Taking the bus from Wellington to Rotorua is less expensive than flying and better for the environment. You’ll also get to see more of the countryside. At Flat Hills, I had one of the best pies I had eaten during our trip. Here are photos from our trip from Wellington to Rotorua.
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For New Zealand History Grab McNab’s ‘Murihiku’
Robert McNab’s “Murihiku” (affiliate link) is a history of the southern islands of New Zealand that focuses exclusively on the European experience of discovery and interactions with the sea, land, and sometimes, the Maori. Even though this book was published in 1907, McNab points out the flaw of not exploring the Maori experience. He is aware that his research only examines white man’s exploration. McNab traveled the world looking for documents related to New Zealand’s early history. He found newspaper accounts in Australia and log books in America. He also researched information from Russian and Spanish sources.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Te Papa Museum in Wellington
It was a stormy day when we arrived in Wellington. Wind and rain drove us indoors and into Te Papa.
Continue readingNew Zealand Chocolate: Go Big, Go Whittaker’s
To look at the size of a Whittaker’s 250-gram chocolate block is to be overwhelmed and awed. These New Zealand chocolate bars just look too big for consumption. While they do offer smaller bars and squares, you should really treat yourself starting with the 72 percent Ghana Peppermint block.
If you’ve ever had a York Peppermint Patty, you have a vague idea of what this bar is like. While that’s the closest American connection I can make, it doesn’t tell the whole story. The Ghanaian chocolate is crisp, sharp, and dark. The mint is creamy, smooth, and bright. Where the Peppermint Patty was often similar in texture, Whittaker’s offers a delight in both taste and feel.
If the block is too big for you, the smaller specialty bars may be the right size. The balance of the Fijian Ginger & Kerikeri Mandarin with 62 percent chocolate is a wonder to behold. No flavor dominates the other, and they all have something special to contribute to the taste experience. The Wellington Roasted Supreme Coffee artisan bar is another masterful blend of flavors that you can sit back and enjoy.
If you want something more unique, try the New Zealand soda-inspired L&P or the Tweats mini-slabs. These white chocolate bars feature pop rocks in a twist to your normal chocolate experience. For a more traditional chocolate bar, try a peanut slab or go just a little Kiwi with Whittaker’s take on Hokey Pokey.
Whittaker’s Chocolate was founded in 1896. If you want to experience Kiwi chocolate, they’re the company to start with. Of course, you don’t want to miss out on other New Zealand chocolate companies. Check out Dunedin’s OCHO, and the specialty shop in Auckland and Wellington, Bohemein.
New Zealand: Photos from Wellington
Some photos from the downtown and port area of Wellington. Look for Gandalf.
Continue readingNew Zealand’s The Remarkable Chocolate Company Lives up to Its Name
No matter where you’ve first tried chocolate bark, you’re not prepared for the delicate, paper thin taste sensation that New Zealand’s The Remarkable Chocolate Company has cooked up with its chocolate bark flavors. The first thing to note is that the chocolate is really break away thin, and it makes all the difference in taste. You don’t have to worry about the velvety smooth, dark chocolate overpowering the other flavors in the bark. You just have to enjoy it as it melts in your mouth.
Continue readingNew Zealand: The Wellington Museum
The Wellington Museum explores the stories that made Wellington a town. With a heavy emphasis on the creative arts and creativity, this is one of my favorite museums in New Zealand.
Continue readingWhat You Need to Know about Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open sanctuary that invites 150 people a day to experience native New Zealand wildlife in a beautiful environment. When you get off the ferry, you’ll be faced with a choice. Do you take the long route or the shorter? Choose the longer to get the most out of the trip unless you have a physical issue that keeps you from walking too far.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Weta Workshop Tour in Wellington
At the Weta Workshop tour, there are a lot of places you can’t take photos. The ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ set makes up for it. “Lord of the Rings” fans shouldn’t hesitate for signing up for this tour. Weta is also doing work for Marvel and the new Avatar films.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Photos from the Wellington Cable Car
Some houses have their own cable cars in Wellington. It’s the only way they can get supplies up the hill. This one is a public conveyance that some people who live in Wellington use to get to and from wherever they’re going.
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Penguinate! Positive Creativity 