Friday, March 22: Cloudy the whole day, although quite variable, a drop or two of rain in the afternoon
Funky Green Voyager (room behind Nick)
Again it was a matter of inserting my breakfast (variation: Chicken herb loaf instead of ham) between the various other guests this morning, and I was packed and had the suitcase and pack in the office well before 10:00
Today I decided I would have a look at the gondolas that go up the hill (Skyline) and also try the kiwi park not far from that, Rainbow Springs. Caught a bus into town and got a transfer ticket for the #1 bus that actually goes out to the place. Bit of a wait in town, and the bus was quite full, but I was soon on the outskirts and on my way to the attractions.
I decided I would go in to Rainbow Springs if the entry was less that $50, and at $40 it was just below the limit, although not a cheap affair. It looks very well done up from the outside, and the paths and greenery look quite impressive, but the actual exhibits were more than wanting. I managed to get a shot of the one very bedraggled kingfisher on display, ditto two tuis, one weka was getting out of my way very quickly, and no keas were on display. There were a few more lizards, but mainly the Eastern Water Dragon (which is Australian) and a couple of tuataras. Had seen more geckoes on Peter and Sara’s farm. Apart from numerous trout that was about it. The amusement park ride didn’t really compensate for any of this.
Slide Show
Click on the image to stop/start the animation
The main attraction was the nocturnal Kiwi House, but again only one kiwi was out and about, and most of the information was about the breeding/rearing program that they undertake. I was taken by the claim that the average kiwi needs a territory of 100 hA, which is one square kilometer, or 100 football fields. In any case it took little more than an hour to walk around and take the ride and that was it. Can’t be recommended, and certainly not a whole day’s family entertainment as advertised. Was back at the bus stop fairly quickly, and the bus was soon there and I was back at the hostel to occupy my newest room.
After lunch the old airbnb stays had to be reviewed or finished up, there were messages about kayaking and the stay in Paihia, and I wanted to let Rayna know when I might be back in Auckland. Tried registering the ATHop card but got no confirmation email, so called the place; they got some more details, but still no email.
Went shopping for some plastic containers – eventually got some very small robust containers for the filters (need to have a cleaning cloth in there as well) that seal very well, a pump action container possibly for soap/rei and another one with no pump; one silicone squishy container that might also be used for rei. Checked out where I might get sandwiches tomorrow morning near the bus stop; bought some lemonade (lemon, lime & butters does appear to have some taste) and was ready for dinner just after 5:00.
Lamb shank tonight @ Lincoln Restaurant & Bar, 1295 Fenton St, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, mint sauce and a salad (green, with tomatoes) for $20 and a handle of Mac’s APA (acceptable) for $5 in the happy hour.
Discovered that I had lost the blue cup! Almost heartbroken, although some better solution needs to be found here for a measuring/drinking cup in one. But no idea how it came to be lost, and no blue cup has turned up in the kitchen here. Have put my map sets on the table for anyone to take, but business has not been brisk so far.
No sunset tonight, and no more time lapse of Eat Streat. Will have to be up at 5:30 tomorrow, so an early night is on the cards.
