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So for the second time I have travelled across the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sound to the South Island. It was just as impressive we were sat up at the front (as luck would have it because we had breakfast there), the sky was blue which was a change to the day before. We didn't … Continue reading New Zealand – Back to the South Island

Yet another early start! Today we had a visit booked at the Weta Studio Tours. We went out early to find parking near the Weta Cave (studio shop) and so we could get breakfast. The tour was fantastic, we had picked the combo tour which incorporates the workshops where The Lord of the Rings, The … Continue reading New Zealand – Weta

“Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them.” — Lady Galadriel (LOTR) OMG! What a day! We were up really early, a bit earlier than intended but we set off south towards Cape Palliser. Its a 5 hour drive and it took us … Continue reading New Zealand – The Dimholt Road

Well actually the Tongariro National Park!This is where mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe) is situated but it was covered it was covered in cloud as we entered the park. Weirdly Mount Ruapehu above was clear.Before we arrived at the village of Whakapapa, which is a ski resort in the winter and a hikers paradise at other … Continue reading New Zealand – Mordor

When we left Hobbiton we headed back via Matamata, just to see the information office which was another Hobbit building, and worth a look at. But we had another appointment, this time with the Mitai Maori. This was an evening of Maori culture, history dance, martial arts and dinner. Again I don't want to spoil … Continue reading New Zealand – You step on the road – part 3

During the afternoon we had booked a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and I would say it was one of the best tours of this type I've been on. I'm not going to say too much as I don't want to spoil it, if you are going to visit sometime. Think its fair to … Continue reading New Zealand – You step on the road – part 2

Yesterday we were up and out the door by 8.15 a.m. I had a busy day planned. " Its a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." (Lord of the Rings) On our … Continue reading New Zealand – You step on the road – part 1

Yesterday I collected Lee at Auckland Airport. His flight had been delayed for 6 hours so he was pretty exhausted when he arrived. I had made a sign up with "Lee Arthur Tours" but, Lee was nearly too done in to see it. I'm going to blame Lee for the weather. We started back in … Continue reading New Zealand – Well we are down under!

I'm going to keep yesterday to myself, only because , Ive been on a Lord of the Rings mission for when Lee arrives. I'll provide a picture as a teaser! I have finally arrived at Taupo where Lee and I will be based mostly. The apartment, another timeshare swap is lovely. The town is bustling … Continue reading New Zealand – Who is Lee?

NZ has only one true indigenous land mammal and that's a bat, there are two sorts the Lesser short-tailed Bat or pekapeka and a long tailed bat. Although they very like our northern hemisphere bats, they actually catches much of their prey on the ground. Seals and dolphins are common visitors to the shores but … Continue reading New Zealand – Notes on animal and plant Invaders