Tears for Fears & Spandua Ballet Concert, Auckland, New Zealand - April 2010

Off to Auckland to the Vector for an 80s concert. No less than Tears for Fears opening for the Spandau Ballet world tour. Has to be admitted that the general 40 something crowd could do with loosing a few pounds, but all were in hearty tubby footster voice. Change, Rule the world, Woman in Chains, Sewing the Seeds, Through the Barricades, Only When You Leave, True and Gold !. Get onto iTunes now and spend a few bucks then indulge in the photos below.

Victoria Holiday, Wellington, New Zealand - April 2010

Victoria is over again this week from the UK, so we are cramming in a few days sight seeing around Wellington. We had not been up the wind turbine ourselves before, and it does give you some stunning views over the city. Click on the wide photo for panoramic view. Next headed off to the reopened Zealandia. It is still an inland island (as can be seen from the ariel photo) but they have built a new visitor center. The first picture is a Green Gecko believed to be extinct from the mainland 30 years ago but now being bred again by DOC. The second picture is a male Tuatara, again extinct on the mainland until reintroduced. This particular chap was out in the open so I got a great shot. The Weka workshop was next where they do all the film stuff (aka Lord of the Rings and Avatar). Great Gollum. Finally pictures from an afternoons wine tasting in the Wairapa.

Picton, New Zealand - April 2010

Went over to Picton for a break minus poor Vici who is still in the UK due to the ash cloud.

Got the ferry over with the car for the first time. Takes just over 3 hours. First day went sea kayaking across Queen Charlotte Sound. Out for about 8 hours and covered about 12km of the sounds. Next day heading down the coast to whale watching. Weather turning a bit grey and rough but got some close sightings. Came back mid-day on the ferry so we could see Queen Charlotte Sound in the daytime. Crossing back to Wellington a bit windy to welcome us home.