Olympic Park in New Lynn isn't really hidden (it is fully visible from a major arterial route) but I've called it that because I have driven past it for 3 decades without realising that there is more to it than a children's playground and a sports stadium. Recently I had to fill in time while I was waiting for my car to be ready nearby so I took a walk to explore it - and was very pleasantly surprised. Winding through the middle of the park between the playground and the stadium is the Wai … [Read more...]
Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs
If you haven't visited the exhibition that is currently on at the Auckland Museum - Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs - I can thoroughly recommend it. It covers all the things that you would expect to find in an exhibition on Ancient Egypt: pyramids, pharaohs, tombs, mummies, gods, temples, statues and carvings. But also (and to my mind more interesting) it gives a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who lived there. I have always had a fascination with ancient civilizations, … [Read more...]
Exploring the Bellarine Peninsula Part 2
Last year I wrote a post about visiting the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, south of Melbourne, Australia as part of preparing to run a conference there. In March this year the conference went ahead with great success and my friend Beth hosted me and a group of New Zealanders who stayed on for the weekend on a follow up tour of the area. Sorry I am only just writing this up now as things have been busy. The conference dinner was held at the House of Jack Rabbit at the Jack Rabbit … [Read more...]
Antarctic Contemplation
Since returning from our Expedition to Antarctica I have had time to contemplate the journey and what it meant to me: I feel such privilege at having been able to see even a small glimpse into the life cycles of the amazing animals and birds that call this vast inhospitable area home. We have had flocks of Antarctic Petrel, Skuas and more swooping and diving around the ship. I am delighted at having been able to see penguin chicks and their delightful antics as they prepare for a fully fledged … [Read more...]
Expedition to Antarctica
Join me on an expedition to Antarctica (Ross Sea region) via NZ's Subantarctic Islands with Heritage Expeditions - a trip of a lifetime. Over the next several days I will post stories and photos of our adventures. Sitting at home in the midst of yet another Covid lockdown, I began to think about travel and what I would be most disappointed that I hadn't managed to see if I wasn't able to travel ever again. My top two places were Antarctica and Africa (both with incredible scenery and … [Read more...]
Day 1-2 Meeting and Departure
Saturday 8/Sunday 9 January 2023 I am sharing this Adventure of a Lifetime with a (almost) lifetime friend Anne who I first met at school 50 years ago. We had long talked about travelling to Antarctica together but life events had got in the way - until now. I fly down from Auckland and Anne has to bus up from Invercargill (only to have to bus back down again tomorrow). Our expedition starts in Queenstown where we join our fellow passengers (and a few crew) at the Copthorne Lakefront Hotel. … [Read more...]
Day 3 The Snares
Monday 9 January 2023 We awoke to a relatively calm morning to discover that we hadn’t yet made it to The Snares Islands as expected. There is an unusual easterly swell of about 4m that means the usual plan of finding shelter in the lee of the eastern side of the island needed rethinking. We set sail again whilst we have breakfast (another mind-boggling selection of food of every description), arriving in time to set off for our Zodiac adventures around 9.00am. The steep granite cliffs tower … [Read more...]
Day 4 Auckland Islands – Enderby Island
Tuesday 10 January 2023 We have sailed to the Auckland Islands overnight and outside the window this morning is Enderby Island. The Auckland Islands are the largest, highest and most biologically diverse of all the Subantarctic Islands, formed from the eroded and sea-flooded remains of two ancient volcanoes. Enderby Island is at the northernmost tip and helps to form Port Ross, a somewhat sheltered harbour. There are 3 options for activities today: Full day hike of the Northern Circuit … [Read more...]
Day 5 At Sea
Wednesday 11 January 2023 As we left the lee of the Auckland Islands we began to notice that we were definitely in the Southern Ocean. The wind and the swell increased and we all started to practice our sea legs in earnest as we ricocheted from wall to wall as we walked down corridors in an ungainly fashion. I provided early entertainment as I tried to walk across the restaurant carrying a cup of tea. It quickly became apparent to all that the safest bet was to quickly locate a seat and then … [Read more...]
Day 6 Macquarie Island
Thursday 12 January 2023 We are still sailing when we wake up this morning but Macquarie Island comes into view as we are having breakfast. It is a relatively late start this morning while we wait to clear immigration, and also because the 3 rangers on the island refuse to start work before 7.00 their time even though we are at 9.00 a few metres away! It is a very silly situation. We also discover that even though our phones are set to flight mode and I haven’t even turned on Wifi - the … [Read more...]
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