Holiday adventures

Charles and I made a list of places to visit. These included the Wellington Zoo and Te Papa. On Sunday we set off just before lunch for Te Papa. This proved to be a good time as we were there in the later afternoon and the crowds dispersed. Charles first stop was the Golden Days exhibit which he saw a few weeks ago for the first time and which he really enjoys. Monday was reasonably fine so we set off to the zoo. Ruth and Christopher joined us on this expedition which began with lunch at Eva Dixon's. We were able to see most of our favourites although there are some major changes occurring as the zoo renews some areas and refocuses its displays. It is 100 years old this year and they are planning clebrations this month. It was fine at the zoo even though there was rain to the north.

Although Saturday was showery we decided that none of us would melt and we visited the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. We had not been there since the new fence and mainland island predator free area had been established. I was really impressed. It is easy to forget the local attractions. Charles and I took a ride on the lower dam in an electric powered boat and saw a number of bird inlcuuding black shags nesting. We walked up to the upper dam but the highlight for Charles was the old goldmine. Unfortunately the guide was at lunch so we couldn't go in the whole way. At the this point the rain became more steady so we retreated planning to go again and to take lunch.

I spent four days in the second week on the school holiday in Kaikoura with my Year13 geography students. The weather was not the best but we were able to complete everything -only getting a bit wet while cycling to the seal colony on Tuesday. The girls were able to get out to swim with the dolphins and on Wednesday although the day started very wet in Kaikoura it wa fine in Hanmer Springs - and although the rain doesn't affect swimming in the hot pools being fine makes the whole trip more pleasant.

Our last holiday outing was to go to see a production at Capital E called "On our Street". This was good fun.

Then back to school and ERO. I tend to agree with Charles that the holiday are the best part of school!, although Charles started straight back into a school trip to the Museum of City and Sea which also included playing in Frank Kitts Park. So not all bad.