Old Christchurch
In the Christchurch Musuem, there is a reproduction of the old city.
Mummy
The museum contained many interesting artifacts from around New Zealand and the world.
Old Tyme Quinn
Here is Quinn in Old christchurch riding an old style bicycle
Rugby
On one of our few Friday nights in Christchurch we were able to attend a rugby match featuring the champion Christchurch Crusaders. Here is a team of "crusaders" entering the stadium to whip up crowd enthusiasm.
Crusaders
Here the culturally sensitively named Crusaders romp around the stadium threatening all who are disbelievers.
Scrum
We had great seats and enjoyed watching the game from great seats on "take a kid to footie" night.
High Throwin
The action was quite exciting and almost constant. They did not seem to understand the concept of a TV time out.
Black Night
Here is the large "black knight" that presides over Jade stadium.
Knight Fan
Griffin was given a tattoo at the crusaders game and wore it proudly for days. Notice the beautiful lavender bush behind him that graces our entry with color and a redolent presence.
Moonrise
On one of our nightly evening walks we had our path illuminated by the full moon rising over Hagley Park.
At the Symphony
Finally having a Saturday night in Christchurch, the parents attended a concert in the town hall featuring Beethoven and Motzart. The hall sported an amazing Swiss pipe organ.
Wizard of Christchurch
Every self respecting city has its sanctioned Wizard, this is Christchurch's giving a spellbinding presentation.
Griffin Poses us
Our first night heading to Golden Bay we stayed at Richmond. The Kiwi insisted that we pose for this classy photo.
Griff's Cicada
Griffin is proud to be holding this rather intimidating insect.
Mark and Nancy
Here is Mark and Nancy Meltzoff (colleague from Eugene) in front of the cathedral in Nelson.
First Sunrise
This is the first of a series of photos of sunrise over Golden Bay. It was calm and warm, and the beach was always exclusively ours.
Sunrise
Sunrise from right outside our cabin.
Sunrise Colors
The layers of color were at times indescribable.
Rippled Beach
That first moment of sunrise is always a magical moment, particularly with the gentle sounds of the surf and only a handful of vocal birds.
Sunrise over Abel Tasman
Able Tasman park peaks out from under the fog.
First Explorers
Much like being the first on a slope of newfallen snow, making tracks on a smooth beach feels particularly special.
Seaintosky
One of my favorite photos from golden bay
Griff scans the beach
Griffin was on a quest for the perfect shell and was diligent in his observations.
Quinn and Starfish
We found a plethora of live sealife up on the beach early in the morning.
Quinn explores
following spurts of water and exploring mysterious holes in the sand
Textures
Golden bay towards Abel Tasman Park
On the Beach
Hours were spent in assiduous pursuit of the intersection of sun, sea and sand.
Kayak Kids
This was the safest body of ocean water that we have ever seen. After numerous requests from the kids to rent a sea kayak, we decided this was the place. We spent all day going out in every combination. The kids loved the freedom we gave them to paddle out quite a ways from the shore.
Placid Parents
The parents paddled and splashed around the bay much to the delight of the kids.
Ripples
An array of beach textures were always present.
The quest for shells
Griffin would find a shell on the beach
Clam
Griffin would find a shell and try and identify if it was alive.
The conference
Quinn would confirm that it was a live clam
The return
Quinn would return the animal to the bay.
Starfish
one of the many creatures washed up on the sand
Ocean biologist
Quinn would wade in to his knees and search the bottom for life. Once he spotted and startled a flounder (or was it the other way around).
bonfire
The end of the first day brought the fun of a bonfire of driftwood.
Daybreak day 2
Two shags were our partners for this sunrise on our second day at the beach.
Cloud cover
This second sunrise saw a few more clouds that provided a different effect with the light.
Strolling
Quinn moves along the shoreline at dawn.
Mr. Green heads back to the cabin.
After a morning on the beach, Griffin is heading back.
In for breakfast
The morning sun is so bright that it takes a repositioned hat to keep the sun off of the face.
Breakfast
After a morning hike, a hearty breakfast. Note the beach right offf our deck.
Afternoon in Paradise
The calm sea fostered a tranquility that was refreshing.
Black Swans
This second day we headed to a wetland of international importance and encountered thousands of black swans on the water.
Farewell Spit
It was at this last point of land that Captain Cook bid farewell to the Island. It is the exclusive home of thousands of migratory sea birds and one lighthouse.
Look, Sheep
Hike to the beach
As we headed to the west coast and Wharariki Bay we encountered the juxtaposition of sheeplands, and windswept forest.
Sea of sand
At times it is hard to tell the difference between the dunes and snow fields. It was white with tinges of blue.
The jump
Quinn and Griffin spent hours running up and down the dunes and bounding over the crests.
Reflective moment
A shelless shore
Quinn surveys the Tasman Sea
Seals!
In the day we came upon a group of about 3 adults and a handful of pups. They were so friendly and curious
The pool of pups
half a dozen seals froliked as Quinn snaps a photo
Mother strolls the pristine beach
Wharariki Beach at its best
Griffin and the surf
This beach was a wild ocean beach and with a powerful undertow, we admired it from ankle depth.
Beachmother
The fine sand was spectacular
Wharariki sunset
Son and sun
Quinn admires the sunset
Dudes on a dune
This was the favorite dune and saw countless trips up and down at dusk
last rays
Sunrise
Day three saw an almost cloudless sunrise over Golden Bay.
Quinn at dawn
Quinn looking towards Abel Tasman park. This was another amazing morning where we were the sole occupants of the beach till well after sunrise.
The clan in the Grove
As we moved to a new cabin in Abel Tasman park, we paused to in an unusual Grove of trees that offered a view of the bay behind.
Gateway
Here is a Maori tribute at the entrance to the Park
Private Beach
Wainui Bay offered another stunning beach, this one unoccupied
Sunset on the bay
Wainui bay at sunset. One of the striking aspects of this beach was its absolute quiet. When we stopped moving and talking, it was almost absolutely silent for much of the evening.
Snack
After a hard day of swimming, we pause for a snack before driving back in the dark. On the way back we encountered countless owls, possum, and one confused hedgehog.
Cicada
Quinn surveys this cicada. These insects appear to be everywhere on the south island and their sounds are omnipresent.
Insect color
Closeup of a cicada.
Mr. Green leads a hike
Through Abel Tasman, Griffin leads the hike to Wainui falls.
Swing Bridge
a 40 meter one person wire bridge allowed us to cross across the Wainui river.
Griffin Swings
Griffin was empowered by being allowed to cross the bridge by himself.
Mother rocks
Pamela swings her way across the river.
Family at the falls
Refreshed hikers at a beautiful waterfall and its pool.
Wainui
Forest Foliage
Another verdant forest walk with wonderful bird sounds.
Onga onga
Along the trail, Quinn spots the dreaded onga onga.
Sharing a light moment
A relaxing moment on the trail.