Traveling Disers are lost and adrift somewhere?

[edcrbnsoul]

New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress you. And the great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other!

About 80-100 million years ago, New Zealand drifted away from the massive supercontinent of Gondwanaland into the South Pacific. Since then, a unique flora and fauna has evolved, with a large number of beautiful native birds and plants, as well as direct descendants of prehistoric wildlife, including the tuatara, weta, and giant snail. As Time magazine said, New Zealand is an ‘ultimate storehouse for discontinued zoological models’.

New Zealand’s national symbol is a nocturnal flightless bird with nostrils on the end of its large beak. It is now endangered, and difficult to see in the wild. However, there are a number of ‘kiwi houses’ at zoos and wildlife parks. While they may look cute, kiwi can be fierce and highly territorial.

Other well-known New Zealand native birds include the kea (native parrot), weka, takahe, tui, and morepork owl. The playful kea is one of the most intelligent birds in the world and will happily attack a car in order to steal a windscreen wiper or other bits of rubber! The loveable weka is a flightless bird with a penchant for shiny objects, while the takahe has a beautiful indigo plumage and bright red beak. The takahe was believed to be extinct until it was sensationally ‘rediscovered’ in 1948 by New Zealand ornithologist Dr G.B. Orbell. Like many of New Zealand’s native birds, the tui has a beautiful song, and a white ‘parson’s collar’. The morepork owl is so named because of the sound of its call, often heard at night. Its Maori name, ruru, is also named after its call.

New Zealand has abundant and diverse marine life, and whale watching and swimming with dolphins are two of New Zealand’s most highly recommended tourist experiences. The small (up to 1.4m) Hector’s dolphin is the world’s rarest dolphin and only found in New Zealand waters. There are a number of spots in the South Island where you can see Hector’s dolphins close up.

 

[castlegazer]

Today we will hang out in Auckland

Auckland at a Glance
Auckland is situated on and around a narrow isthmus that is flanked by two magnificent harbours - the Waitemata to the east and the Manukau to the west.

Try not to think of Auckland as a city, even though it’s New Zealand’s largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world that’s dotted with over 50 islands.

Auckland’s amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Auckland’s layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another.

For an island escape, choose between Waiheke, Motuihe, Rangitoto - or journey a little further to Tiri Tiri Matangi, Kawau or Great Barrier. Each island has a different character and different things to do. Take your hiking boots or a good book and beach towel - you can be as active, or as inactive, as you like. To the west, north and south there are beaches and vineyards - combine the two for a memorable day trip. The native forests of the Waitakere and Hunua ranges let you discover New Zealand’s unique bird and tree species - particularly the giant kauri tree.

Auckland does the urban side of life just as well as it does adventure. America’s Cup activity has added an infusion of exciting new restaurants and bars. You’ll feast on culinary masterpieces that draw from the cuisine styles of Europe, the Mediterranean, Polynesia, Japan and Thailand. In the stylish precincts of Parnell, Ponsonby and Viaduct Basin, scores of restaurants compete for your attention.

A reputation for great art and fashion makes Auckland a shopper’s paradise. Within the city zone you’ll find originality and flair everywhere you look. Local theatre and live music gigs are another opportunity to discover the creative side of New Zealand culture.

 

[castlegazer]

Those who enjoy adventure will spend the morning Mountain Biking. Those who want to shop have plenty of opportunity in Auckland to do so. We will meet up again to take the ferry over to Davenport Seaside Village for lunch.

First of all we travel to the summit of Mt Eden volcano. We take in a view of the city, pointing out the sights of the city of sails, with an optional walk down into the volcanic crater.

We break up the 35 minute journey to Muriwai beach by visiting a winery, and a local orchard. At the winery visitors can sample a range of award winning wines for FREE, and have each wine individually explained to them. Passengers have the opportunity to purchase wine at reduced rates.

Next we travel to a nearby orchard, which grows apples, pears, plums and tomatoes/egg plants in a hot house environment. Our guide will explain the operation of the orchard and we stop for a chat with the friendly orchardist. Passengers can pick their own apples off the trees in season.

When they arrive at Muriwai beach our mountain bikers are dropped off at the top of a hill. The morning ride is scenic (2 hours)

 

[deadheadbelle]

Ok, so Mountain Biking was really fun, but now I'm hungry. FEED ME!!

 

[castlegazer]

DEVENPORT (yeah, I spelled it wrong before)

Devonport, a charming historic seaside village, on the northern shores of Auckland City, is only 10 minutes by ferry (half hourly service) and 15 minutes by car to Auckland City centre.

A delightful base to explore the Auckland area, return in the evening and stroll along the seafront to the village for dinner.

Experience Devonport’s unique heritage, wide range of restaurants, cafes, beaches, art galleries, shopping and warm welcomes.

Enjoy the spectacular views of the city and gulf from North Head and Mt Victoria. Admire the colonial timber architecture and walk along streets of enchanting homes.

Step back to an era when it was easy and personal. Relax and enjoy our friendly village atmosphere.

We'll be eating at the Devenport Yacht Club to enjoy the history of the area - you can read up about the history below:

with views of the City:

Devonport, North Shore City, Auckland, New Zealand by Miriam Beatson

Our Devonport is part of North Shore City, Auckland. Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the country's largest city. Across the harbour, a short ferry ride from the central business district, lies lovely Devonport, almost entirely surrounded by sea, and home to 18,000 lucky people. Auckland is a busy, cosmopolitan city, with a population of 1,000,000.

Its North Shore is known for beautiful beaches, bush reserves and recreation parks, and more relaxed way of life. Traditionally, many people lived on "The Shore" and travelled to work in Auckland city. Now, however, North Shore City has its own successful retail, industrial, commercial and university areas, and many workers commute to it from other parts of Auckland.

Devonport, at the very southern point of North Shore City, was one of the earliest settled areas of Auckland. The three small volcanic mountains here (Takapuna, Takarunga and Takaroro) were ideal for Maori pa (fortified settlements), and are believed to have been occupied from about 1350AD. European settlement began in earnest in the mid 1800s, with farming and shipbuilding the main industries. Devonport was initially referred to as The Island because it was connected to the rest of the North Shore by only a narrow causeway, at the beach still known as Narrow Neck. In 1840 a flagstaff was raised on our highest hill (Mt Victoria or Takarunga, 81 metres) and the town became known as Flagstaff.

At that time a deep water anchorage suitable for naval vessels was identified nearby, and the area became the base for our navy. Hence the name Devonport, after the English naval town. The Calliope Dock, when it opened in 1888, was the largest drydock in the Southern Hemisphere. The Royal New Zealand Navy still has its national base here, and is our biggest single industry, along with the nearby dockyard which was formerly part of the Navy and is now privately owned. The Navy also had a presence on North Head or Takapuna (65 metres), which is now administered by the Department of Conservation, and there are still military tunnels and bunkers there to be explored. A newly opened park above Narrow Neck Beach is Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve which has in the past housed both Navy and Army.

In the 1880s much farm land was subdivided and large wooden villas were built in a style which has now become part of Devonport's charm. The villas have been lovingly restored and repainted, and beautiful gardens developed around them to enhance their glory. Most of the houses are built of solid timber from the kauri tree, Agathis australis, a native tree known for its straight growth habit and lack of knots.

Young kauri rickers were prized for masts, as they drop their side branches as they grow, and need little trimming. North Shore City has some fine examples of kauri in native bush reserves at Kauri Park, Kauri Point, Kauri Glen and Le Roys Bush.

There are some giant kauri trees further out of Auckland which are tourist attractions in themselves. The most famous is Tane mahuta (king of the forest); 51.5 metres high and 13.7 metres in girth. Tourism is now our fastest growing industry.

Visitors come to Devonport to enjoy our gentler pace of life and to see the colonial architecture which is such a feature of the area. The North Shore City Council has been careful to set bylaws protecting heritage buildings and Devonport is proud of the number of villas that remain here. Many visitors to Auckland like to stay close to the centre of town, but in a quieter area.

Devonport is ideal for them. We are just 12 minutes by modern ferry from Auckland's Queen Street, and offer a choice of 25 Bed & Breakfast establishments, as well as a traditional Brighton-style hotel right on the waterfront, opposite the ferry buildings. From their accommodation visitors are able to walk to anywhere in Devonport, select a menu from any one of 34 of eating places, or climb one of our two remaining "pocket volcanoes".

We have beaches facing almost any direction so that there is always one that is sheltered from the wind. Yachts tug at their moorings just off shore, and a border of pohutukawa trees gives the coastline a fringe of blazing red blossoms in early summer. Devonport Domain is home to willow bats and white flannels in summer, and rugby matches in winter. There are separate grounds for soccer, bowls, tennis, petanque and croquet, and a beautiful golf course stretches almost from one side of the peninsula to the other.You can enjoy a tour of Devonport by minibus, horse and cart or tuk-tuk.

Two local yacht clubs have produced world renowned sailors and designers - Sir Peter Blake and Bruce Farr were both Devonport boys. Boat ownership among Devonport residents is high, whether it is a little rowboat, a fine keeler or a luxury motorcruiser Our way of life is mostly casual, as is the case with any seaside town. We have a strong sense of community and many residents spend their whole lives here in the houses in which they were born. There are three primary schools in the immediate area, two more a short distance away, and an intermediate school and grammar school next to each other just on the northern boundary of Devonport.

We have a Visitor Information Centre, a library, a resident community constable, a community house and arts depot, a monthly market, a 3 screen cinema, three museums, a large supermarket and many small specialist shops, very reputable art galleries and craft outlets. Smaller local industries are boat building, pottery, furniture restoration, and various home-based crafts. Devonport is also well known as a home for poets, writers, artists, actors and musicians.

The Devonport Folk Music Club has meetings every Monday in The Bunker, on Mt Victoria - ever sung in a bunker? Every summer there is a week long Arts Festival to showcase the talents bubbling away both in Devonport and nearby. And Windsor Reserve is the site each February of the largest Food & Wine festival in New Zealand. Local charities benefit from the enjoyment each year by over 40,000 people of a two day outdoor gala where the pick of the country's wine and food is there to be sampled, along with music and entertainment.

Devonport families enjoy the easy access to the city as well as their own beaches, parks, mountains and walks. Picnicking is part of life in winter and summer, and even in storms a few hardy residents can be seen leaping the surf or walking their dogs. (We have a local vet, too.)

One of the most popular walking spots is North Head (Takapuna), the smaller of our two remaining volcanoes at 65 metres. It has been used extensively for defence and still has the typical bank and ditch pattern of a Maori fortified site, as well as 19th and 20th century bunkers and ammunition storage tunnels which can be explored, and guns aimed out over the harbour entrance.

In the evenings in Devonport we can go as formal as we like, with some very high class restaurants right in town. In the weekends, particularly Sunday mornings, the restaurants and cafes are full, with relaxed groups dining at tables on the footpath or enjoying a meal in a restaurant high in the ferry building overlooking the harbour. Buskers and street entertainers add to the local colour. For children there are parks and playgrounds, the cinema, and a community house and library which run special programmes for them.

 

[castlegazer]

I had to share with you all. That's where I have been this morning!!!!!!

 

[deadheadbelle]

Originally posted by castlegazer

I had to share with you all. That's where I have been this morning!!!!!!

Like I said over on the BACK's thread: Yipee Yahoo Whoop Whoop WAHOO!!! I'm so excited for you. You are JUST LIKE ME!!! Boy first, then a girl. You better get in some OT quick 'cuz you are gonna do LOTSA shopping! Girl clothes are so cute. I never buy myself anything anymore 'cuz I'd rather spend $$ on Lainie's clothes. She looks much better in clothes than me, anyway.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

CONGRATS CG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[suzannen]

First, I was totally amazed by Ed and CG's gorgeous New Zealand info and then I read CG's news.

Congrats!!! Shopping for little girls is so much fun! I'm glad to know everything is going so well (and fast - at least for all of us not pregnant). That's really great news.

 

[castlegazer]

Thanks Guys - I was in a bit of a state of shock yesterday - my thoughts lie less in the sweet wonderful toddler years and more in the - "oh, man, I know what I was like when I was a teenager", realm. Plus I love being a boys Mom. I am more tomboy than tea party chick.

This will be neat, though, having both.


OK, DHB, I am still trying to find info about shussing. I'm workin on it, though, OK.

I think today we could check out this region - and possibly do some shussing:
Otago & Southland
Three highlights dominate Otago and Southland in the bottom half of the South Island: Queenstown with its adrenaline pumping activities; the walkways of Fiordland National Park; and Otago Peninsula, which boasts New Zealand's first foray into ecotourism. Queenstown, set in a glacial valley on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, is a town synonymous with hairy adventures: parasailing; schussing down icy rapids in jet boats; white-water rafting; and bungy jumping off Skippers Canyon Bridge - the latest and most terrifying being a plunge 300m from a helicopter.

Fiordland National Park, which takes its name from its glacier-carved coast, is a wilderness of mountains, ice and beech forests. The scenic climax of Fiordland is undoubtedly Milford Sound, where cruise ships bob toy-like beneath the shadows of towering mountains and waterfalls. There are classic alpine walks, including the Routeburn Track (in Mt Aspiring National Park), the Hollyford Track and the Milford Track (billed as the 'finest in the world').

Otago Peninsula is a significant wildlife area, with woodland gardens, albatross, penguin and seal colonies, plus aquariums, museums and historic sites. Dunedin, a student city on the peninsula, is a hub for arts and entertainment, and is famous for producing an eclectic pool of internationally successful rock bands. Scottish to its core, the city has a rich architectural heritage with many museums, galleries and castles.

There is a series of huge lakes in the area, including Hawea and nearby Wanaka in Otago, and Lake Te Anau in Southland. Te Anau, gouged out by a huge glacier, is New Zealand's second-largest lake and features caves full of glow-worms, and waterfalls and whirlpools. The Catlins, the largest remaining area of native forest on the east coast of the South Island, is between Invercargill and Dunedin. It has reserves of rarefied plants and trees, plus fauna such as fur seals, sea lions, penguins and ducks.

OK, so what do you all want to do first?

Nothing you have experienced will have prepared you for the excitement of a Shotover Jet ride, speeding past rocky outcrops with only inches to spare, twisting through narrow canyons, and a major highlight - the famous 'Shotover Jet' turn, where your boat spins through a full 360º in its own length. This is all part of the Shotover Jet drivestyle that has thrilled over a million and a half visitors since 1970 - and now it's your turn! Catch the canyons today.

Breathtaking helicopter flights exposing dramatic views and the stunning beauty of Lake Wakatipu, the Queenstown region, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Skippers Canyon, the Southern Alps and beyond. Venture into Milford Sound and be captivated by the lush, rugged National Park. Snow landings a speciality.

Wanna go wild? Professional mountain guides - small group and private treks in the best of New Zealand's Southern Alps - glaciers, waterfalls and magnificent flora. Moderate to challenging treks for a variety of discerning travellers. Because we limit our trips to 5 or less people, we can offer remote wilderness adventure seldom experienced by others. If you love wild mountains like we do, there is no better way to experience this hiking paradise. Let our friendly and knowledgeable mountain guides make this a trip to remember. Sleeping bags, tents and all equipment supplied - just bring your boots and a sense of adventure!

It's simply world famous, you just have to do it! Air Fiordland's Milford Sound - see the spectacular Fiordland National Park from the air - cruise Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea. Every seat is a window seat; enjoy enlightening commentary, friendly service, unquestionably one of life's unique experiences. It took millions of years for nature to create the towering mountains and the glaciers to carve its deep fiords. Take a few hours to capture this magnificent scenery from one of our many flight options.

Challenge yourself to a whitewater raft or raft combo trip on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers.

Experience the breathtaking thrill of a scenic helicopter flight over spectacular glaciers and snowcapped alps. Choose flight options from 20 minutes to 4 hours. Flights feature the Remarkables, Skippers Canyon, Coronet Peak, Lake Wakatipu, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Mount Cook. Glacier landings are our speciality. Customised charters for hunting and fishing. Combinations with wilderness and glacier hiking, river rafting, jetboating and mountain biking.

And this ones for me:

Personal heli-skiing - unlimited runs on virgin snow. Daily heli-skiing - 3 & 5 day runs. Skifield transfers -from Queenstown to Cardrona or Treble Cone. Includes lift passes. Ski four mountains - encompassing in one day, on-piste skiing at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Treble Cone & Cardrona. Includes lift passes & 3 runs on each field. Queenstown scenic & Milford Sound - soar to the top of The Remarkables, land on a glacier or discover some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery on the 'Milford Ultimate'

[and there's more... hang on, I'll be back[/b]

 

[castlegazer]

Welcome to Shotover Canyon Swing's Official website.
We are the World's highest swing at 109 metres
above the ground. Based in the superb adventure playground of Queenstown, New Zealand, this is one adrenaline rush you will not forget in a hurry.

 

[castlegazer]

I'm having trouble finding shussing - maybe Ed can help......

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Are you taking about these they call them rip boards or riverboards

 

[castlegazer]

I don't know, I missed the final episode of Amazing Race. I thought I had it when that site mentioned shussing, but then I couldn't find a link to it.

But those things look COOL After I finish heliskiing I want to do THAT!!!!

 

[deadheadbelle]

Originally posted by edcrbnsoul
Are you taking about these they call them rip boards or riverboards

That's it! That's it! That's it!!!!

I don't know if they called it Slushing or Sludging on the AR, but either way, it was WAY cool.

CG, I was the same way you are when I found out Lainie was a girl. I have always been a tomboy. I've never had a ton of girlfriends, I was always friends with all the guys. I figured I would be one of those moms who had all boys & that was probably for the best. I was a little freaked out when the ultrasound photo did not contain a little boy package . Once I went shopping I quickly got rid of my uneasiness. LOTSA cute clothes!! DH is the one freaking out now. He is so wrapped around her finger it is sickening (but GREAT!). She'll look at him with a pout & he just melts. He is tough with DS, but he says I'll have to discipline Lainie as he just can't bear to hurt her. He's gonna be a mess when she gets older. He is really overprotective of his sisters, I can't imagine how he'll be with the Lainie-monkey.

Sorry about that, fellow-travelers........Back to New Zealand!

 

[castlegazer]

OK, Ed - set us up with a trip on those things!!!!

How cool do they look!

DHB - its already started, I hit the Talbots sale today and picked up the cutest little clothes for next summer! After yesterday and my Marshalls trip I am beginning to worry here. My husband is seriously worrying. But this is what I did with my son - I hit the sales and then store the clothes in a cabinet with each layer being for the next size - it worked fantastically, but I now remember that you can have some pretty big bills all at once when its sale time. I had my first heart palpitations buying for two kids today because there were some nice fall shirts for my son on sale too. I keep telling my husband that at least we don't have to be buying clothes AND all the stuff too this time around - but if he were a little quicker on the draw he would remind me that, yeah, but we didn't have the weekly drawdown of our account called day care either.

Shussing (its what that NZ web site I was on called it) shussing shussing

 

[deadheadbelle]

Yep, buying stuff on sale for the next year is such a great way to go.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

You are equipped with a padded wetsuit, booties, life jacket, helmet and fins for kicking, providing propulsion and steering. Your chest rests on the board and your arms are tucked neatly inside for good grip and control. The great thing about sledging is that you don't need any experience.

Participation in whitewater activities involves a degree of risk ... and no-one can absolutely guarantee your safety. That's why it is very important to listen to your guide's instructions - and why we only employ the best guides!

Your instructor will coach and teach you all the skills required to become a complete white water sledger.They will guide you down the river taking the safest route.

"Have you ever seen a person with 50 cent piece eyes, wide awake but nobody home?" "This is sensory acute ADRENALIN OVERLOAD - we specialise in it!!",

 

[castlegazer]

Thanks Ed! That was cool!!!

Guys, I am going to be out of it for a little bit, I am lurking to just keep my mind occupied, but I can't muster the stength to post. I got a call this morning that our extremely close friends - friends we spent every Friday night with - just lost their 13 year old daughter this morning. Their daughter is our son's babysitter and we just saw her Friday night. Its an unexplicable death at this point. She went to bed last night and never woke up. They will have to endure an autopsy, an investigation, all while going through the most unbelievable grief. I talked to them a little while ago - while balling my eyes out, and they are in shock - pure shock.

Oh, and its not suicide or drugs either.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Castlegazer, I am sending a soft and comforting hug your way. Any death is saddening but such a young life, cut so short, is beyond understanding. My heart goes out to all involved and the promise unfulfilled and unknown. A grandmotherly hug to your dear son as well.

I am glad that you are currently in NZ as I have friends there and if you have to be somewhere at this time that is a good place to be. God's creation abounds there with constant reminders of all His glory. May you all find comfort and some understanding in the beauty of the sunset and promise of a new tomorrow.

Slightly Goofy/Linda