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Published: February 19th 2011
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Ferry Views
Even the InterIslander ferry between the islands includes some pretty spectacular mountain and forest views. Thursday 10th February – South Island to North Island
Goodbye to Deb and Ted in Kaikoura and off to see our good friends Julie and Pauline in Wellington:
TranzScenic & InterIslander – Stunning rail journey along the coast from Kaikoura to Picton and then equally scenic ferry from Picton to Wellington.
Beautiful Wellington – Quick view of the city; close up and from a vantage point in the hills – there is no shortage of hills to find a view from.
Chinese Malay Cooking – Fabulous feast of authentic Malay curry and Chinese noodles with our Malay/Chinese/Kiwi friends.
Friday 11th February – Exploring Wellington
A day to sample some of the delights of the windy (and hilly) capital of New Zealand:
Weta Cave – A fascinating visit to the team that created many of the visual effects for Lord of the Rings, District 9, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Avatar and many other films.
Te Papa Museum – A really well constructed and interesting slant on Kiwi history and attitudes – and all built to survive a major earthquake!
Chinese New Year – A significant day (9th day) in the Chinese New Year period
Wellington Views
Simon and Deborah with a backdrop of Wellington harbour views. seemed a very appropriate excuse to eat more fabulous home-cooked traditional Chinese food.
Saturday 12th February – Local Sights in the Capital
A mix of local “in the know” experiences and evidence of Wellington as parliamentary capital of NZ:
Wind Turbine Run – For hill-running junkies, this was a perfect cool morning run up to the local wind turbine, about 1.5 miles up from the house. Another unusual running destination ticked off the list.
Local Eating – Brunch at Caffe L’Affare and lunch at R&S Satay Noodle House, for the real Wellingtonian dining experience – not for tourists!
Parliament Tour – An interesting hour’s tour of the seat of Kiwi Government, with the role of Governor General (as representative of the Queen) and the use of Royal Assent for new laws still alive and well.
Note: In Australia, as recently as 1975, the equivalent role of Governor General actually dismissed parliament as he felt it wasn’t working!.
Sunday 13th February – Our Other Good Friends in Wellington
As Wellington contains such lovely people, we dropped in on some more, to spend a lovely Sunday with James and Mary-Elizabeth:
Harbourside Market – Wellingtonians
Deborah on the Pull
Deborah fancies a change - meet the new fella... are very lucky to have two fabulous Sunday markets, selling fresh fruit, veg and various delicacies - time to stock up for the camper van!
Wellington Walk – A leisurely walking tour of Wellington with James, including Maritime Museum, Cable Car, Botanic Gardens and Harbourside.
Food with a View – Lovely meals; each with a stunning close up view of the blue harbour waters and local sea life (ferries, boats and divers).
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derek dishman
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Greatings from blighty
Hi you two. You do seem to be having a lovely time and loads more of it yet to come. I used to think I was lucky to have my break at Xmas and all my various bike trips. I am now feeling decidely over-worked and under-holidayed. Can you throw in a mini disaster to the blog even if you have to make it up ! to make everyone in wet England feel better. I am in awe of your bungy jumping, except you didn't jump did you - weren't you pushed ? I would pay not to have to jump. Have a lovely time, the photos are great. Derek