Saturday, April 8
Erin writing –
Abe and I split from the group today and decided to do some hiking. As I had mentioned before, we got the lowdown on some prime hiking spots from a pharmacist that Abe is working with. As a result, we caught the Dominion Post Ferry from Queen’s Wharf to Day’s Bay to do some hiking in the East Forest Regional Park. It was approximately a 30 minute ferry ride, costing $15.00N.Z. for a round trip fare.
Here is Wellington City from the ferry.
It was a beautiful day with a great ride over. Another place the ferry stops at during this trip is Matiu-Somes Island.
This island was used for two things. It was a prisoner of war camp and it has also been used as a quarantine island for dogs and cats, etc. when they were brought over from another country. The island is now owned by the DOC (Department of Conservation) and people can visit the island and do some tramping (hiking) around it. However, the locals don’t think much of it as a place to do some good hiking.
Once Abe and I arrived at Day’s Bay, we got a bite at the – you guessed it – the Days Bay Cafe! It was great food with a great view over the bay. We did some shopping after this at some of the small galleries and shops available in Days Bay and Eastbourne.
One of the art forms that is available here is bone carvings worn as necklaces. These beef bone carvings are typically done by the Maori people and used to be done out of whale bone. A person can still find the whale bone carvings but they are rare due to protection of the whales. Nowadays, whale bone is only used when a whale dies from a natural disaster. The bone is given to the Maori council and then is alloted only to Maori bone carvers for the purposes of these necklaces. The carvings are typically related to their fishing way of life and have meaning behind the symbols. Abe picked one out at one of the galleries along the bay for me. It is made out of beef bone and is beautiful!
Something that is very comforting, at least in our travels thus far, is how welcoming N.Z.er’s have been! They are willing to talk to you for as long as you are willing to talk to them. They are very willing to answer questions, give advice and even give gifts! One gallery owner gave Abe and I N.Z.wrapping paper (it has some pictures of N.Z. stuff on it) to take home with us! It is very nice and makes us feel so welcome in this beautiful country. After we shopped, we started hiking! It was a beautiful hike and something which the camera did not fully do justice to. But here are some pictures!
Breathtaking views! 
Stunning greenery!
Gorgeous guys! 
And wild sheep!
It was an awesome day that did not end there! After we took the ferry back to Wellington, we went to Mac’s Brewery, got some food and beer, and watched a rugby game!
Abe and I had a great day! 
More tomorrow…
Tags: Wellington
abe_wick