drone out over the bay, and he gave us a little demo.

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The drone could recognize and avoid obstacles, and it shot 4K video.

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This is the little cafe where we stopped for a snack.

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They were quite busy when we arrived, because a big hiking group had descended on them shortly before.

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On the trail to Stoddard Point

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There was a nice bench with a nicer view.

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This is one of seven or so natural bays corresponding to the eroded cone of an extinct volcano.

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It’s Photo Man!

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Back near the harbor where we caught the return ferry

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The ferry returns.

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The water really is that color.

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We thought we’d head back to the Container mall to scare up some dinner, but the place was deserted. Seems it’s just a lunch–time spot.

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We nevertheless found a nice cafe next to the botanical gardens and had some tea and a bite.

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The gardens are lovely, and not too damaged by the earthquake. Plants are funny that way.

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Let sleeping ducks lie.

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You may not be able to see me in this photo, thanks to my superb camoflage. This is one of a wildlife photographer’s secrets.

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Paradise ducklings

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Moma duck

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Dawn Redwood

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Infinity Stairs

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Sundial
Unfortunately, all the buildings were closed by the time we got there.

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The roses were still open, however.

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The church of the mighty tree

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Along with the ferry recommendation, the man we met at lunch suggested we find this place called the Little High Eatery, which was a hip food court off High Street.

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Looks like Putin.

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The Little High Eatery

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Eliz is always happier with some cider inside her.

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This is the restaurant tram passing by off Cashel Street.

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Back at The Grange B&B, where we stayed the last two nights.

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"Hello, 1902? I’m having a problem logging into Windows"

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Page created Nov 27 2017