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Christchurch airport had a poster that caught my eye as I walked past immigration; 'The All Blacks' in action. There are a lot of attractions New Zealand has tempted me with over the last few years, but their national rugby team has topped my list most recently. Not having been to a game since the days I watched my dad coach the highschool boys, I thought I could make a feature of my 5 weeks here. Noooo, I'm not 'gonna be a rugby groupie, just checking out the field as often as I can. When I saw Wales, Ireland, Scotland and the UK as the opposition teams over the next few weeks I smiled and thought of the rivalring commaderie I could have. And then just my luck, I realized the All Blacks are touring the UK. So instead of checking out the field, I'm still playing the field. Applicants are most welcome, but you must have a full set of teeth.
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Looking for a kiwi...

Coffeecat
2005-12-24 18:15:05

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the nagging wives hollered and searched the crowds for their hubby's.

I left town with just enough time in the morning to explore the old Victorian area whilst the Sunday market stalls were being set up. Interesting buildings and old theatrical sets were the backdrop for artists to begin carving their jade and bone creations. There was even an old steam train that had been polished pristine for all of the tourists. I noticed that in a couple of weeks the 'Victorian Days' festival would be featured, the photos certainly showed an entertaining few days. A shame that I was a couple of weeks to early!

Whilst driving down the coast to

I can't seem to get away from it!
Dunedin, I stopped off for a couple of unique sights. The Moeraki Boulders are formed through thousands of years in the cliffs and look as though they roll out to sea. Sitting on the beach, some of the 5 foot high marbles have split in two and others have begun to crumble. I never thought much of looking at big rocks in the sand, but this was certainly different.

The next place I pulled over to was really for my own entertainment. I put myself back into the days of Austin Powers as I laughed at the sign for 'Shag Point'. Curious to see whether it was an area to meet and greet I sheepishly drove down the road expecting to hear a few giggles behind some parked cars. Much to my disappointment there was nobody there. Walking along the coastal path I saw a few fur seals snoozing on the rocks below. I read a few of the information notice boards and understood the area a lot more. The 'shag' birds were also nesting in the area, and having a great time I'm sure.

Before long I arrived in Dunedin and was suitably impressed with the style of the buildings as

Bright blue skies, bright blue rivers and the calming green of the countryside
I drove by. The railway station finished completion in 1906 and incorporated Oamaru stone within turrets and minarets. I continued to walk around town and saw a recurring theme of Scottish tributes. It seems as though Dunedin, when first being built, had intended to be the Edinburgh in New Zealand. Maybe this is why I felt so welcome here.

For my final day before venturing down to the southern tip of the southern island, I drove 25 kilometers along the Otago Peninsula. It was another extremely curvy road along the edge of the water and bliss to drive. Once I reached the end I was able to see the infamous shag birds nesting very close to the top of the cliff edge. I was even lucky enough to see two albatross soaring in the skies above me. With the largest wing span of any seabird (3.5 meters) it was quite a sight. But the sights for the day weren't over yet, as I joined the last tour for the day at the 'Penguin Place'. I walked through trenches covered in camaflauge in order to not disturb the yellow eyed penguins nesting nearby. These penguins were much different to those little blues

soon to be dinner
that I had seen in Oamaru. They lead a much more solitary life in addition to being nearly double the size.

So there you have it, my first week in New Zealand. I have seen so so so much in such a short period of time. The fact that I've covered only one portion of one coast line on one island makes me thankful that I have another four weeks to explore. There really is, so much more to come.

Love to everybody,

Fiona