West Coast of the South Island

And now let me show you some pictures of what many consider to be the most beautiful part of New Zealand, the west coast of the South Island.













On the InterIslander, headed back to the North Island.

Christmas in New Zealand

Wherever we have been at Christmas time over the past four years, we have tried to get to church on Christmas Day--an ancient Catholic church in Izmir where the service was in about four different languages none of which was English; a modern church with open windows and a beautiful choir in Viet Nam, again no English; we missed church in Spain though we visited a few and took pictures of Creche. I'm sure there wouldn't have been English there either.

We were in Wanake on Christmas this year and found a little Anglican church to attend on Christmas Day.





The day was beautiful, sunny and warm and we were able to walk there from our hotel. This time the service was in English and included traditional carols. The church was packed with all ages from the very young to the very old. It was encouraging to see the number of young families that were there.

On to the South Island

Even North Islanders will tell you that the South Island is the nicest part of New Zealand! We certainly agree. From the very civilized and British city of Christchurch to the wilds of Arthur's Pass, every bit of the South Island is beautiful.

On the road between the ferry in Picton and Christchurch.


Through Arthur's Pass, South Alps


Lupins in the mountains--what a combination!



Rakaia River

Taking to the Road, NZ Style

The first challenge was to figure out how to drive on the left side of the road. Dave didn't take too long to get the hang of it and, other than a nervous hour or two as we made our way out of Auckland and onto the open highway, we had no trouble at all.



NZ roundabouts are much more civilized than those in Doha and NZ drivers are safe and courteous. Of course, the roads are so narrow, windy and hilly they probably have no choice.


New Zealand has such diversity in landscapes, ecosystems and vegetation, from the beautiful coastlines on east and west, to the volcanic majesty of Mount Taranaki, the rugged ranges of the Southern Alps, and the rain-forests of the western slopes. The scenery is every bit as eery and magical as you would expect of the setting of Lord of the Rings.

On our way to Russel on the North Island

Mount Taranaki



The Fern Tree was the plant that I watched for as we drove. It is so tropical and exotic it seems out of place in the land of cattle and sheep.

New Zealand for Christmas

We thought we had arrived in New Zealand, but it turned out to be Middle Earth!