Blogs from North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 13

Trying to describe the Tawhiti Museum is tricky. Maybe I should begin by saying it is well worth a visit - but that isn't very informative. Part of my difficulty is my view of what a museum is and what I am used to seeing in one. Right - still not very informative. I may need to think about this a bit more. The museum's brochure advertises itself as "Bringing you face to face with your heritage." Face to face is a great description because so much of the museum revolves around its life-size figures and scale models. These are absolutely incredible. The work that has gone into them, and continues to go into them, is phenomenal. If you are a fan of models, you are in for a treat. If you expect to see a ... read more

Right place, right time for the first time in my life. And I had my camera with me!!!!! I need to buy a lottery ticket! Bruno, my 4-legged friend (Instagram: Bruno_the_Malshi) and I went out to the North Mole, Castlecliff, for a walk along our beautiful black sand. Okay, very few people think it is beautiful but I grew up on the west coast of NZ so it is what I am used to. This beach isn't the best place to walk with a little dog as it tends to be full of LARGE dogs, all off-leash so we had a quick walk and then I kept my fingers crossed that I could cross something off my bucket list. This area often has seals basking in the sun and I just prayed I would be lucky ... read more

Well, we have been in Wanaka to spend time around the Central Otago area with Viv and Charlie. The intention was to do some cycle trails, see some new areas and sights, eat some special meals and drink some special wines. Sounded good to me. Charlie has introduced me to a few of the trails around Wanaka over the last few years and I love it there. After a couple of rides around the local area we headed off to Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. Charlie, Viv, Di and I biked along the shores of Lake Dunstan and arrived at our accommodation, Bannockburn Lodge late afternoon. Great ride and not to exhausting, with fantastic views across the lake to the vineyards and the hill country above. An evening meal at the Stoker Room Bistro bar, which was ... read more

Most people who live in Wanganui have never heard of Strachan's Cave. But they are usually quick to visit it once I talk about it. This cave is listed as an historic place. Basically, it is a privately built refuge for a family that were scared for their safety during the land conflicts of the 1850s-1860s. You can read all about the history here https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/7308 It is on private land but you are allowed to access it which is wonderful. So why should you make the effort to visit the cave? Apart from being an historic site, it has two Geocaches there. But most visitors are there to see a part of NZ history and to experience what it must have been like for the family during that time, knowing they may end up hiding there ... read more

The Cycle Bridge: As someone who hasn't ridden a bicycle for several decades, it feels strange to blog about a cycle bridge. But this is far more than just a bridge for cyclists to use. url=https://www.whanganui.govt.nz/Your-Council/Projects-and-Initiatives/Works-Projects/Upokongaro-Cycle-Bridgehttps://www.whanganui.govt.nz/Your-Council/Projects-and-Initiatives/Works-Projects/Upokongaro-Cycle-Bridge The bridge is part of the Mountains to the Sea cycleway. It has already proven very popular with locals but there are also plenty of keen out-of-town cyclists, many of whom stay just up the road at the Holiday Park. https://www.mountainstosea.nz/shop/product/485045/whanganui-top-10-holiday-park/ I love the bridge. It is just a short drive from my home and I like to park by the r... read more