Sunday - Lake Tekapo

Today we woke up to ominous gray clouds; no sunshine or blue sky at all. We were relieved that it was not raining, because we had to haul our bags all the way across the Botanical Gardens to a bus stop next to the Canterbury Museum.

Saturday - Christchurch

We said goodbye to Accents on the Park about 8:30 this morning when our shuttle arrived to take us to the airport. Our check-in and boarding experience in Nelson was very much like it had been the second time in Auckland: no ID checking, no security scanning, no TSA. The only difference was that the agent actually weighed our checked bags. Go figure.

Friday - Tasman Bay

Pick up time: 7 a.m. 7 a.m.?! Since ours was only the second stop on the AquaTaxi route, we got to see most of Nelson’s hotels and hostels as the full-size bus rounded up more tourists headed for a day of adventures in Abel Tasman National Park. Apparently, all the outfitters that operate in the park hire AquaTaxi to transport their clients from Nelson to their bases, and then take clients back to their various lodgings at the end of the day. It's an efficient, incredibly cooperative way to do business.

Thursday - Nelson

Sadly, our time with DeEtte as our traveling companion has come to a close. She has been a real trooper, spending untold hours behind the wheel--and a few more at the kitchen counter—to make sure we had many memorable experiences on the North Island. We’ve enjoyed sharing stories with her along the way as much as we’ve enjoyed sightseeing.

Wednesday - Tiritiri Matangi

Until the 1980s, the island of Tiritiri Matangi was used primarily for farming and sheepherding, but after a few centuries of such use the land was worn out. Some conservation-minded New Zealanders (and there are many) decided to buy the entire island and turn it into a bird refuge.

Tuesday - Paihia and Bay of Islands

Cruising

When we woke up this morning and looked out the window, we could see two gigantic cruise ships at anchor far out in the bay. By the time we had eaten breakfast and walked to the wharf, cruise passengers had started to invade Paihia. The local artisans were ready for them, having set up booths of handcrafted jewelry, leather work, paintings, and other wares on the village green. DeEtte had been looking for a jade pendant for some time, but although we saw some very nice ones, she decided that none of them was "calling to her."

Monday - Auckland

A-sailing we go

How can you go wrong sailing around Auckland harbor on an America's Cup yacht?