Vacation within a vacation :)

On Friday January 22 we added two travelers to our adventure. :) After whisking Bob (aka Angela's Dad) and Brenda (aka Angela's step-mom) away from the airport, we visited the beach, enjoyed a nice drive through the country, and then ventured to Rotorua. This area is known for the Maori culture (the native New Zealand people). We visited Hells Gate thermal park. This is the only thermal area in New Zealand still owned by the Maori people. This is the entrance.

The heat from the center of the earth bubbles up through these areas in the crust and creates steam. It sort of looked like Yellowstone National Park.

Here is a mud boil.

Lots of steam in the background. :)

This is Kakahi Falls in Hells Gate. It's the largest hot water falls in the Southern Hemisphere, with a normal temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. This was a sacred site for the local Maori tribes. They would bathe in the sulphur water to heal battle wounds.

Kids will be kids:)

We attended a traditional Maori dinner and entertainment at the Mitai village. We were greeted traditionally (Powhiri) by the Maori people in their waka (war canoe).

This is the stage where they performed traditional dances and we learned about their culture.

Then we participated in the hangi (traditional meal). They cooked all this food in the ground. It was very yummy!

Resemblance?

After our quick Rotorua tour we hopped on a small plane headed for Blenheim.

Highfield Estate Winery has a tall tower we climbed up for a great view of the valley.

We stopped at Wairau River Wines for lunch. Great little place.

This is the view from Seresin Estate. They are known for their organic wines and organic olive oil.

We took a beautiful drive along the Marlborough Sounds on Queen Charlotte Drive.

All aboard for Christchurch!

We took the Tranz Coastal train down the east coast of the south island from Blenheim to Christchurch.

This tram ran a loop through downtown Christchurch. We hopped on and off during our exploration of the city.

Watch out cyclists!

This is a lake in Hagley park in downtown Christchurch.

Christchurch has a beautiful botanical gardens. They have lovely flowers and huge trees.

We went for a little ride down the river on a Traditional English Punt. Very relaxing and beautiful!

The famous cathedral in downtown Christchurch. We climbed 134 steps to the top for a wonderful view of the city.

Almost there!

The plaza area from the top of the tower.

Then we hired (kiwi for rented) a car and headed west over Arthur's Pass. Beautiful mountains!

At the top of the pass, Aurthur's Pass National Park.

Danger! Don't cross the tracks!

Beautiful!

Yahoo!!! We Love New Zealand.