Dunedin Railway Station Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand September 26, 2023 We hopped on a bus and made our way out to the pride of the city, The Dunedin Railway Station, a predominant architectural wonder. It dates back to 1906, touted as being a ‘Flemish Renaissance-style’ structure featuring white Oamaru limestone...
Baldwin Street in Dunedin, NZ has the distinction of being the steepest street in the world (look it up). They're pretty proud of it. The street is a bit over 1000 feet long and rises around 230 feet. It starts out gradually, but at it's steepest point achieves 19 degrees or a 35% grade. The reason it's so steep is...
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve 60 Hussey Road, Harewood Christchurch 8051, New Zealand September 17, 2023 What an awesome adventure we had exploring this wildlife reserve in Christchurch. It was founded by the Willis Family over 40 years ago and remains in the family today. They have maintained 3 goals while in operation:...
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne….Takahe to Me Baby! Karori, Wellington, New Zealand September 8, 2023 Did you know… Prior to the arrival of humans, Aotearoa (New Zealand) was isolated and unique. Without any mammalian predators, this ecosystem was home to some of the most remarkable flora and fauna that had ever evolved. Many...
We took the bus out to the Weta Workshop, the folks that helped bring Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life (among tons of other entertainment you've seen). The Weta Cave is the merch shop where you can own copies of the original props. Entrance to shop Lots of swords One Ring was a bit much for me Cool stuff - far...
New Zealand: Owhiro Bay/Pariwhero Red Rocks & Fur Seals We walked one of the wildest parts of Wellington's southern coast at the Te Kopahou Reserve in Owhiro Bay out to Pariwhero/Red Rocks, passing through Devils Gate and ending at Sinclair Head to see the fur seals. This coastal walk is breathtaking, taking us over...
Springtime Christchurch, New Zealand September 2023 Cherry Blossoms and Daffodils in Hagley Park North We just happened to hit the peak season for the beautiful cherry blossoms that line Hagley Park in Christchurch. The trees are the very popular hybrid, Yoshino Cherry, from Japan. Some of the 1st trees were planted in...
Rangitoto Island, Rugged and Riveting! August 25, 2023 New Zealand On August 25, 2023 we took a ferry from Auckland, Australia over to Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Rangitoto happens to be the youngest and largest of Auckland's 48 dormant volcanic cones and is home to the world's largest pohutukawa forest aka...
Mount Eden & Eden Garden: Massive & Mesmerizing! Auckland, New Zealand August 21, 2023 At 643 feet tall, Maungawhau or Mount Eden is the highest volcano in Auckland. Maungawhau is a large, elongated scoria (dark-colored igneous rock with abundant round bubble-like cavities known as vesicles) cone consisting of two...
Silo Park, it’s Sensational! Wynward Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand August 14, 2023 As most of you know we walk the streets…no…we are NOT street walkers! We just enjoy getting out and about and exploring the places we are calling home. During that time, we often find quirky and unique parks, neighborhoods, restaurants,...