Wild Kiwi and Down Under - Part 2 of 3

15,000 silk prayer flags made by children 8-12 flutter in Wellington's wind
as part of a 4-year project, "Fly Me Up To Where You Are" in
Upper Frank Kitts Park.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

Hello Gentle Readers, when last I wrote we had just arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, a wonderfully modern city that charmed me with its love of art!

So glad we dressed in layers for our "bit of a wander" exploring Wellington.  Despite the bright sunshine, the wind gusts were quite blustery and brisk!  

Looking toward the city from Wellington Harbour.

Locks intrigued us on the bridge.

 On our way toward the Museum of New Zealand we crossed a bridge in which hundreds of locks were attached, rusting in the salt air. Some were inscribed with public messages and some were clearly locking in private secrets.

It was a very personal and unexpected touch to a very busy pedestrian walking bridge. It made me wonder who locked the first lock and what message it contained.

"Small One + Tall One
We love this harbour walk
Married in Wellington, NZ
01-10-13
A New Adventure"

On our way back to the pick-up spot for the bus on Brandon Street, we tried to fit as many of the "attractions" marked on our map into our route.  

We did manage a quick sashay to see the Bucket Fountain and spend a few extra minutes on the City to Sea Bridge full of wonderful and diverse sculptures!

Wooden whales and totems add whimsy to the City to Sea Bridge.

Lifeboats from the Noordam tendered us ashore in Akaroa, NZ

 AKAROA, 
NEW ZEALAND

The next day couldn't have been more different as we donned even more warm layers to explore Akaroa.

The dark skies gave a rather mysterious appeal to this lovely community on the Banks Peninsula, which was formed by violent eruptions of three volcanoes.  

This seaside village is described as having a "French flavour," because of the influence of Jean Langlois, Captain of a French whaling ship in 1838. 

A cold day dampens the urge to swim with the dolphins.

As we strolled along French Bay, I was snug with my pink cashmere scarf wrapped around my neck, my windproof jacket and even walking gloves I thought to toss in my bag just before we left Colorado.  

As you might guess, those guests from the ship in sandals, shorts and summer shirts were quickly headed back to the ship after shivering through a couple of gift shops.

A box of beach toys await a warmer day.

Since the pace was much quieter in Akaroa, I bought postcards and had time to jot a note and put them in the mail.

We browsed the shops and I indulged in a beautiful purple wool poncho that I had opportunity to wear several times during the rest of the cruise.  

The Brasserie, where we enjoyed a cozy table inside, a delicious
lunch, the best wine--and even free Wi-Fi!

Dunedin, New Zealand

We entered the harbor to dock in Port Chalmers just as the sun was rising, right next to an area stacking boxcars.   From our room it looked like someone playing with building blocks.  

We docked in a working harbor in Port Chalmers.

We took a short bus ride to Dunedin, described as having an "Edinburgh, Scottland flavor." 

(I personally thought it had more of an "Irish flavor," but that could be because we arrived on St. Patrick's Day and the pubs were merry and well-attended.)

As luck would have it, our bus dropped us off in the center of The Octagon--right across from an Arts and Crafts Festival!!

What fun to stroll among the tents looking at hand-crafted goods and talking with the artists!  

I can never resist browsing an Arts and Crafts Festival!

 

We walked across the Octagon to tour St. Paul's Cathedral (Anglican), looked at Farmers, a lively department store, ate at a food court and decided to hike the extra blocks to see the World Factory of Cadbury, where we indulged in a little sweet chocolate!

Later in the afternoon we enjoyed seeing all the kids getting out of school and the array of different school uniforms.

Steps rise to the beautiful St. Paul's Cathedral.

View from Octagon looking south toward the Dunedin Railway Station.

The Luck o' the Irish was alive and merry on St. Patrick's Day in Dunedin, New Zealand.

A delightful day in Akaroa, savoring the cool
freshly-rain-scented air.

And, this, dear Readers, is where I must stop.  I have enjoyed every minute today writing about this remarkable and magical Bucket-List trip, looking at my VAST library of photos and reading my diary and trip journals.  

I still have so much to share that I wonder if Part 3 will be able to present it adequately.  Well, we'll wait until Part 3 to find out.  Yes?