Blogs from Carterton, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

After 6 1/2 weeks on the South Island we have crossed Cook's Strait and are now sitting on the docks in Wellington. Since our last blog we visited Hanmer Springs - a small alpine village whose origins go back to the late 1800's when the benefits of the natural hot springs drew people 'to take the waters'. Shortly thereafter, a sanitorium was built and its main feature was to provide therapy and convalescence for emotionally stressed returning soldiers starting with the Crimean war, up to and including World War II. It is now a tourist destination where the hot springs have been commercialized, but are not lavish. We enjoyed soaking in the various hot pools and sulphur springs, especially the private pools that people can rent for 30 minutes at a time (sorry no photos!). Continuing ... read more