It is a short drive from Blenheim to Picton and the ferry for the North Island. Our booking on the Interislander Kaitaki for a 1.45pm sailing suited us perfectly. It cost a little more ($263) than if we had booked further in advance but we didn’t want to commit ourselves while not knowing how long we might stay in the South Island. Boarding the car ferry is an interesting experience. Last time was more years ago than I’m willing to … Continue reading
We’re on the road again. Its going to be a faster trip than the journey to Southland. But we are keen to return home. We’ll be heading to cross over on the ferry in two or three days. On our way to visit a cousin – ten times removed – I’ve been in email contact with for some years I found Lake Waihola looking more beautiful than I can remember having seen it before. Each time I remember passing the … Continue reading
Christmas is over and I’m a little sad it is time to say goodbye Southland. I always feel comfortable while I’m in the southern regions. But after more than six weeks away from home, its time to head north. Our very loose plans to tiki tour up the east coast of the South Island have disintegrated. Both hubby and I are keen to get home again. Instead of taking our time and visiting many sights, we’ve decided to “do” the … Continue reading
I suggested in an earlier post that little had changed around my hometown and its neighbours. But I soon discovered that is not true. A quick drive through Riverton showed a huge difference to my last visit. Soon after our arrival in Southland and before I went to Riverton, I noticed an article in one of the free local newspapers. A lot of effort had gone into the preparing and painting of murals around the town. Reading the article and … Continue reading
Southland’s summer has turned out to be fantastic. Of course I wouldn’t have expected anything less than beautiful blue skies. I had to laugh at the comment made by one of my young relatives when I mentioned my satisfaction at sharing Southland’s glorious summer with the world. In all seriousness she told me, “Don’t say too much, we don’t need too many more people shifting down here.” What an intuitive young lady she is. We have been so very fortunate … Continue reading
Today heralds our last day on Stewart Island and its up for grabs what we might do with our last hours in this paradise. With our bags already packed our choices will be limited. The Museum has been checked out. The Bunkhouse Theatre doesn’t open until the end of December. Will we head to the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre and check out the multitude of videos they have available to watch? The problem I see there is how we’d … Continue reading
Stewart Island facilities have surprised me. For such a small community – around 400 permanent inhabitants – there is everything here one might need on a daily basis. As long as ones needs are not outlandish. For instance, the local four square shop is great. We have yet to want to purchase something we have not found. And the astonishing thing has been the prices because they appear to be very little above what is charged in supermarkets in Invercargill. … Continue reading
The excitement of our arrival on Stewart Island has been dulled a little. Our son, accompanying us from Invercargill, is quite sick. We took the doctor’s words literally when told we wouldn’t cause him further problems by dragging him across Foveaux Strait. However the local district nurse suggested interpreting those words to mean “it doesn’t matter what bed he’s in, as long as he’s in a bed”. However he’s gradually improving and hopes to see something of Stewart Island before leaving. … Continue reading
Before we begin our next adventure we had another treat in store for us. My husband is now wondering if there might be something special about men from the South. Of course I have always known anyone from the Mainland (ie the South Island) is special. He’s mentioned how well attuned to their environment these hunter gatherers are and how they can certainly provide a feast when required. We had arranged to stay with my school friends, Annette and George, … Continue reading
The Mataura River is my river or as part of a Maori greeting “Ko taku awa te mataura”. Before addressing anyone in Maori – in a formal setting – one should introduce oneself by giving a rundown of ones ancestry. So my greeting includes the Mataura river as Mataura is my birthplace. I don’t feel as much affinity with Mataura as I do for Colac Bay (where I spent most of my childhood). However I do feel a certain sense … Continue reading