AUCKLAND to HOME
The end of this wonderful trip is upon us. We are approaching Auckland for our flight home.
The gliders love this spot. We must have seen 30 of them take off. How I wish I had been among them!
AUCKLAND to HOME
The end of this wonderful trip is upon us. We are approaching Auckland for our flight home.
The gliders love this spot. We must have seen 30 of them take off. How I wish I had been among them!
TAURANGA, New Zealand
We were fortunate to visit the Hangarau Marae. This is the gathering place of the Ngati Rangihui Tribe. We were part of a formal welcoming ceremony.
We lined up, women leading the way. Once inside the grounds, we chose our spokesman (it must be a man). I tried to get Bob to volunteer, but he didn't pick up my signals - or chose to ignore them.
The local warrior approaches and asks if we enter with peaceful intentions. After a yes from our spokesman, the warrior places an offering on the ground. When our spokesman picks it up they know we have come in peace.
A tribal woman began a chant to welcome us. This is followed by a moment of silence to remember the dead. We then take seats, men in front.
The Hongi greeting involves touching noses and foreheads. This is the most sacred and important part of the ceremony as it represents sharing life, peace and knowledge.
Obviously I did not take pictures during this ceremony but the warrior gave us many opportunities to photograph him afterwards.
We were allowed into the house of worship.
This is some of the interior decor.
The grounds of this sacred area were very calm and serene.
Farewell to Tauranga. We are now fearless and have great strength.
NAPIER, New Zealand
Napier calls itself the Art Deco capital of the world. Leveled by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style.
This community has a wide area between the ocean and the shops where they greet passengers from the cruise ships. Vintage cars and period dress. Everyone was so very friendly.
We chose to just walk around rather than taking an excursion here.
Their street art was very intriguing.
This sign was on the outer wall of the Visitor Center welcoming us to the island in the native greeting and then several other languages.
I like this sign because there is a New Zealand wine called Kia Ora which I happen to like a lot. I never knew the meaning of the brand until this visit.
PICTON, NEW ZEALAND
Our exploration here was an organized tour of a couple wineries. The first was Scott Wineries.
I love the quote on this book cover. It really does summarize this journey.
Just like the vines themselves, this family's story is entwine in the very roots of Marlborough winemaking. Allan Scott planted some of the region's first vineyards in the 1970's and has been a part of every vintage grown here since. They founded the winery in 1990 with their two children.
There are several indoor and outdoor sitting areas as well as this outdoor chess set.