Kapiti Island, Bird Sanctuary, Nature Reserve (Part 1)

 

Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand's most significant nature reserves. The Island is home to many native species that are either very rare or absent from the New Zealand mainland.

An early morning start, and an hours drive north from Wellington to Pararaumu. We needed to be there at 8 am, for the 8.30 am boat to the island.  

The boat was towed into the ocean by this 'lifted up" tractor.  The first few minutes were rough, and we all felt a bit queasy. 

However, once the boat had turned around, and got up speed, the jutting and and pounding of the waves made a thrilling journey of the 5km boat trip. Took about 15 minutes.

Visitor numbers are limited to 100 visitors a day to the Rangatira area, about half way along the eastern shore of Kapiti Island.  We were fortunate, today it was just this boat load, so about 20 people.  

The beach is rocky and drift wood lines the shore.

Bush clematis grows down to the shore. The scent is amazing as we walked to the information shelter. The local DOC ranger gave a talk about the birds, and what we could and could not do, during our visit to the island. He also warned us about the weka and the kaka, and how they work as a team to steal our food. More on that later.

My grandfather's grandfather was a whaler, and was based on Kapiti Island during the 1840s. These tripots are remains of the whaling days.

First weka of the day, but it ignored us. I guess it knows the food only comes out later in the day.

We started with the gentle Rangatira Loop walk, and then joined the Trig Track to Tuteremoana peak.

Kaka beak flowers.

Nikau trees were at the start of the Trig Track, and soon we were in the company of a group of Tieke / Saddleback. They sound like they are laughing at you.

The Trig Track is 2 km one way, we allowed 2 hours to get to the top.  It is a challenging hike, with narrow uneven sections, and steep in places. The Trig Track should only be attempted by confident trampers with good sturdy footwear. It is an uphill track only. We came down Wilkinson track, 3.8 km (2 hours).

Van Gogh at the Wellington Waterfront - Starry Starry Night

An outdoor exhibition, multi sensory, using shipping containers and images of Vincent van Gogh's art work.

Seeing the artwork enlarged, and having a narrator describing the work, and the place and time of creation made a very immersive exhibition.

So many colours, brush strokes. 

The picture frames got filled with artwork, and the artwork became the background.

I liked how the blossoms and flowers moved across the backdrop.

Iris and sunflower were a recurring theme.

Plenty of swirls of green, brown, yellow and brown.

There was no seating, so the urchins found a comfortable spot to watch the show.

"I don't know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream" 

Vincent van Gogh

The show took about 3/4 of an hour. Wandering back to the hotel, we spotted stingrays in the inlet.

Glow in the Dark Ice cream

As Covid-19 is impacting on social activities, and public gatherings, our session time to see van Gogh was at 9pm, so we had a bit of time to kill between eating, and viewing the exhibition at the Wellington waterfront.

The urchins made the most of the lit up balls.

There is also a sea diving board, it's 8 meters high. I am sure this is popular in the summer. 

I was looking forward to trying some glow in the dark gelato.  

The glow is caused by some bioluminescence bacteria, and glows at -15 degrees C.

Plenty of flavours to choose from, and the gelato does glow!

The gelato shop was right next to the Van Gogh exhibition. After being in lock down, and limited travel, people seemed happy to be out and about.

School Holidays - Wellington

First trip away of the year! Popping down to Wellington to see the outdoor Van Gogh exhibition, and visit Kāpiti Island.  The volcanos looked great.

The weather wasn't too bad in Wellington, just a "slight breeze", and we sheltered from it when we could.

Later in the evening, we saw several sting rays in this inlet

Popped into Te Papa Museum, to see the giant squid (again!) The museum has revamped the natural history section. Much more informative and hands on. There were models of deep sea fish that you could touch.

As there were many people, we took the opportunity to see the Gallipoli exhibition again.  These giant sized soldiers and nurses evoke emotions.

The urchins got hungry, so a visit to the Sushi Bar,  The Catch, on 48 Courtenay Place, Te Aro. It's a few minutes walk from Te Papa.

The most difficult part is deciding what to eat, the food was fresh and flavoursome.

New jewellery

 
Anneke made some earrings. They are very cool.

My favourites are the frogs.