Milford lady

Emotionalism

I'm a little choked up today saying adiós to my momma and auntie.  Our adventure has been truly unforgettable so I will be A-ok.  Here are some images from the rest of our zig zag of the South Island and day trip to Waiheke Island with Pauly.  Muah!  

Akaroa (80 kilometers from Christchurch) in the mornin time

Barry's Bay Cheese Farm - Banks Peninsula.  He's making Canterbury Red - a yummy smoky cheddar.  

Lake Tekapo 

More of Lake Tekapo.  The sky remained this clear during the night so we did some stargazing with an astrophysicist from SoCal.  I can now identify the Southern Cross!  

Arrowtown Lodge B&B - introducing Mickey 

The drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy from Queenstown.  This should look very familiar to a LOTR fan!  

Glenorchy

Not-Masochistic bus tour to Milford Sound thanks to our lovely tour guide & driver, Peter 

First wind farm (not the only one now) in New Zealand

Eglinton Valley - really never thought I'd be able to get back to this stunning piece of Earth ever again.  

Sisters in Fiordland!

Nearing sunset on the way back to Arrowtown

Why hello little buddy - seal colony near Moeraki - east coast 

Speight's Brewery in Dunedin

Heading to Waiheke Island for lunch at Casita Miro and maybe a winery or 4

Mini horsey on Waiheke

Stag party at Man O' War winery - they've just ripped the groom's cow suit off.  HA

W O W 

Zig Zag Twins

Mom, Aunt Patti and myself are switchbacking our day down the South Island.  It all started with a mucked up train/bus from Auckland to Wellington to escort BanAnna to her new home, ferry from Wellington (bottom of North Island) to Picton (top of South Island), bus from Picton to Nelson where we rented a car.  Tonight we're in Akaroa which is a cute little French/British settlement 80 kilometers east of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula.  It is set on a beautiful bay in the center of an ancient volcano.  Tres jolie.  Heaps of love to all!  

Before celebratory dinner drink with BanAnna at General Practitioner in Wellington

Coming into Marlborough Sounds on the ferry

Hippie Stick dancing at the Queen's Garden in Nelson

Woollaston's organic vineyard outside of Nelson

Brave Patti & Mom walking Buller Gorge swingbridge!!

Sunset at the seal colony at Cape Foulwind - West Coast

Momma love at Pancake Rocks

Along the Devil's Punchbowl Falls track in Arthur's Pass National Park

Bridal's Veil - Arthur's Pass

Beginning of Craigieburn Range just east of Arthur's Pass

One year post earthquake Christchurch city centre is still empty and broken

Governor's Bay - Banks Peninsula

Overcast, chilly evening in Akaroa

Tractor ride anyone?

Hang on tight!

BanAnna and G.E.

We're just having a fabulous weekend here in Auckland!!  My wonderful, amazing, inspiring friend Anna, better known as BanAnna arrived last night.  She is here to begin her graduate studies in Wellington.  The weather today was quite flash so we made our way to the beach!  Couldn't resist a stop at Hallertau for a beer tasting.  Raaaaiiiightttttt??  

Looking down on Piha beach from Lion's Rock 

True story

Paul and I ended our day with a real treat.  Roger Waters performs The Wall!!!  
3 words = G.E. Smith

Chopsticks

Life is pretty sweet today!  My beautiful mom and her beautiful sister, Aunt Patti have arrived safe and sound.  We've spent the day acclimating, touring and just loving one another.  I'm so excited!!  

Heart n Soul

Year of the Dragon

Last night Paul and I ventured down to Albert Park in Auckland city centre to check out the Lantern  Festival.  It was a visual delight.  So many beautiful lanterns hanging from trees, scenes set up on the lawn, delicious Asian food (we tried veg dumplings and a durian roll), arts, and even a reggae band from Beijing!  This display marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is said to have begun as a show of respect to Buddha by an emperor of the Han Dynasty.  Modern day festivals seem to have an emphasis on celebrating people, families, nature and higher beings which Auckland embodied to the fullest.  To the Dragon!  

Not really sure ...

Ode to New Zealand