23rd September 2013

It's Monday, and Andy has just finished a weekend on call. We are both glad it's over as now we can get on with our travels. Heading into the centre of North Island, to Lake Taupo on Friday and we are looking forward to it. 

The whole of New Zealand has been abuzz for the last couple of weeks with the Americas cup, being held in San Francisco Bay at the moment. We have been caught up in it all, despite not knowing a thing about sailing. I think I know what tacking is, and I'm learning what a jibe is, but what the heck is a 'code zero'? New zealand have been doing really well, but after leading by 8 races to 1 last week, the USA won on saturday and then both of today's races bringing the score to 8-5. New Zealand need only one more race to win and I really hope that they do it, even if just to get something else on the news!

We are settling down to life here, though I must admit I find things a bit strange. Had expected it to be just like home but on the other side of the world. Not so! Andy and I went to the pub the other day and the landlady had the nerve to tell me that kiwis think that the UK is a bit backward! This because we didn't pay for 2 beers with a credit card! However, I did find an area where the UK could learn a thing or two. Look at the registration plate we could get if we lived here -

Or even this-

Wanganui races and Bushy park

As we've  had a busy couple of weeks, we decided to spend this weekend in and around Wanganui. It wasn't a bad day on Saturday, so we decided to take a look at Wanganui races, the first race meeting since we arrived. The race track is a short walk from our house, and we could hear the loudspeakers from our garden, so we donned boots and macs - just in case, and walked over to the race track. Unlike race meetings in the UK, there was no charge for admission. I guess they think they will make their money on the cash you spend on food and drink whilst you are there, they obviously don't know Andy at all well! No money was spent on refreshments, but we did manage to lose about $20 (£10) betting on the horses, so I suppose that's something.

Another nice day on Sunday so we drove out to Bushy park, an old New Zealand homestead and grounds which have been left as the landscape was when the Europeans first landed. Walks here are described as bush walks, and we saw many native trees and some birds. apparently they have kiwis there but we weren't lucky enough to see them, nocturnal we understand. Only seen a stuffed kiwi so far!

Our horse was 5th in this race, about the best we did all day!

I think this is called a Ponga - a rather beautiful tree fern. The emblem of New Zealand is the silver fern and that's a Ponga too. 

Napier, Hastings and Hawkes Bay

We decided to stay in Napier for our visit to Hawkes Bay this weekend. The weather was a bit challenging, with sunshine and showers, and it was chilly! We stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast owned by a New Zealand couple, Peter and Wendy, who made us very welcome. Napier is a very nice city, the Art Deco capital of the world so they say. We got some lovely views of Hawkes Bay from Bluff Hill, and then went on to visit two of the many wineries of the region. Bought a few supplies to keep us going! Saturday evening we decided to try a restaurant which had been recommended. Well, the smoked eel porridge was passable, the fried pigs ears were rather nice, but I wouldn't recommend sea urchin if you are thinking of trying it. A slippery consistency like that of a flambéed banana, with a strong taste of sea water!

Left Napier on Sunday and got some more lovely views from Temata peak. A walk to the top had to be abandoned due to the weather, and we drove up instead - I was really upset about that ;). On then to Hastings and a visit to Kate's school friend Karen, who lives there with her family. (Derek, if you are reading this, Karen Fisher). Had a lovely afternoon with them all, including the new baby, Emily.