We are now entering the Deep South. This is Otago land. From Oamaru it takes another half hour on State Highway 1 to get to Moeraki, famous for the eponymous boulders down on Koekohe Beach. Now, there are boulders and there are boulders. The Moeraki … Continue readingMoeraki
We next stop at Lake Tekapo, perhaps the most famous lake in this alpine region. Covering an area of 83 square kilometres, the lake is known for the stunning cerulean colours of its waters. A stroll along its banks rejuvenates us after the long, winding … Continue readingWaiting for Arthur
We enter the lavender garden through a leafy arch. Carefully tended bushes of vibrant blooms stretch before us. Bees and butterflies flit from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen. The fragrance of the flowers is intoxicating. The varietals of lavender have beautiful names: Pacific … Continue readingThe violet intrigue
North Island or South Island? When visiting New Zealand, many travellers ponder on this very conundrum. The former has active volcanoes, the City of Sails (Auckland) and one of the world’s best coffee capitals (Wellington). The latter has crystal clear lakes, rugged coastlines and the … Continue readingCrossing Cook Strait
We stroll unhurriedly along the length of the Wellington Pier till we reach The Crab Shack at the southern end of Shed 5. Hard to imagine but raftered shed is over a century old, no longer meant for maritime use but now a haven for … Continue readingThe crabs and the invasivores
The Wellington Botanic Garden stretches as far as the eye can see. We are overwhelmed, defeated by its 25 hectares. After half a day here, we have barely covered half its grounds. The slopes of dramatic hydrangeas, the garden of fragrances, the duck pond, the … Continue readingRoses, roses