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Published: December 17th 2011
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We are back in Christchurch after further adventures, this time in Wellington and the Wairau Valley. Flying into Wellington on Monday afternoon we made our way to the hotel before taking a stroll past Parliament, the building is known as the Bee Hive, up to Wellington Cathedral where Alex's Grandpa used to be Bishop and two of her uncles were head choristers once upon a time. It was great to see the family history including pictures of Bishop Baines and to take in a beautiful cathedral. Further, we strolled up to Ecclestone Hill where both Alex's parents lived as children next door to each other. Only one of the properties remains, being Bishop's Court which was where Alex's Dad spent many years.
Following our trip to the Cathedral we met Alex's family friend Susan who took us in her car on a tour of Wellington which included Wadestown up on the hills which overlooks the city with the homes nestled amongst wonderful green trees. Having enjoyed the views, we made our way to Upper Watt street to see the house where Alex spent the first few years of her life before continuing the tour. We eventually reached the top of
Brooklyn Hill where a single wind turbine stands and the views are spectacular… apparently! Unfortunately we drove into the clouds on our way up resulting in a limited view of some six feet which certainly made us all laugh. We concluded the tour at Havana, a restaurant and bar consisting of two original bungalows next door to each other, one containing the bar and the other the restaurant, which sit between modern high-rise buildings. The food was not tapas but rather sharing food which was delicious.
Day two in Wellington began with breakfast in Cafe Astoria where we enjoyed avocado and tomato on toast (yum!) whilst watching people making their way to their offices to begin their working day. This was followed by some pottering in the shops before we strolled down on to the harbour front to take in the view, watch the helicopters coming and going on their tours of the city and pottered in the little boutique shops. We finished the morning in Te Papa Tongarewa, the museum of New Zealand which is fascinating with its exhibitions on sea creatures, natural disasters and the Maori culture.
Lunch was in a lovely cafe/restaurant called Floriditas on
Cuba Street, where we were joined by Alex's Godmother Glenda for a good catch up or in Nick's case, first introductions. I don't think I need to tell you that the food was excellent of course!! Later we strolled to the famous Wellington Cable Car and enjoyed the trip up to the top with great views of the city and an opportunity to have a walk through the botanical gardens before riding back down into the city centre. Once back at our hotel we met Uncle Rick (Monica's youngest brother) for a cuppa and to pass on the violin we have transported from London for his son. We enjoyed a good chat and a few laughs before Rick had to head off, leaving us with an evening in Wellington.
We headed to Matterhorn, a lovely restaurant just off Cuba Street, to enjoy further great food with Alex opting for Lamb whilst Nick chose the "head to tail" pig which consists of different cuts from the pig including the tail, belly and shoulder. We followed these with delicious deserts, the Pineapple Lump which included half the plate covered in a liquorice treacle and the Hazelnut Praline Soffle. Having eaten well
and with a clear evening appearing we took a long stroll along the harbour front, around to Oriental Bay where we enjoyed the view of the city and the fountain that has been built out in the water.
Wednesday morning, having checked out of the hotel, we crossed the road to Thunderbird Cafe for a coffee with Alex's Godmother Ann before a further potter in the shops. We hopped on to the mid afternoon ferry which took as back to the South Island. The crossing takes three hours with the final hour being spectacular as the ferry makes its way through the Sound giving wonderful 360 degree views including a seal jumping out of the water as we passed. Fortunately the water was very calm and with only light drizzle we stood out on deck for the final hour so do expect there to be many photos at some point. Monica met us off the ferry in Picton before we drove to the Wairau Valley through the Marlbrough area which produces some of New Zealand's finest wines, including Cloudy Bay, which we spotted en route.
Once in the Wairau Valley we arrived at Amy and Craig's (Amy being
Alex's cousin) beautiful eco home set up on a hill with breathtaking views of the river and mountains. The visibility was not great whilst we were there but the views were breathtaking none the less; I can only begin to imagine what they are like on a clear day. Amy and Craig have three kids; Ella (11) and twin boys Daniel and Douglas (9), all three providing excellent entertainment. Following a lovely evening meal and entertainment with the kids including a card game called Scum where Nick was declared as being the scum we retired for the evening enjoying the unspoilt night sky, not a light to be seen in any direction. I should also mention the pets, a beautiful tabby cat, Charlie, and a black lab/retriever, Tara, who like to cuddle up to each other on cold nights, of course this is when Charlie is not eating moths off the windows and Tara is not out hunting with Craig.
We rose Thursday morning to very low clouds so flights or treks further up the mountains were ruled out, although Nick and the boys did manage to get out to see the weir overflowing and to a swing bridge
over the swollen river. With the rain getting heavier we opted to hit the road sooner rather than later and head back to Christchurch. We stopped for fresh strawberries and also managed a strawberry ice cream/frozen yogurt each plus we came away with some Strawberry fudge. Back on the road, we headed down the east coast road, hugging the shoreline and reaching Kaikora we stopped to see the seals lazing around on the rocks and for some lunch, Nick opting for a New Zealand special of cheese on toast with mince on top, yum!!
Until next time,
Alex and Nick
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