Before we go any further with our North Island journey, here is a map of our route. The left line from Auckland to Wellington was our first two days on land, February 20 and 21. We left the North Island as quickly as possible to get to the South before any cold weather....as it turns out, the weather is still lovely on BOTH islands. We have been so very fortunate!
Carterton.....pretty summer flowers still in full bloom, and then BOOM!!! HOMEKILL processors??? Yep, you kill it at home and they will cut it up or make sausage or whatever you wish....a "specialty" butcher shop! You can buy his or bring yours!
Honestly, don't you think this is Mt. Pleasant, SC or any of a number of other U.S. coastal towns? Again, we say, New Zealand has the very best of U.S. geography packed into a smaller space. NOWHERE in this country are you further than 90 minutes to a beach....on either the Tasman Sea or the Pacific Ocean. However, unlike the U.S., both coasts have beautiful, sandy beaches.
TUI is a common NZ bird AND a popular beer. It is the largest brewery, but according to Tom, not the best beer. The tui has a double voice box and hence, a most unusual "tweet".
EEEEWWW! UGLY!! This is NOT a fake face....Tom is dealing with 2 degrees, our mobile carrier while in NZ. Remember that whole scenario back in Auckland when we first landed. Yeah, well, it has not been a happy relationship. They are telling Tom that his mini iPad is out of data time (we haven't even been able to use it cuz there hasn't been coverage!). As it turns out, we think, the mini had been running some program, unbeknownst to us.....and used it all up! Anyhow, Tom is on the phone for a loooong time, so I wander....
Must be a car show somewhere...we have seen them driving today, but this is the first one parked so I could get a picture.
I took all of these while Tom is on the phone....just wandering up and down the streets. All are taken through the glass window because they are ALL closed! I had hoped to do some shopping while he is busy....it's a Saturday afternoon! It is 1:30 pm....Can you believe this? NOT like the U.S.!!! Not at all. We noted this store closing way back in Golden Bay...there, the stores were open till 3 pm....wondering when working people shop.
The town in these pictures is "Dannevirke". (Dane's work). Don't know why, but this area was settled by the Danish. The town was exceptionally clean, but other than the name, no other identifying characteristics....apparently, the dannevirke is not on Saturday or Sunday. Actually, the weekend retail closings were quite refreshing....rest, relaxation, exercise and family time are very highly valued here....I can remember a time when the stores were closed on Sundays in America!
Our first glimpse of our lodging in Havelock North....the home is situated on 5 acres with enormous trees, gardens, koi pond, the pool....exceptional. Our hostess, Diana, and her husband are from England. They moved to NZ 4 years ago and selected Havelock North for its excellent school system for their only son, who is now at the University of Canterbury. This home was the first in the region to be sold for over $1,000,000....we did not have to read this to know it...the property speaks for itself. In addition, we have learned that persons over age 55 are not allowed to immigrate here UNLESS they have over $10,000,000!!!!!!
Our room was all windows with lovely views from each one...and the shower was worth a picture. The shower floor drained to the back corner....no curtain, no door, no mess.....and the house is 24 years old. The architect was ahead of his time.....and the only bidet we have seen so far!
The internet was speedy, the ambience lovely, the war with 2 degrees settled....life is good! Our bedroom opened to this lovely patio.
More Kiwi humor and creativity.
This one is for you, John Beltz....and any other Rotarians in our readership!
Pipi's is the local hangout, housed in a former residence, painted BRIGHT pink..
inside and out....note the use of REAL candles everywhere.
Mediterranean....lamb, kalamata olives, anchovies and feta
Chicken, spinach, zucchini, feta....on gluten free crust!
These are two of three boys here with their parents....they are not related although they look alike. They were so well behaved during their hour wait for food.....not once did any of the parents look their way, acknowledge their presence, speak to them.....NOTHING! I couldn't stand it....so when they pulled out their phones to play games, I asked what they were playing....and they took it from there! They couldn't stop talking (perhaps just wanting someone to pay attention to them?). They were all 11 and 12 years old and very articulate....even looked us in the eye! The boy closest to me has been to the States many times because his dad lives in NY.
Gill, this one is for you!!! And thank you!!!
