Moeraki

Last weekend we flew to Dunedin, met up with Sam and Bex and headed out to Moeraki where we stayed in this bach.

It was by the bay and we had a great meal at Fleurs which is down by the wharf.

We did part of the Moeraki Millennium Walkway

but didn't see any penguins. We did respect the seagulls though

and the seals, one of whom was lazing by the path

and gave me a quizzical look as I passed. 

Nearby are the famous boulders although it was high tide so we didn't see all of them.

Noreen loves paddling

and climbing up on the boulders while trying not to get soaked.

We also visited the nearby north Otago town of Oamaru. It's famous as the NZ headquarters of Steam Punk

and also has a brewery which we of course had to sample.

There was a little train pottering around the bay

and possibly the world's smallest library.

On the way back to Dunedin we took the scenic route. This is the view of Karitane from Seacliff, site of the former institution.

Just for Jen

A mini post for the daughterly person to show her how the new french doors look.

In fact they are pretty much a direct replacement for the old ones, but better fitting and double-glazed.

The vegie box that was on the verandah had to be moved so I re-used it as a raised bed for my rhubarb. (That's celery on the left.)

Noreen relaxing with her new book. She knows the editor and one of the contributors. We went to the launch as part of Writers Week. N'Bunga (her mask from Vanuatu) has never been to the Antarctic.

Spirit of New Zealand

Last Sunday we were lucky enough to get a trip on the Spirit of New Zealand. It’s a sail training ship operated by The Spirit of Adventure Trust. One of Noreen’s dads is second mate on it and we cruised in comfort in the crew mess.

Here it is tied up at Queen’s Wharf prior to boarding.

It's a three masted boat, about 45 metres in length and has a powerful diesel engine for when there isn't enough wind.

The master controls the sailing from this position just in front of the mizzen mast. In bad weather there are duplicate controls in the cabin which also houses the radar and other modern aids to navigation.

Noreen thought of channeling her inner Kate Winslet but in the end settles for something more practical.

In the interests of balance here I am at the stern.

It was a fine day, although a little blustery, as you can see in this view looking aft.

We sailed around Matiu/Somes Island

and had races with several small boats out on the water.

I was interested to see the Eastbourne Ferry flying the flag that we are currently having a referendum on whether it should be our new national flag. 

Back on land, in Frank Kitts Park, there is a fairground set up as part of the Arts Festival. The roundabouts are built of recycled materials and are hand powered. (Admission is free for the children but parents have to provide the grunt!)

This Ferris wheel uses toilet seats.

This little girl doesn't seem too sure about it though.

The rocket is made from an old pram

and bicycling in comfort for ladies.