Return to the South Island

Alan and I wrapped up our time on the North Island with a few days in Wellington, where we would again take a ferry across the Cook Strait. On Sunday, November 16, we again visited the Te Papa National Museum. We found that a Thailand celebration was being held on the main floor, and watched some traditional dances. There were two floors at Te Papa that we didn't get to last time. Both were art galleries, and the top floor offered a view over the Wellington harbor.

A farmers market was being held next to Te Papa, so we headed into the crowd to find something for lunch. There were plenty of food trucks to choose from, and lots of musicians playing. We sat down to eat and watch this guy, who was rocking his loop machine.

We simply enjoyed the afternoon sunshine, reading in Cuba Street until time for evening worship at St. John's. Service was around the parable of the talents. The discussion was around the question What are our gifts? Alan and I enjoyed talking with Brett. At both services we have attended, the minister, Stuart, has asked folks to share a particular phrase or Bible verse in lieu of the typical words shared at the Passing of the Peace. This was very cool.

As we sat down for dinner after service, a guy came to sit by us. This was Mike, from Seattle, come to welcome other Americans. He was so friendly, telling us how he had come to NZ for a working holiday, and met his girlfriend Carolyn. So after returning to Seattle, he decided to return to NZ for the foreseeable future. Carolyn arrived, and after some chatting, we found that we share a common interest in craft beer. They asked if we'd like to meet them for "happy hour" the next day. They also recommended a brewery called The Garage Project, and advised us of the odd hours. What kind friends!

On Monday, we visited the Weta Cave. Alan had long awaited this day. Weta Studios was started by Peter Jackson and several others to provide props, costumes, special digital effects, etc. They have worked on tons of films, like District 9, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Lord of the Rings.

While waiting for a tour inside the workshop, we explored the lobby to see the cases of armor and props.

These trolls were out front...

Next we visited The Garage Project to taste beers. Their beers had very strong flavors! Certainly good, but almost too strong for me. A few chili/habanero styles were too spicy, but I think Alan liked them.

In the evening, we met Mike and Carolyn. They showed us to an area with some of their favorite pubs. We had an hour to get to know each other before they needed to catch a bus for an evening engagement. We so enjoyed getting to know them, and we hope to see them again!

On Tuesday morning, we boarded the ferry that would take us back to Picton. Goodbye Wellington!

We ended up sharing the ride with Ultimate Frisbee playing friends that used to live in Nashville. Beth and Eric are traveling in NZ for a few weeks, so we caught up on the boat before going our separate ways.

We drove to Nelson, there to be near the start of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which we would start on Wednesday. In the evening, we visited The Freehouse, a pub that was originally a church.