MAIN TRUNK LINE

WELLINGTON TO SOUTHLAND



We headed out on a sentimental journey on board the Northerner Train from Hamilton to Wellington, passing through the rugged central plateau region of the North Island.  The onboard commentary described the beautiful mountains of the region including Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. 

Unfortunately it rained most of the time and there were no views to be had from the viewing platform.  Taumarunui is Huia's home town and used to be a refreshment stop for passengers aboard trains headed north and south.  Now it is just another small rural village abandoned by big retailers and many government offices.

Wellington is home to New Zealand's parliament building.  It is easily recognized as the industrious Bee Hive. 

The cable car gave us good views over the windy capital.  We stayed with Huia's sister Val in a very small apartment before moving on to Christchurch.

Sister Jacky and her man Stevie were our hosts for the duration of our stay in Christchurch.  Stevie drove us around for a look at the devastation caused by the earthquakes of five years ago.  While the city will never be the same, the planners are slowly addressing the claims, providing compensation and attempting to rebuild the CBD.

 
 
 
 
 
They are being very creative in their use of shipping containers as barricades to prevent further damage to properties from falling debris, and as modular office spaces and shopping malls.

We were impressed with this church made entirely of recycled materials, glass and cardboard.  Aesthetially - different!  But very sound and environmentally friendly.

 

After 2 months of quality time with family and friends we headed south from Christchurch to explore the southern alps.  We   encountered fog and rain the first day but day 2 it cleared and we had excellent views of the lakes and mountains.  Cromwell looked familiar as it has similar terrain to the south Okanagan, uses irrigation and produces all the crops we are familiar with.  The old Cromwell was flooded in the 1980s to form the Clyde River Dam.

Aoraki - Mt Cook.

Swingbridges aplenty!

Good practice for Milford Track

Lake Wakatipu

Just like the Okanagan?

On the endangered list?  Baa humbug, our numbers are down by half from a couple decades past, now only 30 million of us left.  Bloody cows!
Next post - Milford Track!

NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND

THE NEW ZEALAND LEG
NORTH ISLAND

 With brother John partway up Mt Maunganui.  Yvonne already at the top.

 Brad and cousin James with Julie Anna and Holly at Tay Street cafe.  Last brunch.

 Old rugby mates swimmimg in Peachgrove Bay after our 40th reunion celebration last night!

 Cathedral Cove Sanctuary, Whitianga.  All marine life protected here over a wide area.

View from our 55 ft Launch, at Great Mercury Island owned by Michael Fay of America's Cup fame (briefly)

Mmmm, scallops and salad.  Have you noticed how much Huia's family enjoy their food!!!

Did I mention we love food?

Yep.  Here we are on brother in law Gibson's boat, having Birthday Breakfast.  Happy Birthday Gib!

 John's Hangi Cooker (Not the traditional method!)  Food is layered in baskets.

 Top layer is covered with Foil.  Add a little water then turn on the gas.

Result........ instant hangi (well, 2 hours but no hot rocks or fire to light, but thirst inducing nevertheless, and yummy good)

Snapper anyone?  Erin displays our morning's catch.

 Three Beauties.

And another three.

Off to the South Island for the final leg.  Soon be Spring Break thank goodness, time for a rest.