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.
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New Zealand: Photos from Monarch Cruises in Dunedin
We coupled our Monarch Cruise with a trip to the Penguin Place. Here are some photos from the cruise. Videos will follow at some point in the future.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Photos from the Royal Albatross Centre
I didn’t get many good photos of the little blue penguins at the Royal Albatross Centre because I focused on videos and my camera is just a cheap point and shoot. But I got some other great photos.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Black Billed Gulls nesting in Christchurch
One of the buildings that came down in the earthquake in Christchurch is now the home to a sizable black billed gull colony. They don’t usually nest this far inland, so it’s exciting to see. Black billed gulls are the most endangered of all gulls. You can only find them in New Zealand.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Christchurch’s Canterbury Museum Stuffed Birds
The Canterbury Museum in Christchurch has a large collection of stuffed birds. This is where I found out the name of the type of bird that stole lunch from our table.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Photos from Christchurch Botanic Gardens
These photos from the Christchurch Botanic Garden include several of the birds there, some who were at our table at ilex cafe. There are also flowers and pictures of the grounds and sculptures, including the Archer Lawn. Our photos from Jenny Gillies exhibition are on another page.
Continue readingNew Zealand: Photos from Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open preserve. They only allow 150 people per day on the island tour. The island has been set aside as a place for native New Zealand species to make a home. Mammal predators have been eradicated, which allows the birds and the reptiles to flourish. This was our first time seeing a blue penguin in its burrow. We decided to join as supporters, and I will make a $1 donation for every “Polly Penguin Wants to Fly” book I sell here or at Amazon.
Continue readingNew Zealand: ilex café at Christchurch Botanic Gardens Is for the Birdwatchers
The ilex café in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, New Zealand is a glorious combination of amazing food choices, good coffee and, if you sit outside, a personal bird experience. The orecchiette, peas and Parmesan salad was a good starter for our meal. We added the pretzel bread breakfast roll with egg and cherry hoisin. Our flat whites were decent.
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Penguinate! Positive Creativity 