Matiu Island with Dad

While Dad and Lucinda were here, Lucinda wasn't feeling well for several days, and so she stayed home and rested while Dad and I went out exploring. One of these days, Dad and I took the ferry out to Matiu Islands (English name Somes Island), which is one of three small islands in Wellington Harbour. I have been meaning to go there since the first time J and I visited Wellington about four years ago, but things keep coming up and I haven't done it. That turned out to be perfect, because it was so wonderful to experience it for the first time with Dad.

We tried to get on the East by West ferry, which I had read would take us there. We were instructed to buy tickets from a nearby shop, which we did. We then went back to the ferry, but when we went to board, we were told to go to the "next door" ferry.

This one said "The Dominion Post" all over it, and I don't know how we were supposed to know that it was an East by West ferry, but oh well. Fortunately, I like to be early for everything, because we still made it after all this confused walking around. We were actually the last two people allowed onto the very crowded ferry, so we felt very lucky (and also a bit bad for the people who missed out).

The ferry ride was beautiful, and quite fast, actually. This is looking back at Wellington central business district, wrapped around the harbour.

This is Matiu Island, our beautiful destination.

We went around it to dock on the other side, and it was funny to see it from a different angle, since I see it across the harbour almost every day, but always from the same perspective.

Matiu Island is a nature reserve, as are most (if not all) offshore islands around NZ. It is horribly difficult to keep invasive pests away from defenseless native creatures, and so a water barrier is extremely helpful. This lady explained the importance of vigilance while we were on the island, and had us empty our bags to thoroughly check for potential hazards such as ants, seeds, etc. We also scraped our shoes, and she sprayed down the wheels on a pram (stroller) someone brought. She said if there was ever an issue where harmful agents were brought in with visitors, then they wouldn't allow people onto the island anymore, but they'd never had a problem because people are careful. Which is pretty neat.

We walked through the carved archway to start our stroll.

We learned that Matiu Island was used as a quarantine station from 1860 to 1920, for disease including whooping cough, typhoid fever, measles, mumps, influenza, and smallpox. Unfortunately, it was not well-resourced, and many people died there and were buried on the island. They are commemorated on this monument, created in 1970.

This is Mokopuna Island, the smallest of the three islands in the harbour. Matiu and Makaro are named after the daughters of Kupe (the explorer who first came here), and Mokopuna means grandchildren, and so is in honor of his descendents as well. 

Apparently it is full to the brim with bird life (probably because it is off limits to the public).

We walked along beautiful paths, thankful for the shady ones, as it was a very hot, sunny day. Also, I love the dappled light coming through the leaves.

On these paths, basking in the sun, were many common skinks, who were brave enough to hang out and let us observe them as long as we were quiet. Apparently, there are also copper skinks, ornate skinks, spotted skinks, common geckos, forest geckos, Wellington green geckos, and tuatara, but we didn't see any of those this time. I'll have to go back.

The rock formations along the beaches were amazing. I tried to limit myself to a reasonable number of pictures, but it was difficult.

I am fascinated by these trees, which produce an exorbitant number of pinecones. I often stop to admire them in Zealandia, but there they're so tall, it's hard to capture the amazingness.

 This bit was even considerate enough to fall down so I could get a perfect picture to show how many pinecones a single branch can produce.

Later, when we got to the highest point on the island, we got to see how tall these pinecone-heavy trees are compared to the other trees - and these were short compared to the ones in Zealandia.

We saw many different types of beautiful flowers, but these were my favourites.

Those hills in the background are on the opposite side of the harbour from Wellington, off towards the Wairarapa. 

We were a bit concerned for this bird, which had its beak open and seemed to be having trouble breathing. I came up with the hypothesis that it was panting to cool down, like a dog would do. I later confirmed that this was the case. We did not, however, come up with a satisfactory explanation for why it was sitting in direct sun instead of finding shade or hanging out in the water like the other seagulls.

See what I mean about the fascinating coastline? I could look at this view forever.

And so many interesting shapes and holes in the rocks.

And check out the colours of the water. I wish I would have zoomed out a bit on this one to get the deeper blue of the deeper water, but that's okay.

Coastline is definitely one of my most favourite things in the world.

The few sheep who live on the island were taking advantage of the shade.

Look at the one in the middle, who is smiling in her sleep. She may be the happiest sheep I've ever seen. Made my day.

We learned that there are several rangers (and other helpers) who actually live on the island, which is pretty cool. They have what appears to be a wind generator, and some provision for fresh water (although it wasn't working while we were there, which must have been hard).

The paths were lovely and well-maintained.

Again, look at the colours in the water! 

While waiting for the ferry to take us back to the mainland, we explored this beach and waded in the water, which provided welcome coolness on this hot day.

We found this amazing paua shell, which is the only one I've ever seen that seems to have its outer crust naturally worn away. Usually you can only see those beautiful patterns and colours on the inside, because the outside is covered in hard, rocky white buildup. Obviously the same forces that wore that away also wore a hole all the way through, but it's still stunning. The rules are that everything on the island needs to stay on the island, and we were happy comply by just taking a picture.

This is not my picture (although I wish it was). I learned later that Matiu Island "provides critical habitat for the world's smallest penguin - little penguin/korora" (Department of Conservation). We learned about korora and the threats that invasive species (like domestic dogs and cats) pose to them when we went to the zoo. It makes sense that an island would be a perfect, safe refuge for them when they come on land to sleep at night.

Dad and I spent a fabulous afternoon strolling, talking, and admiring this amazing place. I would definitely like to go again.

Word-play in Bulls

This may be my most long-awaited post, although no one but me was awaiting it, so I'm not sure if that counts. Early on in our time in NZ, about 4 1/2 year ago, I noticed that in a little town called Bulls, there are hilarious little signs that show that the locals are ready - eager, even - to be amused by their town's rather unusual name. There are only 1, 500 residents, but it seems like they must be a very fun crowd.

We drive through Bulls on the way to and from Wanganui to visit friends, as well as on the way up the mountain to go snowboarding, so I get regular opportunities to be amused. I have said, since the first time I passed through, that I wanted to stop sometime and walk around, taking pictures of the signs so that I could share them with all of you. But I always end up being in a hurry to get where I'm going, and so it hasn't happened. Then, when Dad and Lucinda said that they'd like to drive through the countryside, I said Bulls would be the perfect destination; not too close or too far, complete with a fantastic restaurant for dinner, and with the added attraction of word-play galore. So off we went.

On the way into town is a big sign, which I didn't take a picture of because I was driving, that says, "Welcome to Bulls, a town like no udder." I though I'd have to pull over to take a picture on the way out, but found this on a shop window and decided it would be sufficient.

In the last year or so, they've added these huge, beautiful bulls all over town.

They are stunning and quite life-like, especially in the eyes.

There is also this impressive metal bull. What it lacks in realism it makes up for in size.

This is what all the rubbish bins look like. Awesome, right?

The following pictures are all of the same style - different business around town that have plaques with "_____-a-bull" on them, depending on what the business is. I tried to get pictures in which you can tell what business it is, but if not, I'll add a caption. Sometimes the signs are a bit hard to see - click on the picture to make it bigger and you should be able to read them.

On the realtor's office.

On a clothing boutique.

On a seamstress's shop.

On the benches and such - Unforget-a-bull is their catchphrase.

On the RSA (Returned and Services Association).

The cafe is called Mothered Goose, not just Mothered. Just FYI.

On the local Subway. We were amazed to see that even big chains like that got in on the fun.

Scully's makes beautiful-smelling soaps and cosmetics.

On the old, historic jail.

On the tyre store.

On the mechanic's shop next door.

This appears to me to be the oldest sign, which I like to think means that the police force started this whole fun game. How wonderful to think of police officers with a sense of humour.

I realize this isn't an "-a-bull sign," but it's on the police station garage, and it's awesome!

I love that the local cafe got "Delect-a-bull" and McDonald's had to settle for "Consum-a-bull." As least they're honest. And it's actually quite cool that a huge corporation is having fun in a little town.

In the middle of town (by the huge metal bull) we found this signpost, helping interested parties such as ourselves to find hilarity at every turn. And also, I supposed, helpful if you actually wanted to find something like the library or cafe.

That completes the "Ador-a-bull" sign section of this post, but there is more to come. Some businesses elected to participate in the community amusement in different ways.

This little picture packs a load of hilarity into just one store-front. Definitely click to make it bigger so you can enjoy all the treats.

Along a similar vein, we found this in the restaurant where we had dinner.

The local Chinese restaurant has their own beautiful bull character.

We needed at least one "moooo" joke in town, I think.

This was one of the last places we saw, and then we were surprised that there weren't more Bulls Eye references, as it seems quite obvious now. But it was the only one.

Couldn't manage to avoid the glare off this window, but it's still pretty adorable.

There we have it. A celebration of a tiny town that's having a wonderful time amusing itself and anyone who passes through. I think society could use more places like this. It will continue to bring a smile to my face every time I go by.