Thursday, May 15, 2008

Local produce


There is nothing like the taste of a freshly picked raspberry. There are plenty of small locally owned orchards in the Golden Bay area. Many have a 'pick your own' facility; good fun and at a great price!

Organic farming is big in the Nelson Bays. It is a sustainable system of food production that maintains and replenishes the fertility of the soil. Compared to modern farming, which relies on chemicals, to artificially spur on growth for faster turnover and yield, organic produce is allowed to develop to its full potential. The result is a complex matrix of concentrated sugars and resulting flavour that just does not compare. Yum!


Kay picking berries.


Ronan, Grandma Oscar and Flynn in the fields.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

our South Island road trip

We had a great 8 day trip discovering the sights around just some of the South Island during the school holidays. Our 4 berth campervan did the trick nicely - thanks Discover NZ!

We traveled the Alpine Pacific Triangle, to Akaroa and back to Nelson. Three of New Zealand’s popular recreational destinations, Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley wine region and Kaikoura are linked by the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route. The standout feature of this trip was the vast landscapes combined with stunning Autumn colours.

Some highlights of our trips were: whale watching at Kaikoura, Thrillseekers Canyon Jetboat, Christchurch CBD on ANZAC day and Akaroa on a warm sunny day.

Some pictures of our week away...


Dusk and Whites Bay, Blenheim.


Strange creature spotted in Christchurch!


Dune jumping at Kaikoura.


ANZAC Day Chirstchurch Cathedral.


Portrait artist sculpture, Akaroa.


Diving Sperm Whale, Kaikoura.


Grapes galore, Blenheim.


Flynn on the flying fox, Kaikoura.


Southern men.


Our camper (bottom left), Akaroa.


Wharf, Akaroa.


'Wicked Rentals' detail .


Catch of the day, yum!


New Brighton pier, Christchurch. Brrr.


Fish 'n chips, Lyttleton.


Christchurch in the Autumn.


Rear window camper panorama.


Seal colony, Kaikoura.


A game of cards approaching Hamner Springs.