A pukeko is a swamp hen, part of the rail family. While some of our native birds have become extinct because of introduced predators such as rats, cats and stoats, the pukeko has adapted easily and is very common. They happily live in town and city reserves where...
It's time for some more New Zealand ads. Some of these are older ones, but they're still some of my favorites. The one below is an all-time favorite. They've recently reissued it, combining it with the "Get A Perm" guy from the ad below, but I couldn't find a version...
I always find intriguing human interest stories when I buy the New Zealand Herald, and the one I found this week has given me some great ideas for a new plot. The story is about young professional people in Japan. They’re so busy working that they don’t have time to...
This is another shot of Queenstown and a field of lupins. It's a very pretty place. The snow-capped mountains in the background are The Remarkables. Don't forget to enter my contest to guess how many books I will read during my holiday. Go here for details.
This is a shot of a pohutukawa tree, one of New Zealand's natives. During the summer it is covered with crimson flowers. Beyond is Goat Island and the marine reserve. It's fun to snorkel here and paddle in the water with the huge fish swimming around your legs. Don't...
This is the river Avon that runs through central Christchurch, one of the larger cities in the South Island. Christchurch is our most "English" city and many of the names of the streets and sights are taken from England. Don't forget to enter my contest to guess how...
This is a shot of the Chateau, a luxury hotel nestled beneath Mt. Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park. Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano that rumbles to life every now and then. Don't forget to enter my contest to guess how many books I will read during my holiday....
This is Huka Falls. The water comes from Lake Taupo and becomes part of the Waikato River, New Zealands longest river. Books that mention Taupo: Playing to Win, Never Send a Dog to do a Woman's Job Don't forget to enter my contest to guess how many books I will read...
This is a shoe fence we came across during our drive around the lower South Island. We also saw a bra fence. The locals are in two minds about these decorated fences. Some say that they cause traffic jams and are unsightly while others think they add interest to the...
