Masterton may appear to be a fairly ordinary small country town, but it is host to a number of fairly large events. The airshow "Wings over Wairarapa", international hot air balloon meetings and the famous Golden Shears competition.
This is perhaps the largest sheep shearing competition in the world, lasting three days with competitors from many of the major wool producing nations. We were lucky to get to see the action during the first day. 
Aside from shearing competitions, there were hectic wool "handling" contests and wool pressing races where 170 kgs of wool were powerfully and manually packed into metre high bales. Great fun!!
What a fantastic, unique experience we have had in this country. We could easily stay another 3 months, but all good things must come to an end and we are looking forward to getting back to business as usual in Munich.
This is perhaps the largest sheep shearing competition in the world, lasting three days with competitors from many of the major wool producing nations. We were lucky to get to see the action during the first day. 
Aside from shearing competitions, there were hectic wool "handling" contests and wool pressing races where 170 kgs of wool were powerfully and manually packed into metre high bales. Great fun!!We also enjoyed some rides out into the countryside and Wendy looked after Mattéo and Juliette whilst Maman and Dad went to the races at Trentham (near Wellington) on a specially chartered train. 
Uncle Roger had organised a corporate box - we had a lot of fun and didn't lose too much money. After a pub lunch we returned to Wellington on Sunday.
Uncle Roger had organised a corporate box - we had a lot of fun and didn't lose too much money. After a pub lunch we returned to Wellington on Sunday.
The last highlight of our trip was the visit to Kapiti Island. This is only 30 mins north, and 15 minutes boat ride, from Helen's house and is perhaps New Zealand's most important nature reserve.
Only about 50 people per day can visit (we booked with the Department of Conservation back in January). The island has no "introduced" mammals (our bags were searched for mice and rats!) and the birdlife there is simply extraordinary. The forest was buzzing with birdsong and movement. 
Alister walked up the 560metre peak and swam in the beautiful water (the coast is a marine sanctuary). Helen, Delphine, Mattéo and Juliette enjoyed the walks near the coast and had fun with the frequent visits of the Wekas (similar to Kiwi) and Kaka (very intelligent mountain parrot).
Only about 50 people per day can visit (we booked with the Department of Conservation back in January). The island has no "introduced" mammals (our bags were searched for mice and rats!) and the birdlife there is simply extraordinary. The forest was buzzing with birdsong and movement. 
Alister walked up the 560metre peak and swam in the beautiful water (the coast is a marine sanctuary). Helen, Delphine, Mattéo and Juliette enjoyed the walks near the coast and had fun with the frequent visits of the Wekas (similar to Kiwi) and Kaka (very intelligent mountain parrot).Together with Helen, we have been enjoying Wellington, its coastline, beaches, monuments and nightlife.
Helen, Delphine and Alister had a great night out in Courtenay Place and Cuba Mall (cocktails in the Matterhorn).
Helen, Delphine and Alister had a great night out in Courtenay Place and Cuba Mall (cocktails in the Matterhorn).
The bags have been packed. We seem to have much more than for our arrival ... lets see how generous the airline staff in Wellington will be.
What a fantastic, unique experience we have had in this country. We could easily stay another 3 months, but all good things must come to an end and we are looking forward to getting back to business as usual in Munich.
2 comments:
Thought I would look in before you leave. The next time we'll hear from you it will be from somewhere in Europe
We hope you arrived home safe and sound the sun is shinning andeveryone is pleased to see you and that you all get back to normal life slowley and that you make special time to have with each other each weekend love Mary
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