This is our final day of the OZ/NZ adventure. The best is yet to come when we go to Okinawa to see our friend Lucky!
We left Rotorua this morning for a bus ride to Auckland. This one was planned and much different than our other rides. We traveled north passing more rolling fields, small hills and always the mountains in the distance. We got to see the tidy fields that looked like patchwork from the air.
It is so interesting to see how much the Maori are honored here in NZ. Many of the towns and streets have Maori names. I was listening to the song, Ordinary Miracles by Sarah McLachlan as we traveled and it fit the scenery perfectly. This trip has been full of ordinary and extraordinary miracles.
The main stop on our way to Auckland was at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. (Yes, glowworms as in the song you learned as a child. They do exist here in New Zealand.) Once again we had a Maori guide for our tour, which helps to make it that much more special. This is their land and they cherish it. We entered the cave and moved down into the caverns. (This is not a stop for the claustrophobic.) It is magical to see the formations and stalactites from the ceiling. We entered one of the large rooms in the cave and our guide had us sing. The acoustics are perfect and there was no echo at all. They have had concerts there including the Vienna Boys Choir. Talk about WOW. We only sang Happy Birthday but we got the idea.
After walking through the caves we got onto a shallow boat to ride to the exit. She asked everyone to be silent. It was dark except for the ceiling of the cave which was covered with tiny glowworms. It was an awesome experience. It reminded us of the night sky we saw at Ayers Rock. And the silence made it even better. I can't imagine what the first person to see this area felt. The government has some control of it to preserve it and keep it safe.
We are now in Auckland staying for one night at the SkyCity Hotel. It is a 4* hotel with a casino. We walked down to the wharf just to see what was there. Our flight leaves tomorrow at 1:15. We go to Hong Kong, then Taipei and then on to Okinawa on Monday morning which is really your Sunday afternoon, I think. We may not be posting anything until then but since Lucky's is free, look out!
Only one more week in our trip of a lifetime. It has been great so far and should only get better as we spend time with Lucky. Our own private tour guide!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Just when we thought...
there was nothing new to see, we did!
This morning we went on a morning tour of Rotorura. We started at the Te Puia (the spring) Thermal Reserve. It is a very special place for the Maoris. We entered through a circular entrance surrounded by carved statues with spires angled up to the sky. Our guide pointed out a few of the gods that are depicted by the statues. We followed the path to the boiling mudpools. It was gray colored mud that was actually bubbling. She told us that the Maoris use this mud to ease pain. There were products made from this in the gift shop. (Yes, there is always a gift shop.)
We continued along to the area where there were geysers but couldn't see any since the mist covered the area. The cold morning air was causing this. Then Candy, our guide, showed us the best part. The hot seats. And they were just that. It was a terraced area where you could sit and the rocks were warmed by the thermal activity. It felt amazing but if you sat too long it got really hot. We put our hands near one crack and almost burnt our fingers. We really did want to bring one home. Hard to explain that one to customs.
We went to the Agrodome next where we saw another sheep show. This one had about 14 different kinds of sheep found in New Zealand. They even had a Lincoln sheep named Abe. They brought out the border collie again and even a few little lambs. Very entertaining. The dog never barked once.
Our last stop was Rainbow Springs Nature Park where the guide took us through the different areas to show us some of the animals found there. They had a lot of rainbow trout that were introduced by Americans. The best part was seeing a kiwi. They are really more like mammals since they are flightless birds. Some predators have been introduced into NZ so they are endangered. They were much bigger than we expected them to be.
We got off the bus in Rotorura town center and walked around to see some of the shops. Then we had lunch at the Fat Dog Cafe. I must say it was one of our less expensive lunches. We have found it to be very expensive in Australia and New Zealand.
Tomorrow we leave here to go to the glowworm caves and then on to Auckland for our last night in New Zealand. Almost to the third leg of this adventure.!
This morning we went on a morning tour of Rotorura. We started at the Te Puia (the spring) Thermal Reserve. It is a very special place for the Maoris. We entered through a circular entrance surrounded by carved statues with spires angled up to the sky. Our guide pointed out a few of the gods that are depicted by the statues. We followed the path to the boiling mudpools. It was gray colored mud that was actually bubbling. She told us that the Maoris use this mud to ease pain. There were products made from this in the gift shop. (Yes, there is always a gift shop.)
We continued along to the area where there were geysers but couldn't see any since the mist covered the area. The cold morning air was causing this. Then Candy, our guide, showed us the best part. The hot seats. And they were just that. It was a terraced area where you could sit and the rocks were warmed by the thermal activity. It felt amazing but if you sat too long it got really hot. We put our hands near one crack and almost burnt our fingers. We really did want to bring one home. Hard to explain that one to customs.
We went to the Agrodome next where we saw another sheep show. This one had about 14 different kinds of sheep found in New Zealand. They even had a Lincoln sheep named Abe. They brought out the border collie again and even a few little lambs. Very entertaining. The dog never barked once.
Our last stop was Rainbow Springs Nature Park where the guide took us through the different areas to show us some of the animals found there. They had a lot of rainbow trout that were introduced by Americans. The best part was seeing a kiwi. They are really more like mammals since they are flightless birds. Some predators have been introduced into NZ so they are endangered. They were much bigger than we expected them to be.
We got off the bus in Rotorura town center and walked around to see some of the shops. Then we had lunch at the Fat Dog Cafe. I must say it was one of our less expensive lunches. We have found it to be very expensive in Australia and New Zealand.
Tomorrow we leave here to go to the glowworm caves and then on to Auckland for our last night in New Zealand. Almost to the third leg of this adventure.!
Kia Ora
That is the Maori greeting which means many different things. We learned that tonight at the Tamaki Maori Village. Each bus entering the site selected a chief. We were sitting behind the bus driver and I had to walk down the aisle and choose a chief. No one wanted to make eye contact with me. Just like school.
We gathered at the entrance to the village and the chiefs (one from each bus) had to stand together. The Maori warriors came out and issued a challenge. It was all quite impressive. We saw and heard some of the traditional sounds they use. And even though you knew it was for show, it was a little bit scary. One of the warriors put down a peace offering which was accepted by the chiefs and we all could enter the village.
They took us back 500 years to a Maori village. They were demonstrating activities in their village. Then they did some songs and traditional dances for us. It was all so interesting. It seems that the tattoes on their faces tell their background and history. (If you haven't seen the movie Whale Rider, do watch it) After the concert we went to the hangi or feast. The food had been cooked the traditional way. We saw an example of the pit where food is cooked for hours under wet burlap bags and on very hot volcanic rock. Any other rock would crack and break. The food was very good. The new food we tasted tonight was the camara, a sweet potato like starchy food. Quite tasty.
Once again we met some other travelers at our table. A couple from Sweden who are traveling for a year. I asked if they had been to the US - they were in Miami for 3 days. Hmm. There were also young girls at our table from Canada. They were sisters, 20 and 23, traveling together through Australia, Fiji and New Zealand for FOUR MONTHS. And we thought we were away for a long time.
I leave you with this quote from the Maoris.
"If you should ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, the answer should be: It is people, it is people, it is people."
We gathered at the entrance to the village and the chiefs (one from each bus) had to stand together. The Maori warriors came out and issued a challenge. It was all quite impressive. We saw and heard some of the traditional sounds they use. And even though you knew it was for show, it was a little bit scary. One of the warriors put down a peace offering which was accepted by the chiefs and we all could enter the village.
They took us back 500 years to a Maori village. They were demonstrating activities in their village. Then they did some songs and traditional dances for us. It was all so interesting. It seems that the tattoes on their faces tell their background and history. (If you haven't seen the movie Whale Rider, do watch it) After the concert we went to the hangi or feast. The food had been cooked the traditional way. We saw an example of the pit where food is cooked for hours under wet burlap bags and on very hot volcanic rock. Any other rock would crack and break. The food was very good. The new food we tasted tonight was the camara, a sweet potato like starchy food. Quite tasty.
Once again we met some other travelers at our table. A couple from Sweden who are traveling for a year. I asked if they had been to the US - they were in Miami for 3 days. Hmm. There were also young girls at our table from Canada. They were sisters, 20 and 23, traveling together through Australia, Fiji and New Zealand for FOUR MONTHS. And we thought we were away for a long time.
I leave you with this quote from the Maoris.
"If you should ask me what is the greatest thing in the world, the answer should be: It is people, it is people, it is people."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Now in Rotorua
We left Queenstown today and arrived in Rotorua this afternoon. The flight out of Queenstown was a wonder to see. We flew through mountains where we could see snow on the mountaintops and could also see the ocean. There were tributaries from the ocean that looked like opals streams from the plane window. Quite incredible.
Now we are here in Rotorua where you can see the thermal springs from our hotel balcony. The air does have a slight sulphuric smell but you do get used to it. We had to walk up to the BP station to get something light for lunch. Hmmm. We each had a hot pie - chicken tandoori and Thai chicken which was guite tasty.
Tonight we are going to a Maori hangi and concert. They will be cooking the food in the traditional way on hot rocks. Not sure what we will be eating. Should be quite interesting and entertaining.
I forgot to mention that we found a laundry in the hotel yesterday. Talk about delight in little things. Lucky, this means we will not be bringing all dirty clothes to your place!
I think it is about 10:00 pm on Wednesday for you as I write this. It is already 3:30 on Thursday for us.
Take care!
Now we are here in Rotorua where you can see the thermal springs from our hotel balcony. The air does have a slight sulphuric smell but you do get used to it. We had to walk up to the BP station to get something light for lunch. Hmmm. We each had a hot pie - chicken tandoori and Thai chicken which was guite tasty.
Tonight we are going to a Maori hangi and concert. They will be cooking the food in the traditional way on hot rocks. Not sure what we will be eating. Should be quite interesting and entertaining.
I forgot to mention that we found a laundry in the hotel yesterday. Talk about delight in little things. Lucky, this means we will not be bringing all dirty clothes to your place!
I think it is about 10:00 pm on Wednesday for you as I write this. It is already 3:30 on Thursday for us.
Take care!
We are not part of a group!
Hi everyone,
We went on a steamship cruise tonight out of the harbor to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It is an old homestead that we actually could see from our hotel. The trip took 45 minutes and they announced that if we sank we could last in the water only 30 minutes. Pretty cold, it was. The house is beautiful and we had a fabulous buffet dinner when we arrived. The dessert table was wonderful too and we had our first chance to taste Pavlova. A wonderful meringue dessert that is mentioned in Mem Fox's picture books for the teachers reading this blog. After dinner we got to see a border collie herding sheep. It was amazing. The farmer, Lindsey, then sheared one of the sheep. Fascinating to watch and the best part was how funny the farmer was. A regular stand up comedian.
There were several groups on the boat and as we drank our ale and wine we toasted the fact that we were 58, single and not in a group. They were really something. Most were pushing their way onto the boat like there was something free for the first 25 passengers. We did meet 2 other women from Australia who were quite interesting to talk to. But not until the end of the evening. On the way back on the boat they had a sing-a-long which was quite fun. Another memorable evening.
We did get the chance to do a little shopping this morning. We found out that the blue pearl comes from the Paua shell and only grows as a half pearl. They are not exported and can only be found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, even though it is only half a pearl, they are very expensive. We didn't buy any of those but did find some other nice things made from the shell. There is always something to buy!
Now to pack and then on to Rotorua tomorrow. This will be our last flight until we leave on Sunday to fly to Okinawa. Lucky, here we come!
Take care. We miss you.
We went on a steamship cruise tonight out of the harbor to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It is an old homestead that we actually could see from our hotel. The trip took 45 minutes and they announced that if we sank we could last in the water only 30 minutes. Pretty cold, it was. The house is beautiful and we had a fabulous buffet dinner when we arrived. The dessert table was wonderful too and we had our first chance to taste Pavlova. A wonderful meringue dessert that is mentioned in Mem Fox's picture books for the teachers reading this blog. After dinner we got to see a border collie herding sheep. It was amazing. The farmer, Lindsey, then sheared one of the sheep. Fascinating to watch and the best part was how funny the farmer was. A regular stand up comedian.
There were several groups on the boat and as we drank our ale and wine we toasted the fact that we were 58, single and not in a group. They were really something. Most were pushing their way onto the boat like there was something free for the first 25 passengers. We did meet 2 other women from Australia who were quite interesting to talk to. But not until the end of the evening. On the way back on the boat they had a sing-a-long which was quite fun. Another memorable evening.
We did get the chance to do a little shopping this morning. We found out that the blue pearl comes from the Paua shell and only grows as a half pearl. They are not exported and can only be found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, even though it is only half a pearl, they are very expensive. We didn't buy any of those but did find some other nice things made from the shell. There is always something to buy!
Now to pack and then on to Rotorua tomorrow. This will be our last flight until we leave on Sunday to fly to Okinawa. Lucky, here we come!
Take care. We miss you.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Morning update - Wednesday
Good morning everyone, or should I say USA!
It is Wednesday morning and a beautiful day outside. We sat at breakfast this morning with a beautiful view of the mountains and Queenstown harbor. The fog was rolling over the water. It is about 9:45 am and we're just checking emails, etc. before heading out for the day. We plan to visit the shops here in search of blue pearls. We saw a few in Christchurch and they are gorgeous. Tonight we are going on a cruise on a vintage steamship out to the Colonel's Homestead for an evening buffet. The menu sounds yummy. We think we will also see sheep shearing too. We may get in too late to blog tonight so wanted to give a quick update now. If we're not on when you get up tomorrow morning, no need to worry.
We leave here at 8:50 tomorrow to head to the airport and our flight to Rotorua. Lots of things are planned when we get there. We will see much more of the Maori culture in that area. It seems that the Maori people have been treated much better than the Aborigine have been treated in Australia. Should be an interesting comparison to make.
Take care and have a great day, everyone.
It is Wednesday morning and a beautiful day outside. We sat at breakfast this morning with a beautiful view of the mountains and Queenstown harbor. The fog was rolling over the water. It is about 9:45 am and we're just checking emails, etc. before heading out for the day. We plan to visit the shops here in search of blue pearls. We saw a few in Christchurch and they are gorgeous. Tonight we are going on a cruise on a vintage steamship out to the Colonel's Homestead for an evening buffet. The menu sounds yummy. We think we will also see sheep shearing too. We may get in too late to blog tonight so wanted to give a quick update now. If we're not on when you get up tomorrow morning, no need to worry.
We leave here at 8:50 tomorrow to head to the airport and our flight to Rotorua. Lots of things are planned when we get there. We will see much more of the Maori culture in that area. It seems that the Maori people have been treated much better than the Aborigine have been treated in Australia. Should be an interesting comparison to make.
Take care and have a great day, everyone.
Wow, all they could say was WOW!!!
Today's experience more than made up for yesterday. We got up very early this morning (5:00am) and left the hotel at 7:00 for a trip up to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park. Our ride was 4 hours long with several stops for Tea and for fabulous views. We passed rolling fields and pastures for deer, sheep and cattle. And of course, the magnificent mountain ranges all around.
One of our stops was to walk down a chasm where we saw rushing waterfalls and rainforest like vegetation. We passed through the mountain ranges which were carved out by glaciers. Pictures and words will never do it justice. It all certainly makes you feel a bit insignificant. The weather was very changeable with sunshine, light and heavy rain and even a little hail on the way home. We could see snow on the mountaintops.
Then we arrived at Milford Sound and boarded The Pride of Milford for our cruise. It was simply unbelievable to be surrounded on all sides by the mountains as we made our way through the fiord. What an experience. We did see two seals perched on the rocks but no dolphins or penguins. The boat went very close to a waterfall that is 3 times higher than Niagara Falls. Awesome is a word that comes to mind.
On our way back to Queenstown we could see snow falling in the mountains. We stopped in at a local pub for dinner and then walked back to our hotel. Tomorrow we are going to explore the township of Queenstown before heading out on a short cruise and dinner tomorrow night.
Have a great day everyone!
One of our stops was to walk down a chasm where we saw rushing waterfalls and rainforest like vegetation. We passed through the mountain ranges which were carved out by glaciers. Pictures and words will never do it justice. It all certainly makes you feel a bit insignificant. The weather was very changeable with sunshine, light and heavy rain and even a little hail on the way home. We could see snow on the mountaintops.
Then we arrived at Milford Sound and boarded The Pride of Milford for our cruise. It was simply unbelievable to be surrounded on all sides by the mountains as we made our way through the fiord. What an experience. We did see two seals perched on the rocks but no dolphins or penguins. The boat went very close to a waterfall that is 3 times higher than Niagara Falls. Awesome is a word that comes to mind.
On our way back to Queenstown we could see snow falling in the mountains. We stopped in at a local pub for dinner and then walked back to our hotel. Tomorrow we are going to explore the township of Queenstown before heading out on a short cruise and dinner tomorrow night.
Have a great day everyone!
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