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Orana Wildlife Park

Thursday, October 27th, 2005

Today, I went to Orana Wildlife Park. Orana Wildlife Park is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust. The park is set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds. Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s largest wildlife and conservation centre and only open range zoo.

The Park had been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed.

The name Orana is the Maori word for welcome or place of refuge. Orana Wildlife Park is internationally recognised for its involvement in captive breeding programmes for endangered exotic animals, as well as research relating to New Zealand’s own rare fauna.

Mt. Cook

Thursday, October 27th, 2005

Yesterday, I went to Mount Cook National Park. It was a 5 hour drive via bus. The place was absolutely gorgeous…some of the best scenery I have ever seen.

We had stopped by Lake Tekapo along the way for some photo ops.
Nearby, was the Sheepdog Memorial, which was build in 1968. According to the legend, a Scotsman called John McKenzie had a dog named Friday that was exceptional. He even understand Gaelic and Scottish, as well as future commands (John could tell him what needed to be done a few days from now)…haha. The whole district is called the McKenzie Highlands.

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Also, close was the Church of the Holy Shephard, which was built in 1935. It used by many New Zealanders and Japanese people for weddings. Instead, of a stained glass window, it has a view of the Lake.

Because it was such a clear day, the driver also stopped at Lake Pukaki so we could take some photos.

Lake Pukaki
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Mt. Cook
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Christchurch and around..

Tuesday, October 25th, 2005
Well, today did not start off too great. We had some new roomates last evening who stumbled in around 3AM stinking drunk. How loud can two girls be??? Ugh. Funny thing was this morning, after they left, everybody said, how ... [Continue reading this entry]

Christchurch City

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005
I have to say that I am more impressed with the South Island than the North Island so far. Christchurch is a very pretty garden city. Actually I just found out that is its nickname- "The Garden City" since ... [Continue reading this entry]

Picton to Christchurch

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005
Another day, another train ride:) Took the TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch this afternoon, about a 5 1/2 hour ride. First of all, I wish I would have spent another day or so in Picton. It ... [Continue reading this entry]

Wellington to Picton

Friday, October 21st, 2005
Got to the ferry bright and early today. It was a relatively smooth ride and took about 3 hours. Marion and Anne Marie were on the same boat headed to Picton as well. Picton is at the northeast ... [Continue reading this entry]

Auckland to Wellington

Friday, October 21st, 2005
Okay, so I took the train from Auckland to Wellington. It was a 12 hour train ride. There was some good scenery which included 3 active volcanoes-Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhue, and Mount Tongariro. Go ahead-try to pronounce them:) ... [Continue reading this entry]

My first rainy day

Wednesday, October 19th, 2005
If it makes anyone feel any better, it rained today. Not a downpour, but just enough to be annoying. So, I slept in and did some laundry. Tomorrow, I have to get up at 5AM and catch a train ... [Continue reading this entry]

Rangitoto Island

Wednesday, October 19th, 2005
Today I went via ferry to Rangitoto Island. It was just about 20-30 minutes away. The island is situated in the Hauraki Gulf. It is a dormant volcano, which last erupted 600 year ago. The island is ... [Continue reading this entry]

Ki Ora, Brilliant, Cheers!

Tuesday, October 18th, 2005
Well, did a lot of sightseeing today and took an afternoon tour. It included the Auckland Museum, Mt. Eden, various neighborhoods, and the Sky Tower. It is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. It was very similar to ... [Continue reading this entry]