Partial compensation for the loss of kayaking.

Despite good weather when starting the preparations, it was too windy to set sail when everything was ready. Big tears followed.

…and coming back after delicious Whitebait Fritters and always popular Face Paintings.

Now that’s a feature some more playgrounds need to have!

The ferry took us to Days Bay where we started our walk towards Eastbourne where we found a very rough beach filled over and over with shells. After a stop at the obligatory playground (see other post) we headed back through upcoming wind and rain.

One of our standard two hour walks including at least one playground, loads of crackers and some sleep for Vincent.

Zealandia is an eco sanctuary meant to bring back and preserve NZ’s initial flora and fauna. Fenced to keep out imported threats like cats, stouts and possums. Amongst other things, we saw Tuatara, actual dinosaurs that look very much like lizards, but aren’t. Many ducks and ducklings crossed our way. Most interesting were the vast amounts of birds like the Tui, Shags and especially that smart Parrot. The park would have provided many more hours of probably very interesting walks. But due to the known constraints, we stopped only took small, family friendly loop walk, which was already worth the visit.

Waiting for our bus to Zealandia, a cylinder like climbing tree shortened the waiting time. The human sun-dial made sure we did not miss the bus.