Wonderful Wellington

We took the ferry back from Picton to Wellington and spent a little time in Wellington. We toured Parliament with a tour guide who could speak a smattering of all of the languages represented by the folks on the tour (Japanese, Korean, etc.) and who could compare the New Zealand form of government to all of ours. Incidentally, the Prime Minister of NZ is a woman as is the Governor General (the person who represents the queen in signing documents).

We also took a tiny bit of time to see the Te Pappa Museum (equivalent of Field Museum). Actually, three of the best museums we've ever seen are in NZ this being one of them. Their museums are very interactive and totally kid-friendly with whole rooms in almost every area for children's activities.

Last night we picked a campground because of its proximity to Auckland (where we had to return today for a plane tomorrow) and lucked into one of the most gorgeous beaches I've ever seen. Papamoa beach is fringed with dunes, has lovely white sand and goes on forever. It's on the Pacific which is on the esst coast of NZ. Somehow, I can't get used to that.

People here are very friendly. Stand or sit alone anywhere and a New Zealander will strike up a conversation, usually beginning, "Are you on holiday?" Within 5 minutes, you are exchanging life stories. I am sad to leave NZ but tommorrow we're off to Melbourne, Australia.

Love, Janet