I believe the whole world would agree 2021 was a different year. Another year many of us will want to put behind us. Even in our wildest dreams (or nightmares) or science fiction books and movies could many of us have expected a pandemic that appears to have no end. Personally, I’m hoping Covid will be similar to the 1918 Spanish flu. I think that took about three years to lose its terrible hold. If true, then maybe Covid will … Continue reading
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
Driving from Cheviot to Blenheim is a three hour journey for those in a hurry. But we were keen to see any lasting impact from the earthquake so we took our time. We paused in Kaikoura and supported the local economy in a small way. On the road again, unfortunately we were on the wrong side for easy stopping. The traffic was such I only made one attempt to pull into a rest area so I missed the opportunity 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
I wonder how many people have ever heard of Orepuki? Even for those from Southland, there is a possibility you might not be able to place this wee town on the southern coast. Orepuki is an example of a “blink and you’ll likely miss it” town. Along the Southern Scenic Route, it’s small, with few permanent residents. So close to the often wild and rough southern seas, it’s winds can rip right through a person. Around Orepuki it is possible … 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