Something Old Something New

Our visit to Dunedin was a unique experience with our accommodation in a late 19^th century castle. Situated on the top of the Otago Peninsula we had a commanding view from our room of Dunedin’s Otago harbour. We had dinner in Larnach Castle’s large dining room with the rest of the guests on our first evening and the creaking floors and dimly lit gardens with narrow concealed pathways made for an Agatha Christie novel in waiting. This region certainly takes on the Scottish flavour with scenery, customs and culture reminiscent of Edinburgh and the highlands.

No trip is complete without some train travel and this journey was not to be the exception. We booked a 4 hour return trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway which took us from the architecturally stunning train station in Dunedin through the gorge until reaching the outskirts of Hinton. En route the train stopped and allowed us to walk across a steel trestle bridge to be picked up on the other side of the ravine. This would never be allowed in North America and not being a fan of heights made me very squeamish as I crossed the span on foot very quickly.

Now Christchurch on the other hand, is in sharp contrast, a new city in the midst of reconstruction. Staying here was like living in an organized war zone. After the earthquake of February 2011, in which 185 people were killed, the city is in various states of repair. Many of the buildings which still stand, with their blown out windows and curtains still fluttering in the wind, have been abandoned and condemned, while they wait their turn for demolition. Under the surface, the city residents still seems to be in mourning, but they put on a brave face and optimistically hope for a return to normalcy which won’t come any time soon. Nevertheless, a walk through the botanical gardens and watching the punters pole their way along the Avon River, gives insight as to why this lovely city, has been nominated one of the world’s prettiest cities.

As we leave Middle Earth and depart for Oz, and our tour of New Zealand draws to it’s conclusion, I would like to say that this country is wonderful. From the majesty of the mountain peaks and glaciers, to the breathtaking ocean vistas and lush rolling meadow landscapes, the people of New Zealand are the nicest, most sincere and friendly people we have ever come in contact with. I said to Jennifer that if there is life after death, I would like to come back as a Kiwi. Not the fruit or bird, but the person.