After having achieved my goal of locating a kangaroon in Australia,
the task of meeting a real Kiwi bird in New Zealand would be a logical
and obvious goal during my stay here. However, this is but a secondary
task as New Zealand's national bird takes the back seat these days to the
more popular modern day affinity to a good cup of coffee. In fact, the quality
of coffee in New Zealand is so important that it has become the subject of a
yearly national competition (the "Barista") to produce the best coffee in the country.
It has come into the limelight so much so that I can only conclude that
New Zealand is no longer about the kiwi but rather about the coffee.
Luciano Marcolino (champion coffee maker)
In Christchurch, I met Luciano, originally Italian, he moved to New Zealand and
set up a cafe business. Today, his business success has been increased by his
first place success in the national coffee making championship in 2008, named "Barista".
Luciano is also an aikido student of Andrew Sensei, christchurch's senior Aikido instructor and,
it was with this connection, that I got to sample some of the nation's best coffee.
I have to say, the long black is my favorite, a little lighter than an espresso but
slightly more potent than an americano.
Apart from coffee, New Zealand obviously has a lot more to offer in terms of nature and
native bush and wildlife. After my first stop in Auckand for the 10th anniversary of
Auckland Aikikai and Rosso Fernandez Sensei's Aikido friends, I flew down to Wellington
to visit my ex flat mate, Kate and her husband, Peter and their two little girls Kiera
and Erin. On my arrival, the girls' school was holding a fair and Kate had volunteerd to do
her bit at the curry stand. So, I joined up and sampled some of the best curry's in the
Kandallah community of Wellington.
Lawrence and Peter with Erin and Kiera
After a few days of dwindelling around and practicing yoga and Aikido in the city of Wellington,
I headed for the south island by boat. The three hour crossing passes some of the roughest
waters in the world. However, I must have been lucky with the weather because the sea
was totally calm on the way to Picton from Wellington.
The ferry from Wellington to Picton
On my arrival in Picton, as the boat approached the harbour it appeared as if I
was entering a magical land. Indeed I started to feel like I was playing some kind
of role in a famous fantasy adventure film of hobbits :-)
At the ferry port, I picked up a hire car for 5 days of touring around the south island.
My first stop in the south island was at Andrew sensei's house and for some morning Aikido
training. After training, Andrew sensei kindly gave up his time to take me for a small tour of Christchurch, to the centre and the surrounding hills before heading to Luciano's famous cafe.
Andrew Williamson Sensei, 6th dan Aikikai, standing in front
of his dojo in Christchurch.
After 6:30am class photo.
In the Port Hills with a view of the city of Christchurch
After Christchurch, I headed further south where the wildlife and overwhelming natural
beauty awaited my arrival. My tour took me along route 6 to lake Takupo, Queenstown, and to
the other side along and up the west coast to Punakaiki before returning on the 5th day
to Picton. On each stop, mountains surrounded lakes and it started to be a habbit for me to
hike to the highest point and take photos of the views. The nature looked
almost surreal though I believe I was touring during a time when not so many tourists
were visiting so the lack of humans added to the surreal effect.
The roads were almost empty except for a few camper vans and trucks and some hire cars
like mine.
I managed to take some great shots (see below) as the weather had been very good to me.
Now heading for the north island again, I will make a second stop at Kate and Pete's before
waving goodbye and heading to Steve, Sarah and Christopher John in Napier. I'm looking
forward to a lovely hike in the hills which Steve has planned for me. More news coming soon.
Lake Tekapo
View of lake Tekapo from high above.
View of Queenstown from high above.
Queenstown, with the Remarkables mountain range in the background.
A spectacular rushing river.
The sun setting at Punakaiki.
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