Christchurch to Rotorua, NZ – May 20-24
A short visit to Christchurch capped our South Island journey. We stayed at the home of Barbara Cox who also hosted us in Arrowtown. We felt very comfortable and welcome and had two wonderful home cooked dinners. Thanks again Barbara!!!. Every new such experience re-affirms our enthusiasm for house exchanging. What a delightful way to see the world and experience the hospitality of others who likewise love to explore and meet other people. Barbara took us on a nice tour of the heart of Christchurch, its Botanical gardens, the university the Rutherford Den and a beautiful modern, art gallery. To end the day we visited the Antarctic Center near the airport, from where routine flights to the Antarctic Circle leave during the summer. It is a fascinating place with interesting wild life exhibits, movies about life at the Antarctic station through the long dark winters (bleak…) and includes a room with simulated Antarctic weather (we bailed within 2 minutes even with heavy coats on!)
After two nights in Christchurch we took an early morning flight to Wellington the capital, on the north island. We spent most of the day at the absolutely delightful Te Papa Museum. “Te Papa” means treasure box in the language of the Maori, the indigenous people of NZ. It is devoted to the natural history and the cultural heritage of the people of NZ who like the US is also a nation of immigrants. This museum is only 2-3 years old and is a real gem. A total surprise was to be treated there to a Kelzmer Band concert, playing traditional Jewish “Shtetl” music. (Part of NZ immigrant heritage) Of all places in the world to hear these jewish song!! (Over the voices of the singers, I cold hear my father’s voice singing these songs with a smile on his voice..). Te Papa is a must see!!!!
After the visit to the Museum, on a cool misty day we took a walk around the lovely city center. It is very upscale and international feeling, somewhat reminiscent of Seattle.
From Wellington we drove two hours over some hairy mountain roads and to Masterson which was really not much to speak of. The next stop was the town of Napier on Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island. Napier was destroyed in a 1931 earthquake and rebuilt in Art Deco style. It was cute but not a particularly exciting place.
Our next destination was Rotorua which is the geothermal center of the north island. There are several volcanoes around here and multiple beautiful lakes which actually hide the vents of these volcanoes. The towns of Rotorua and Taupo sit in their calderas. The last eruption in the late 1800s is thought to be one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time. The area abounds with geysers, endless puffing steam vents, and bubbling mud pools, and the air smells strongly of sulfur. It is hard to forget how thin the crust of the earth is around here. The last few days have been rainy and gloomy, and it appears we’re in for a few more days of same. Equipped with rain pants and slickers we are trying not to be deterred by the rain. We are next off to Auckland next where we will stay overnight be fore heading further north to Keri-keri at the Bay of Islands.
After two nights in Christchurch we took an early morning flight to Wellington the capital, on the north island. We spent most of the day at the absolutely delightful Te Papa Museum. “Te Papa” means treasure box in the language of the Maori, the indigenous people of NZ. It is devoted to the natural history and the cultural heritage of the people of NZ who like the US is also a nation of immigrants. This museum is only 2-3 years old and is a real gem. A total surprise was to be treated there to a Kelzmer Band concert, playing traditional Jewish “Shtetl” music. (Part of NZ immigrant heritage) Of all places in the world to hear these jewish song!! (Over the voices of the singers, I cold hear my father’s voice singing these songs with a smile on his voice..). Te Papa is a must see!!!!
After the visit to the Museum, on a cool misty day we took a walk around the lovely city center. It is very upscale and international feeling, somewhat reminiscent of Seattle.
From Wellington we drove two hours over some hairy mountain roads and to Masterson which was really not much to speak of. The next stop was the town of Napier on Hawke Bay on the east coast of the North Island. Napier was destroyed in a 1931 earthquake and rebuilt in Art Deco style. It was cute but not a particularly exciting place.
Our next destination was Rotorua which is the geothermal center of the north island. There are several volcanoes around here and multiple beautiful lakes which actually hide the vents of these volcanoes. The towns of Rotorua and Taupo sit in their calderas. The last eruption in the late 1800s is thought to be one of the greatest volcanic eruptions of all time. The area abounds with geysers, endless puffing steam vents, and bubbling mud pools, and the air smells strongly of sulfur. It is hard to forget how thin the crust of the earth is around here. The last few days have been rainy and gloomy, and it appears we’re in for a few more days of same. Equipped with rain pants and slickers we are trying not to be deterred by the rain. We are next off to Auckland next where we will stay overnight be fore heading further north to Keri-keri at the Bay of Islands.
posted by Dahlia and Lance Riley @ 3:47 AM
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