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New Zealand, about the size of California, was first sighted by Abel Tasman in 1642. His crew fired upon the native Maori tribe and sailed away. 125 years later Captain James Cook circumnavigated the North and South Islands and claimed them for Britain.
Jack stands with Capt. James Cook statue Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is a lovely English city (third largest in New Zealand). English gardens surround every Victorian cottage and the shops and pubs offer English merchandise and fare. If one were blindfolded and set down, then given a look, Stratford upon Avon, England would be a good guess. In fact, the River Avon winds slowly through town and Punting on the Avon is a popular pass time.
River Avon, Christchurch, New Zealand
Cathedral Square Christchurch, New Zealand
Post Office Cathedral Square Christchurch, New Zealand
New Zealand, geographically isolated, has many animal species that evolved separately from those of the rest of the world. The environmentalists are very active protecting the fauna and flora unique to their country and as a result New Zealand boasts an enviable lifestyle amid lush green pasturelands spotted with sheep, and an unpolluted environment.
Sheep sheep everywhere!
Taiaroa Head, the peninsula just south of Dunedin, is home to the only accessible Royal Albatross Colony in the world. We viewed the fluffy 7 Kg chicks in their stone nests and were lucky enough to see a father Albatross glide in on a thermal breeze from sea to pamper and feed his chick regurgitated catch of the day.
Royal Albatross chick on nest.
We hiked to the base of Mt. Cook in the Southern Alps. This peak is the highest in the country and the scenery was breathtaking -as well as the hike at altitude 10,000 ft.
Southern Alps South Island New Zealand
Southern Alps New Zealand
Mt. Cook Highest peak in the Southern Alps and highest in New Zealand
Mt. Cook New Zealand taken from Peters Point
The many lakes have been created by dams for electric power. All the lakes have Maori names and most of the towns and cities have an English and Maori name. Queenstown, a popular vacation spot, offers every outdoor thrill sport imaginable. The Bungee jumping is most popular as this is the home of A.J. Hackett's original Bungee Jump which is in full swing. Queenstown is the jumping off point for wilderness trips to the coast - Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Rain occurs in these areas 250 days per year and we were there one of those days. Nevertheless the scenery was fantastic, after we cruised through the opening of Milford Sound into the Tasman Sea we could not see the opening between the mountains and understood why Capt. Cook passed the opening three times before discovering Milford Sound.
Bridal Veil Falls Milford Sound New Zealand
We climbed to the base of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, they were cold and dirty but also completely awesome. You can hear them crunching along, advancing 3 ft per year.
Franz Joseph Glacier- reflective mountain pool
Prior to touring the provisions were purchased for the New Zealand to Mediterranean leg.
Elizabeth with provisions in CHRISTIANNE cockpit, the first of many carloads for the New Zealand to Mediterranean leg.
We spend roughly $2,500 US on provisions at the start and re supply fresh items and eat on shore when possible.
CHRISTIANNE in dry storage
CHRISTIANNE was in good company at the Tauranga Bridge Marina. She received good maintenance to her keel when she was up on the hard during the summer (winter in the Northern Hemisphere).
The keel repair gave a smooth finish and base coat after freezing water in the bilge caused a bulge several years ago. At the same marina dock were boats that she had met in various ports crossing the Pacific. Discovery, Ocean Magic, Ricca, Robin and Jenny M. to name a few.
Jenny M. a Ferrocement sailboat broadcast problems on the net frequently and the net controller coordinated assistance. It seems everyone has different plans but amazingly you see acquaintances and hear familiar voices on the radio often. You never feel far from home when there are friends nearby. Now Morag and Paul from Scotland and Capt. Jack have taken up the journey again. They left the dock Sunday May 7 and spent a difficult day in 35K wind and driving rain. They stopped behind Mercury Islands for rest and better weather, alas another day of the same so they waited behind Great Barrier Island (just north of Auckland) for the weather to break. Saturday May 13 the weather improved and they departed New Zealand bound for Noumea New Caledonia about a week away. It will take them four months to reach the Mediterranean. Check in here now and then, we'll keep you posted.
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