Kia Ora

Kia Ora

Interesting facts.

NZ. or Aotearoa In Maori, means 'The Land of the long white cloud'. It is quite a young country, geologically active, with tectonic faults and volcanoes, glaciers and rivers constantly building and eroding land. It consists of many islands, the main ones being the North and South island. It used to be part of one land mass, Gondwana, and split off 80 million years ago, taking with it its unique plants and bird life. The first Eastern Polynesian settlers arrived 750 years ago, and the first Europeans to settle arrived in 1769 after discovery by James Cook.

As it is a long thin country, there are several climates and micro climates within, from sub tropical in the North and temperate (similar to UK) in the South. The total population is around 4.2 million ( UK has nearly 63 million) of which 1 million are based in Auckland. Auckalnd also known as the 'The city of sails' (due to a high proportion of boat ownership) is the biggest city, though not the capital, which is Wellinton. Auckland’s weather is warm/hot long summers with mild and wet winters. (average annual sunshine hours= 2050. Manchester=1200 hrs) and (annual average rain=1240mm. Manchester=810mm!) most rain falling as heavy tropical showers in the winter months of June-July

Friday 11 March 2011

East coast

tired and a bit jaded, we drove east and visited Neslon, (sunniest place in NZ!) and Kaikoura (famous for whale watching) there are organised tours by boat to see whales and dolphins, but we just chilled and did a nice coastal cliff walk with some good view points to view Sperm whales, and Pilot whales- which must have been a bit shy today :(...saw more sealions though!
then back to Christchurch to catch a plane home in time for dinner lol!
what  a great holiday- we need another one for a rest now though.
no whales today!
view from plane

more seals
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