Blogs from Wanganui, Wanganui, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 5

Ok I've been away from Wellington for a few days this week exploring a bit more of this fantastic country. Slept in a different bed, very comfy if a bit creaky and hacked a bit more bush down. But I will get to that later. First we had a bit of excitement on Tuesday. It was meant to be a normal sailing day. The three new volunteers had yet to go out on the boat so it was going to be a good day. The clouds were down which meant that it wasn't as picturesque as last time but at least the wind wasn't strong. We headed out, or made way as Terry called it and got out into the harbour. After raising the sail, Pernille took over the helm. Three of us were sat on ... read more

Hello again folks. since the last blog (i've just updated myself to see what i thought i'd done) i've managed to wind my way along from the seaside english tranquility of new plymouth to the riverside english tranquility of Wanganui. To avoid any confusion over the next few paragraphs the river and the town are called "Wanganui", while the region, although pronounced in exactly the smae way inserts an 'h' and is hence spelt "Whanaganui" - they are all though one and the same really. Anyway, first off the bad news is that unfortunately no climbing of the great Mount Taranaki ended up occuring, mainly because of suspect weather reports from well meaning people in the toursit info office, and the unavailablitiy of information as to the weather at the top of the mounatin - considering ... read more

The Wanganui River, once known as the Rhîne of the South Sea, winds its way through the heart of NZ's North Island, starting off where I had finished the Tongariro Track (if you agree to ignore the 200km trip I annoyingly had to take down to Wellington 1st). I decided to get away from the stress of travelling for a few days - yes, it's a hard life: even travelling can be stressful. However, I would hedge a bet that everyone at some point has, for a moment, wanted to completely immerse themselves in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of booming noises, catfood adverts, road-rage, George Bush's antics and general fast-forward panic of the western world, even if you weren't a hippy. Well, this was my moment. The Maori story goes, Taranaki once lived ... read more

Hi guys, Dave here, Well weve been in Wellington for the past 2 days in one of the best hostels yet, 5 star no less, which means you get some sleep. Ventured out to Lone star for a huge meal which filled us up so much we couldnt muster a sentance between us for a good half hour! (see pics - will eventually put on) Also got to learn more about the southern night sky as we visited the observatory to have a virtual show and lecture. Then got the heart stopping, hair raising gondola back down to Wellington. At present we are now in wanganui, ready to set off for national park youth hostel tomorrow, while Simon and Laura get to try out their silky skiing skills?????????????????? Hope all is well! ... read more

We spent the first half of the week back at Bushy Park. We were able to finish the trail we began in April on our last visit. Maybe it is the close quarters of the cabin that inspire deep conversation, but we got into a heated debate over some of the comments made by the man who runs Bushy Park. He is about 70 years old and seems to feel that women can't do the kind of work that men can. It is frustrating because he makes these comments in the midst of us doing the work that he thinks is a man's job. My aunt warned me before my trip here that I may experience some of that attitude here. It is frustrating and I hope that GVN will speak to him if they are ... read more