Friday Fotos

Friday Fotos – Along the shore at New Zealand’s Lake Wanaka

September 11, 2020 By Terry Leave a Comment

Playing along Lake Wanaka — The wind wasn’t stopping these two little girls from having fun along Lake Wanaka.

To the best of my recollection, this was a bit of a blustery day. It was also the day that everything changed. First, let’s start with the photo. The wind didn’t seem to bother these two carefree little girls as they played along the shores of Lake Wanaka. This, however, was the day that everything on our land tour changed.

This photo was taken on Day 9, but the problem is that we were never supposed to be in Wanaka. On Day 9, our next stop was supposed to be at the end of a train ride through the New Zealand Alps. However, a 100-year storm wiped out the only road and the railroad tracks to our destination. Imagine the frantic tour guide and his home office trying to find accommodations for 50 people for a one-night stay with less than twenty-four hours to spare. That would definitely be stressful!

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Welcome to Lindle Pass. There's not much out here except road, blue skies, and sun.

Small dock at Te Anau — Not a lot of activity at this little dock in Te Anau this late in the day.

Small boat on the water at Lake Te Anau — This was such a perfect setting along the shore at Lake Te Anau. Perfect time for an evening stroll.

Mountains reflected in Mirror Lakes — The mountains in this photo are a reflection in the water of Mirror Lakes. The water is also crystal clear, so we see under as well as on top.

Beauty of New Zealand's Mirror Lakes — Nothing could have prepared us for the absolute calm of the water at Mirror Lakes and the perfect reflection of the mountains in the water.

First Church of Otago — Built in 1873, this Gothic style church stands in the heart of Dunedin.

Friday Fotos – Lindis Pass – a change in plans

September 4, 2020 By Terry Leave a Comment

Lindis Pass was a change in plans

Land Tour - Day 9 — Queenstown back to Dunedin after the road is washed out

This was a windy stop on our road trip, but Lindis Pass was the only way to get from Queenstown to our next stop, which was a change in plans after the road washed out due to torrential rains. As a matter of fact, not only did the road wash out, but so did the railroad tracks for the train trip we were scheduled to make. The tour company did an amazing job of finding accommodations for about fifty people in a matter of hours.

We considered ourselves fortunate, however, because the people on the tour ahead of ours (which had started about a week ahead of us) were stranded in a high school gymnasium.

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Tour boat on Milford Sound — Here's another tour boat cruising Milford Sound.

Approaching the falls at Milford Sound — I found a spot on the front of the boat as we neared the falls. Didn't give up until the spray became dangerous to my camera's health!

Milford Sound surrounded by towering peaks — As we neared the end of our journey of Milford Sound, the incoming clouds provided one last postcard photo op.

Mirror Lakes - a pefect reflection — With absolutely now wind, the water was as still as could be. The reflection was so clear it could be hard to know it from the real mountain!

Moeraki Boulders at Koekohe Beach — You have to admit, the Moeraki Boulders, which are perfectly spherical, are very unusual. They attract a lot of attention, especially from those who think they might be able to push one.

How I wished we'd had time to go through the Steampunk HQ building!

An era goneby - architecture meant to last — One of the things that caught me about this building was the names done in raised letters and part of the original architecture.

Friday Fotos – Skyline Queenstown, top of the mountain

April 17, 2020 By Terry Leave a Comment

This is the end of the line for the gondola lift out of Queenstown up the mountain to Skyline Queenstown.

What a ride! As you’re climbing up the mountain to Skyline Queenstown, there are times when it looks like you’re heading straight into the side of the mountain. Those of us with our backs to the mountain were treated to a gorgeous view of the lake and valley, but the ones facing the mountain had a couple of minor panic attacks.

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Waterjetting, anyone? — This waterjet demonstration drew lots of attention during our walk through Queenstown. Can't imagine a novice would be that good!

Queenstown along the shore of Lake Wakatipu — These shops along the shore of Lake Wakatip are part of the core shopping district in downtown Queenstown

From the shores of Lake Wakatipu at Queenstown, New Zealand

Prince's Gate Arches — There's a beautiful park in Rotorua, and the Prince's Gate arches guard the entrance.

Auckland Sky Tower in black-and-white — The Auckland Sky Tower was only two blocks from our hotel. Our visit occured right after the Christchurch shootings, during which time the tower was kept dark at night.

Auckland skyline at sunset — This was our view at dinner as we sailed out of Auckland. Normally, I wouldn't shoot through glass, but the view was too good to pass up.

Spitfire airplane inside Auckland War Memorial — This complete Spitfire airplane was brought into the museum through the roof.

Friday Fotos – New Zealand sunset in the countryside

December 13, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

New Zealand countryside sunset — Taken on our one night stay with a couple in Rotorua, this is a great memory of the stunning sunsets they see.

One of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand was the overnight stay with a couple on their farm in Rotorua. Not only were they delightful hosts, but their home in the country was absolutely gorgeous—as was the sunset we saw that night. Can you imagine enjoying this New Zealand sunset every night from your living room?

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Bridge leading to the geysers at Whakarewarewa — The grounds near the geysers at Whakarewarewa are green and lush. In the midst of all that greenery are these incredible geysers.

Geysers at Whakarewarewa — The geysers at Whakarewarewa are an incredible sight—and smell. The odor of sulfur is everywhere.

Beautiful gazebo near Government Gardens in Rotorua. — This gazebo near the Government Gardens in Rotorua is beautiful.

Fence at Princes' Gate archway in Rotorua — What a gorgeous fence! Attached to the Princes' Gate arches in Rotorua

The Chookaduck House — In Rotorua, we had an overnight stay on a farm. We got a little tour of the grounds...and met the ducks and chickens.

New Zealand countryside near Rotorua — The view from our overnight host's home was spectacular. A classic country setting.

Church in the New Zealand countryside — Somewhere in the backcountry of New Zealand, I caught this photo. Talk about well manicured!

Friday Fotos – Huka Falls near Lake Taupo, New Zealand

June 7, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

Huka Falls near Lake Taupo in New Zealand is nothing less than impressive. Located approximately in the middle of the north island, the falls are on the Waikato River. Roughly 200,000 liters of ice-blue water flow through this point every second—that’s more than 50,000 gallons every second. The falls create a huge undertow, which has taken under boats that got too close. We were happy to watch from the sidelines and marvel at the sheer power of Huka Falls.

Want to see more photos from trip? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

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Devonport in New Zealand is a quaint town — Devonport is a seaside town on an island in New Zealand with the look of an old village. The architecture of many homes and shops is classic.

Devonport in New Zealand along the shore — We walked through a park in Devonport to a point where we could see another part of the island across the water.

For all the writers out there — When I saw this display in the window at this shop in Devonport, I had to take a photo. NOtice that's an old Smith Corona Junior typewriter.

Leaving Devonport New Zealand — As the ferry takes us away from Devonport and back to Auckland, we get a last glimpse of this beautiful little town.

Printed pages ready for binding — The pages were bound together with string.

Printing press process — More plates from the old bindery

Shims help to position the text on the page — The shims come in all sizes to make for precise placement.

Materials to leather bind books — The books made in this bindery were all leather covered. This is getting close to the final product.

Printing press in Russell — This old press was used to make a single proof after the letters had been set. After the proof, the actual printing was done downstairs

MS Noordam in background — Just beyond the anchored sailboats is the MS Noordam waiting for all of us to see the sights.

Boats and houses in Russell — Russell has a lot of hills—and boats

Sunrise as we arrive in Russell — This was an early morning shore excursion, so we had to be up bright and early!

Ariel rides the wombat in preparation for Russell — Our traveling companion Ariel rides tonight's towel animal.

Mirror Lakes reflection — The reflection of the mountains in Mirror Lakes.

With clear water and no wind, Mirror Lakes reflects the mountains beyond.

On the way to MIlford Sound — In the National Park, this is one of the many creeks and rivers.

Milford Sound — We were so lucky to have such a beautiful day.

Milford Sound tours — Milford Sound is a popular place for tours.

The Tasman Sea — Here's the coastline of New Zealand along the Tasman Sea.

The Milford Monarch Bell — This weathered bell has been on the front of the Milford Monarch since 1994. No longer used, it's a beautiful decoration.

New Zealand Fur Seals resting — This group of fur seals was just hanging out on the rocks. Not a bad job if you can get it!

New Zealand Fur Seal — This fur seal woke up when we cruised by and did a little stretch.

Almost under the waterfall — This was my last clear shot. After this, the lens was getting too wet and I had to seek cover.

Lions guard the fron door of Larnach Castle — A pair of lions guard the front door of Larnach Castle

Every door leads to something special — All of the doorways at Larnach Castle are amazing.

Larnach Castle ceiling — The ceiings at Larnach Castle are amazing.

Ming vase on the mantle — This vase sits on the mantle of one of the fireplaces.

Larnach Castle entryway — Welcome to Larnach Castle, where over-the-top is just the beginning.

Beautiful woodwork is everywhere — The castle, like other opulent older homes, has beautiful hardwoods throughout.

In the dressing room — The mistress of the house wanted this statue in her dressing room. It's a strange story!

Views from the top of Larnach Castle — The views from the roof of Larnach Castle are spectacular

Larnach Castle grounds — From the lawns to the shrubs and trees, the landscaping at the castle is immaculate.

No elevator for this top floor — On the way down from the roof of the castle, the stairs are steep and winding!

Larnach Castle looking majestic — It's hard to believe this castle was nearly leveled by developers.

Glass gazebo at Larnach Castle — This beautiful gazebo is just one of the many elegant garden features.

Dunedin Rail Station — Our first stop on our shore excursion was at the Dunedin rail station.

Dunedin Rail Station and its grounds — A local garden society maintains the grounds of the rail station.

Dunedin Rail Station interior — The inside of the Dunedin rail station.

Dunedin Rail Station front walkway — When you're entering the Dunedin rail station, you pass through these columns.

Clock tower on the Dunedin rail station — Another piece of detail that makes the rail station a classic piece of history.

Picton - a small seaport village — Picton is a gorgeous little village of only 4,000 people, but it has a lot of boats!

Looking inland from Picton Harbor — It looks like this little town has almost as many boats as houses.

Across the harbot toward Picton — The harbor at Picton has a good sealife population, so these waters are clear several feet down.

Stormy ocean leaving Port Chalmers and Dunedin — The ocean can become very dramatic down here when there's a storm coming. Swells reached about 9 feet at one point.

Ariel prepares for her Picton Seaport Walk — Getting ready for the seaport walk. Let's go!

Picton's bay under blue skies — The blue skies lasted most of the day, which was unusual. The flat water is supposed to be normal.

Picton - harbor showing some of the boats in the harbor — Boats in the harbor at Picton, where tourism is big business

Playing to benefit the Blenheim Orphanage — These guys play to benefit the Blenheim Orphanage. They drew a nice little crowd.

Selfie with part of Picton in the background — Here we are, living the life in Picton...at least until we have to be back on the Noordam.

Map of Picton area in New Zealand — Lots and lots of islands, peninsulas, and fjords in this part of the world.

Sailboats bob in the harbor — These little cluster of sailboats was just out in the bay waiting for their owners.

California pine trees ready for export — The California pine was brought to New Zealand years ago. It now is farmed as an export to Japan, where it will be turned into furniture, which will go to...the US (amongst other places).

Picton - entrance to the park from downtown — The arch is the entrance to the park from the quaint downtown.

Wellington from our balcony — We're back in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand

The Beehive — This building is called the Beehive. It's where the Executive Offices of the New Zealand Parliament are located.

Zealandia took over this structure — This "lake" is actually part of a dam, which became part of Zealandia when it began.

One of New Zealand's endangered — Unable to fly, these birds fall prey to mammalian predators.

Te Papa Museum — What a place! Six floors of exhibits and offices. It would take a couple of days to see the whole thing—and we had less than two hours.

Terracotta Warriors exhibit was on display — This is a very popular exhibit and requires separate tickets, which we didn't have. It was also sold out!

Te Hono ki Hawaiki - Maori meeting house — Our guide told us she was bothered by this interpretation of a Maori meeting house for several years, then one day had an epiphany and now understands it.

Stained glass at the museum — This beautiful stained glass was in the same area as the Maori 'house'.

Moon hanging high in the sky with a storm moving in. — The clouds parted long enough to get a glimpse of the moon.

Ariel showing off today's excursion — Ariel likes to be prepared for the day.

Napier shipping yard with lots of California pine — California pine is a huge export for New Zealand - it's also a big problem.

Loading shipping containers — Taken from the balcony of our stateroom,

All of the land you see was under water — More than a hundred years ago there was an earthquake in Napier that raised up the entire valley.

Town of Napier on the bay — The town of Napier was leveled by an earthquake in 1931, but has rebuilt in an art deco style.

Napier customs house — Our guide leaving the Napier Customhouse, which has been restored thanks to a group of locals

One of the Hawkes Bay Express train cars — This train has been lovingly restored by our guide and his family.

The old family tractor - updated — There's a tractor under all that glitz!

Hawkes Bay Express — What a great way to see the area. The guide is very informative and the train has so many little period details.

Museum theater gallery - and pincushions — All those colors? They're giant pincushions!

Art deco is the norm — Just one example of the art deco style that runs throughout downtown Napier

Restored by their owners — Vintage autos, restored by their owners, were on display.

More art deco style — The art deco style is the theme in the downtown.

Art deco is everywhere — There are even little balconies like this one on Harston's

Did somebody mention period clothing? — Just in case you want to fit in with the Napier building style!

Charlston Chic has something for everyone — If you want retro style, this is your place!

The ocean is just beyond the arch — There seems to be a common theme in New Zealand. We've seen arches on the waterfront before.

From cars to buildings, it's all there — Napier might only have 57,000 residents, but it oozes style.

Ariel watches Napier in the distance — Ariel watches wistfully as we get further from Napier. We think she likes art deco!

Saying goodbye to Napier — We depart Napier under partyly sunny skies

Ariel riding the elephant — As we prepare for April 16, Ariel takes a ride on the towel elephant made by our room steward, Ricky

Tauranga is a shipping port — As has been the case with many of the ports, Tauranga is primarily a shipping port, but tourism is a growing business

Tauranga also has great views — Even though Tauranga is a shipping port, it has some breathtaking views

Lifeboats down for a drill — Our tour wasn't for another hour, but they announced there was to be a drill for the staff

Backyard view? Yes it is! — This is the backyard view for one of the Maori guides who works for the tour company.

Part of the Maori welcoming ceremony — While small, this Maori welcoming ceremony was well done and they were so friendly!

You'll be seeing gold kiwi fruit in the US soon — New Zealand is making a push to get their gold kiwi fruit into markets this year. It's soooo good!

Those vines on the top are next year's vines — This is an ingenious system. The canopy needs to be a certain depth, so the growers place next year's vines up top. They cut everything at the end of the season and lay those new top vines down.

Nearing sunset and our time to leave Tauranga — When the sun was dropping, I decided it was time to go topside and snap a photo.

Our two favorite servers - Sonya and Cucu — It was Asian night in the Lido dining room! These two are the best!

Model of a double-hulled canoe — This is an example of a Maore double-hulled canoe

Ariel checks out the sloth — We think this towel animal is a sloth. At least Ariel like it!

The customhouse and other buildings along the wharf — This was part of the view of Auckland from our balcony.

Stained glass ceiling at Auckland War Memorial — The emblems around the edges of the stained glass signify the countries involved in the conflict. The center commemorates the New Zealand military branches.

WW1 - 1914 - 1918 — Thousands of names are inscribed on the walls in this room.

This Spitfire is full-sized — This is a real airplane that they brought in through the roof.

Stained glass window commemorates the war — This memorial serves to remind visitors of war's devastation.

View from the War Memorial Museum — The views from the museum are spectacular and fitting for the monument

Birds in flight — New Zealand was once a land of birds and no mammals.

Meet the Moa — That is one big bird. The moa once flourished in New Zealand, but the Maori and other forces brought it to extinction.

Notice the mouth on the center carving — The puka is the sticking out of the tongue - in times past, different expressions meant something - kind of like a separate language.

Canoe carved from a single tree — This canoe could carry about 100 warriors, most of whom were paddling.

Tail end of the war canoe — If the canoe was to be used for transporting something other than warriors, the bow and rear could be replaced with something appropriate.

Strings first, then glue — Once glue had been applied to the binding, the pages set

The bindery upstairs — The book bindery operated out of this house upstairs and down.

Coffee shop where we had morning tea — I hear the scones were fabulous—but they were not gluten-free, so not for me!

Totems in Russell — This garden area is maintained by a local group of gardeners

Close-up of sculptures — The attention to detail on these pieces is amazing.

Art in the town garden — Here's another of those beautiful pieces from the central garden

Oldest church in New Zealand — Established in 1836, this is the oldest church in New Zealand, and it's still beautiful inside.

Downtown Russell — Russell is a quaint town without a lot of traffic—except for the pedestrian kind.

Plenty of places to sit and have some tea — Outdoor tables are common and the atmosphere is relaxing

Memorial to those who gave their lives in WWI

Lots of places to shop, eat, or hang out

We loved the open windows and atmosphere

Like a sentry guarding the door — This sculpture caught my attention during our walkabout in Devonport, New Zealand

Victoria Theater and Tip Top Ice Cream — We stopped and had ice cream under those red umbrellas. It was so refreshing!

Guarding the entrance to Larnach Castle — I'm not sure I'd want to be greeted by these guys (one on each side of the front door) when I arrived home!

Staircase from second floor to first — The wood throughout Larnach Castle is beautiful.

The Woolstore Complex in Omaru New Zealand — Omaru has so much fantastic architecture. Many of these buildings use Omaru stone, which was taken from quarries neaby.

At the end of the path in Devonport — The path through the park in Devonport leads to this tiny peninsula. Isn't this a beautiful view?

Mirror Lakes - the world upside down — The mountains refledted perfectly in the still water create the illusion of a world upside down. And the fish swim underneath.

Milford Sound - a small boat cruises the sound — Milford Sound is a truly spectacular place, filled with waterfalls and towering mountains carved by glaciers.

Milford Sound - another view — Protected from the Tasman Sea, the waters are calm in Milford Sound. This small sailbloat had no problem cruising the fjord.

Milford Sound - the Tasman Sea just beyond — At this point in our journey of Milford Sound, we were nearing the Tasman Sea. The surface looked calm, but don't let that fool you. It's rough out there!

St. Patricks' Cathedral — Auckland is a blend of old and new. St. Patrick's Cathedral — a beautiful old building with skyscrapers a block away.

Near Taurangi New Zealand — Another picturesque country setting near Taurangi, which is located in about the middle of North Island.

Cook Strait - a picturesque passage between islands — We were treated to spectacular colors on our passage between New Zealand's north and south islands.

St. Andrews Church in Geraldine, New Zealand — Our morning coffee stop in Geraldine was a block away from this church. So much character in those old walls!

Town Board Office in Geraldine, NZ — The old Town Board Office is now a museum. The town has grown up around this old stone building.

Magnificient foyer at Larnach Castle — This entryway at Larnach Castle is so beautiful. Polished wood, stone, and tile—what's not to like?

Dunedin Railway Station — Baroque Edwardian architecture at it's finest. All aboard at the old Dunedin railway station!

Solitary catamaran along the shores at Queenstown — While walking from our hotel to downtown Queenstown, we passed this catamaran. What a nice way that would be to spend a day!

Welcome to Arrowtown, New Zealand — One of our stops on our land tour of New Zealand was in Arrowtown. This quaint little tourist trap has charisma galore!

In the woods at The Chasm — A walkway at The Chasm in Fjordland National Park in New Zealand meanders through these amazing woods.

Rushing water at The Chasm — There's nothing like the sound of rushing water. It just begs for a photo op!

Sunset at Te Anau Bird Refuge — This is Lake Te Anau at sunset. The Murchison Mountains are across the lake hid one of the last populations of the takahē, a bird native to New Zealand. The bird sanctuary here is home to almost a dozen different bird populations.

Land Tour - Day 12 — Another change of itinerary - Te Anau to Wanaka

Land Tour - Day 11 — Queenstown to Milford Sound and on to Te Anau

Land Tour - Day 7 — Inland we go toward Queenstown

Land Tour - Day 8 — On the road to Dunedin.

Land Tour - Day 6 — Rotorua was a two-day stay - one of those nights was with a local family on their farm.

Land tour - Day 4 — We picked up the land tour on Day 4, so this was our first day on the road.

New Zealand farm on the road — The scenery on our land tour was nothing short of spectacular. We saw many of these little farms along the way. I love this one with the fog hanging low.

Raising sheep in Christchurch New Zealand — We had a one-night stay in Christchurch at the end of our land tour. During our stay we got to see plenty of these guys!

Friday Fotos – Welcome to Larnach Castle

May 17, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

Lions guard the front door of Larnach Castle — A pair of lions guard the front door of Larnach Castle

Architecturally, New Zealand’s Larnach Castle is a Gothic Revival mansion. It was built in 1871 by William Larnach using materials from around the world. It’s one of the largest mansions in New Zealand and has quite the history. That history began when William Larnach committed suicide in the New Zealand Parliament Buildings in 1898. After years of legal battles within the family, the ‘castle’ was sold in 1906. For the next sixty years, the castle was neglected and went through several different owners until 1967, when it was purchased by Barry and Margaret Barker. Thank goodness for the Barkers because otherwise the now stately mansion would have been leveled by developers for housing.

Friday Fotos – Along the shore at New Zealand’s Lake Wanaka

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Friday Fotos – Lindis Pass – a change in plans

Lindis Pass was a change in plans

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Friday Fotos – Skyline Queenstown, top of the mountain

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Friday Fotos – New Zealand sunset in the countryside

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Friday Fotos – Huka Falls near Lake Taupo, New Zealand

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Friday Fotos – Welcome to Larnach Castle

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