Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Oamaru - South Island, New Zealand

 We continue our journey along the South Pacific Ocean towards Dunedin, New Zealand.
We made about a 45 minute stop at Oamaru for snacks and a walk around the tiny township.
It seems an ANZ Bank is moving to a new location.
A glimpse of the town can be seen in the reflection along with 'some' lady with a camera!


I don't know the significance of this cannon but I will keep researching until I find something.


A coastal railroad comes through Oamaru...there is a glimpse of the South Pacific in the distance (which isn't far away!)


The front pillars of the Forrester Gallery (art).



This could be interesting!


We found these kind of signs in many places around New Zealand.


colorful!


Our daytime 'home sweet home'!
Oamaru
South Island, New Zealand
November 26, 2012

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme - South Island, New Zealand

  We had a lovely sky for our day of travel between Twizel and Dunedin, New Zealand.
...a lovely sky to match the lovely countryside of the South Island...


 We made a stop to view the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam.
The reflections on the water were eye-catching!




 ...and, so were the wild flowers!





 some even grow in the cracks of the walls of the dam.













Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam
supplies 30% of New Zealand's hydroelectric power and consists of 8 stations.
South Island
New Zealand
November 27, 2012

Monday, January 21, 2013

An Evening Walk in Twizel - South Island, New Zealand

 We arrived in Twizel after a big day on the road on the South Island, New Zealand.
The day began in Christchurch with several wonderful stops, especially Lake Tekapo!
We went for a LONG walk after dinner in search of a beautiful lake...Lake Ruataniwha...it's somewhere down this road about 5km each way (3.1 miles each way)  The people at the hotel said to just keep walking!  So we did...
This is Jerry's silhouette as we walked toward the sun.


 Another pic of him as we follow a slight curve...
It's the summer season and it gets dark very late on the South Island but we still hoped we would be back before it was too dark.


 I love walking in New Zealand...possibly more than anywhere else and that is simply because there are no dangerous animals to be concerned about...no snakes, no bear, no mountain lions...it's mainly the weather you have to be careful about.  
But, this particular evening was wonderfully warm!


 fabulous wide open spaces bathed in warm light...


 Twizel is a picturesque and tiny township with a stunning view of Mt. Cook.


 Lupine was growing everywhere in fields, riverbeds and along the road.


 Ahhhh...we are nearly there...
restrooms, showers, laundry, cabins, accomodations, campervan overnight parking, tent camping...


 This sign tells us we have reached the lake and how to get back to Twizel, too!


 The snowy peaks were stunning as the sun sunk in the sky!


 more lupine!




 beautiful clusters around every street post...


 ...and this is Lake Ruataniwha!
I took this photo the following morning from the road.
It was getting dark and the air was getting cold the night before...
We didn't linger here then.
We headed back to our hotel while we could see where we were going because the wide open spaces in New Zealand get very dark at night!

Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha
South Island, New Zealand
November 2012

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Church of the Good Shepherd - Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

 The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand


a slight view of the lake which is a most awesome color...
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
November 26, 2012

Lake Tekapo - New Zealand

 Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand
I am very disappointed in these photos but I am posting them for the memory and to learn a photography lesson from them.
The exposure is horrible!


 I was overwhelmed with the beauty here but had so little time to plan my shots.
It was frustrating to say the least.


 It was the middle of the afternoon...the light couldn't have been any worse!  grrrrrrrrrrr!


 We loved the organized tour we were on but exploring in any given place is rare.
They have to stay on schedule...grrrrrrrr!

Mt. cook is totally washed out but that majestic mountain is in the background.
The lupine was profuse this time of year (late spring) and could be seen growing in so many places, even along the roads.

 I stepped up to the rocky shoreline to get a shot of Mt. Cook trying to hide in the clouds.
(snowy peak on the left)
Next trip...more time!


Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand
November 26, 2012

Road Trip - South Island, New Zealand

 A few 'drive by' shots between Fairlie and Lake Tekapo on the South Island of New Zealand.
No doubt, this is sheep country!



 We're getting closer to viewing Mt. Cook...but, not quite yet.


The scenery in New Zealand changes around every curve of the road.
South Island, New Zealand
November 26, 2012

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Sheep Herding - Morelea Sheep Farm, New Zealand


 We visited a working sheep farm and had the opportunity to witness shearing and herding.
 This series of photos shows the sheep the dog herded in from the far reaches of the pasture.
It was most amusing for those of us not raised on a farm!




 Some are sheared and some are not!







 This one dares to move away from the group.


But, not for long!


 One sheep seems to have some attitude!


 What a great opportunity for us to see this!


 They will all be sheared eventually...like it or not, guys!




 I couldn't stop taking pics of all those faces...





 He's still in charge!


A little guy gets a snack!

Morelea Sheep Farm
Fairlie, Canterbury Plains, New Zealand
November 21, 2012