Blogs from Nelson, Nelson Region, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 5

2/18/12 Started the day by going to the outdoor food and craft market. The highlight of the morning was a visit to the Hans Jenson Jewelry Store. Hans Jenson designed the Ring used in the movie Lord of he Rings. We also visited WOW, World Of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum. This museum displayed garments designed by artists from NZ and from other countries around the globe. They were futuristic in design and materials. In addition to the Wearable Art Exhibit, the Museum included a classic car collection. Leaving the Museum we began driving south toward the West Coast city of Westport. The road began to wind and twist as we entered higher elevations. Along the way we stopped at Spooner’s Range Lookout where we had a good view of the surrounding mountains. Further ... read more

Two nights safely spent in Christchurch, three nights, four...still I haven't felt a single quake or aftershock. I'm not sure if I'm more relieved or disappointed by this. Obviously I don't want to be in a devastating earthquake anymore than I wish such terrifying aftershocks and damage on the already frayed nerves of Cantabrians. But a small part of me would like to feel the ground move beneath my feet - just enough to get the adrenalin pumping like on a big rollercoaster ride, not enough for the hostel I'm in to fall down on my head. Once again I found myself with a few hours in Christchurch and ended up walking around the no-go zone that is the city centre. This time the sunshine was out and so were the tourists. Out of such devastation ... read more

Since I walked out of the Auckland International Airport at mid-day on the 10th I have felt like a "bag of jelly"! It's hard to describe really. Yes I have returned from a real adventure and so there is bound to be a period of uncertainty. Some parts of that adventure were very challenging, some parts were exhilirating while some parts were just plain boring. A real mix of emotions. I just can't seem to get enough sleep. Afternoon Nanna naps are standard, early to bed is a welcome relief and it's anybody's guess when I will wake up and be ready to go. Maybe that's jet lag is some shape or other. Where do I belong? Where is "home"? What do I do now? Have I got enough funds to get me through? Do I ... read more

Vandaag besloten we om wat noordelijker te rijden richting Nelson. We hadden de dag ervoor besloten om te gaan zee – kayakken (waar ik toch een immense schrik voor heb) en een 2 daagse te doen. De 1e dag kayakken, dan overnachten op een eiland (geen bewoners en geen last van auto's = super!), en de 2e dag het eiland terug te wandelen richting onze auto. Tot we bij het lokaal van de kayakken kwamen...er stond een bord : 'wij zijn gaan kayakken en gaan mountainbiken, geen idee wanneer we terug zijn, tot een volgende keer!' Ok! Geen kayakken dus (ik toch een klein beetje blij!). De schrik zit er bij mij vooral in dat het water geen meer of een riviertje is maar ZEE! Golven dus! Ik was al es een dag zeeziek geweest en ... read more

We are heading off on a tour of the south called summer blast with Flying Kiwi and cant wait. The sun is shining and the bikes are loaded. ... read more