Napier & Wellington Adventures

We've had a busy last two days!  In Napier we took a tour that visited the family owned property of Maoris who planned a show of their dances, artifacts and weapons for us.  After traveling for about an hour on the tour bus we left the paved road to wind up the hill to the ancestral grounds where there was a carved arch and roofed performance space.  Unfortunately the driver made too short a turn and managed to get the bus stuck in the mud and very off kilter..if course it was raining again.  The whole family turned out to take us by small cars back down the hill to a different  hall, with 48 passengers it took quite a while to do this.  They eventually did most of the show without all the costumes and props but were endearing and instructional and very gracious to us.  They are trying to preserve their Maori heritage and our being there is a great financial help to them.  It ended up a good day but had it's hairy moments for sure!

 

Magician was good show and dinner delicious as always.

 

Today we docked in Wellington and spent the morning walking the town up and down.  Did the tour backwards and walked UP the hill to botanical gardens and took cable car down.  Nice city.  Dale looked for a replacement rain jacket but we found the high style, expensive clothing her a little too much.  Very stylish city clothes.  After a quick lunch we went out again on a tour of the coast by 4 wheel drive cars.  Yikes!!  up the mountain and round the steep roads.  Down the mountain and around the coast over rocks, sand and streams.  There was a beautiful area with picturesque rocks, rolling sea and seals lolling around.  We were glad that we jumped into the off road jeep with good seats for the bumpy ride.  One vehicle got stuck but luckily they were prepared and pulled it out easily.  I think we are jinxed!!

 

Good dinner tonight but little going on so we are doing laundry chores.  More off road adventures planned for the next two days then a couple of sea days for R & R.  Haven't  touched the pool or casino yet...too chilly and too expensive!!

 

Love to all.....

 

		Wellington farmers ostritch VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL This album has 9 photos and will be available on SkyDrive until 6/29/2012.

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