We arrived in Napier and had a lovely time walking along the beach covered in perfectly smooth pebbles and stones, walking along the Marine Parade and the colorful gardens lining the shoreline. We walked the downtown streets seeing the many famed art deco buildings and ducking into shops along the main walking street. We even made a stop in the Art Deco shop, where you could purchase all your wears and adornments to re-enter the art deco era, something many people were doing in preparation for the upcoming Art Deco Weekend (Wed-Sun) where people come from all over dressed from head to toe in art deco era garb, drive old cars, and even hop a ride on the steam train that fires up its engines for the occasion. Had we stuck around to see it, I'm sure it would have been a site to behold.
Having had our fill of art deco architecture, we got the wonderful opportunity to experience an essential part of New Zealand - sheep farming! We went for a drive with Ross to the McDonald family sheep farm, 2 hours north of the city, just slightly north of the Wairoa town. It was a gorgeous day and we got to help inoculate 730 sheep and then tour the very hilly pasture lands that the sheep, cattle, and the occasional wild goat graze on. The views were spectacular and it was impressive to see such an extensive operation (5000+ sheep) dotting the extremely steep slopes.
After enjoying a hot morning on the farm, we were treated to the site of a beautiful lake not far to the north of the farm, tucked in the hills at the end of some long dirt roads with not a single building around its edge. The water was beautiful and a wonderful temperature (though we were told by others that the water was in fact cold - all relative, I suppose). We returned to Napier to watch some local tennis and enjoy a lovely evening with friends before we headed off south toward Wellington in the morning, but not before checking out Raewyn's school and becoming utterly impressed with the relaxed and freeform classroom setup of the local elementary schools.
For more photos, view the 2014 New Zealand Album
Napier Coast
Art Deco statue
Lady playing a wonderful tune on a public piano (there are lots in NZ as well!)
Art Deco Architecture - this is the famed Tobacco Building
Having had our fill of art deco architecture, we got the wonderful opportunity to experience an essential part of New Zealand - sheep farming! We went for a drive with Ross to the McDonald family sheep farm, 2 hours north of the city, just slightly north of the Wairoa town. It was a gorgeous day and we got to help inoculate 730 sheep and then tour the very hilly pasture lands that the sheep, cattle, and the occasional wild goat graze on. The views were spectacular and it was impressive to see such an extensive operation (5000+ sheep) dotting the extremely steep slopes.
730 sheep waiting patiently for inoculation
Look at those faces
The eldest of the three sheep dogs, taking a much needed water bath
McDonald Farm Views
Cows grazing on some of the highest peaks
Panorama of the McDonald Farm Pastures
After enjoying a hot morning on the farm, we were treated to the site of a beautiful lake not far to the north of the farm, tucked in the hills at the end of some long dirt roads with not a single building around its edge. The water was beautiful and a wonderful temperature (though we were told by others that the water was in fact cold - all relative, I suppose). We returned to Napier to watch some local tennis and enjoy a lovely evening with friends before we headed off south toward Wellington in the morning, but not before checking out Raewyn's school and becoming utterly impressed with the relaxed and freeform classroom setup of the local elementary schools.
Lake Waikaremoana
Cool floor of a cafe in Wairoa
Elementary school near Wairoa - I liked the spiral design
The areas surrounding Napier were laden with vineyards and orchards
Oddly pruned apple tress
For more photos, view the 2014 New Zealand Album
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