New Years 2007

The first day of 2007 we awaken lazily and reluctantly pack up to leave our condo. We quickly forget our despair as we board the bus to the river to ride the Shotover Jet. Mom is quiet as we near the river. The 2 ton jet powers through the canyon, narrowly dodging rugged cliffs, at times shooting over 4 inches of water, and turning complete circles on a dime. Definitely the splash zone. We are thrilled and the half hour ride passes quickly, literally.

Rumors of a river trail lure us to search it out. We find the trailhead off the main road and duck down the gravel path that soon turns to dirt at is winds around the mountain edge paralleling the river. Below, we can see the Shotover Jet thrilling other happy passengers and Kimball and Dad shoot enough footage to create a home-made video good enough to advertise for Shotover Jet.

Heading back to the nature center, we are anxious to catch the afternoon nature and culture shows. The nature show includes information of native NZ animals. We learn how the Kiwi sucks food through his long nose. The Tuatara (lizard) can possibly live 200 or 300 years, but nobody has tracked the life of one that long. They are born with a 3rd eye on their forehead which has no purpose and quickly disappears under a flap of scales. The oldest Tuatara (Henry actually lives in Invercargill) is 108.

The culture show is next where we watch the Mauri (natives who first moved to NZ from Hawaii) dance and chant called Hauka that was performed before war to threaten the enemy. It is now performed before rugby games.

Another full day ends with a walk around downtown. Tourist shops boast Paua shell jewelry, postcards, and Manuka honey. Bees don't naturally like the Manuka flower and have to be trained to pollenate. Stopping at the grocery store, we get potatoes to bake back at the condo. We are happy to return to our luxurious abode and watch the day fade over the bay.