Wellington Botanical Gardens, New Zealand

The Wellington Botanic Garden features 25 hectares of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city.
It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and is an Historic Places Trust Heritage Area.

Wellington NZ City Tour

Wellington, NZ - the capitol of New Zealand was our first stop as we transitioned from the South Island to the North Island.  We drove through the city and climbed the surrounding hills for wonderful views of the harbor and the sea.

We took a cable car up to the Botanical Gardens and visited the Cable Car Museum.

 

We toured the day with Flat Earth Tours:

 

http://www.flatearth.co.nz/index.php

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/portals/visit.html

Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, NZ

 

We really enjoyed visiting the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.  Six of our 8 people in the group had been to Antarctica recently - so the center was fun and informative. 

Ice Storm experience:  This safe all-weather indoor polar room is chilled to -5 degrees celsius and is fun for all ages!  The storm takes place in the Snow and Ice Experience and comes complete with stunning lighting, authentic Antarctic blizzard audio and 40 km/h winds.

Slide down an icy slope, shelter in an ice cave, brave the wind chill machine at -18 degrees celsius, or get 'exchillarated' in the Antarctic Storm that blows every 30 minutes.

4D Ice Voyage" is a 12-minute show and screens daily on the hour from in the 4D EXTREME Theatre.
Filmed by Emmy award-winning cinematographer Mike Single, this high definition movie is the first 3D sequence filmed in Antarctica, around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.
This exciting 4D EXTREME experience will take you on a simulated cruise to Antarctica, with added unexpected excitement and adventure from the 4D special effects wrapped over the 3D movie.
"Ice Voyage" is considered suitable for all ages, but parental discretion is recommended for children under 5 in determining whether they may enjoy the somewhat loud audio, realistic animal close ups and the 4D 'effects' of seat movement and water spray.

Penguins
http://www.iceberg.co.nz/

Punting on the Avon, Christchurch, NZ

After viewing the devastation of the earthquake - it was nice to enjoy "punting" on the Avon River.  A classical British activity - we road in a small boat through the Botantical Gardens with our "Punter" poling the boat along the river.  We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the boathouse.

Earthquake Damage in Christchurch, NZ

Center city of Christchurch, NZ was devastated by a huge earthquake in Feb. 2011.  The historic Christchurch Cathedral was leveled while the new art museum did not have even a broken glass.  The centre city is cordoned off.

A "Container" City has been constructed in the dowtown area - with restaurants and shops housed in shipping containers. 

Akaroa, New Zealand

 

 We arrived at the lovely port of Akaroa just south of Christchurch, NZ.  Since the earthquake that hit Christchurch - cruise ships do not uses the Lyttelton port.  We are spending Easter morning turning the countryside then later into Christchurch.

Akaroa is a lovely harbor town.  We crossed over the hills and into the lovely Canterbury plain.  A nice drive seeing farm land and small villages inlcuding Little River.

The beautiful harbour dominates the landscape and its sparkling waters are home to a variety of sea life including the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin as well as New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life.
	You can explore and learn the fascinating history of this unique environment with one of our local operators. There are activities for everyone including wildlife cruises, eco friendly sailing cruises, swimming with the dolphins, boat hire, paddle boats, fishing and sea kayaking. There are also Penguin colony tours, horse trekking and mountain bike riding. For those in search of relaxation there is nothing more satisfying than lazing on the sand as the family enjoy paddling at Akaroa's safe beach. There is lots of exploring to do in the outer Bays with pristine beaches and surfing. There are many bays to choose from and they are often quiet. Le Bons Bay and Okains Bay have great beaches and sometimes surf.
	The harbour's edge is home to plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Enjoy historic walks with an Audio Guide and learn about our fascinating history. Take a New zealand farm visit with sheep shearing and working dogs. Go horse riding or visit the penguin colony.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park - New Zealand's Highest Point

The alpine village of Mount Cook, located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

At 3754 metres, New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is dazzling, yet there are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3050 metres, and hundreds of others not far short of that – all making up the famous Southern Alps.  Home of Tasman glacier.

Elaine goes on a quick hike up to see the glaciers.  A severe clear day afforded wonderful views of the mountains.  Carins (small piles of rocks) mark the trail.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/aoraki-mount-cook/