New 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 reading

New Zealand: Photos from the Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island only allows 150 visitors a day to come to the open sanctuary. The ferry takes you there from Auckland and Gulf Harbor. The island and its tours are so amazing that we decided to become supporters. Additionally, every sale of “Polly Penguin Wants to Fly,” on this website or at Amazon, will generate a $1 donation for the work that Tiritiri Matangi is doing to protect native New Zealand species. To learn more about Tiritiri Matangi, check out our photos from the island and our tour review page.

Continue reading

New Zealand: Flower Costume Exhibition Photos at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is known as the Garden City in New Zealand. It is one of the more expansive botanic gardens we visited. The ilex cafe is a great place to eat, especially if you sit outside and enjoy the birds. You can punt down the Avon, and enjoy the nearby museum. They also host special exhibitions, like this one featuring the flower costumes of Jenny Gillies in its Enchanted Garden exhibition.

Continue reading

New 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 reading

New Zealand: Maungawhau and Mount Eden with Auckland Explorer Bus

We took a wrong turn, or rather didn’t take the right turn, when we got off the Auckland Explorer Bus Hop on Hop off tour. We decided to follow the bicycle route up the mountain instead of the vehicle route. The problem was that the bicycle route didn’t actually go up the mountain, and we found a foot path that was barred.

Continue reading

New Zealand: Eden Garden with Auckland Explorer Bus

Eden Garden in Auckland was our fourth stop with Auckland Explorer Bus Hop on, Hop tour. We got a discount on entry because we came with the Auckland Explorer Bus, but didn’t get to spend as much time in the gift shop as we wanted because we wanted to be able to hike up Mount Eden. We did eat at the cafe though.

Continue reading