It's 5:40 AM here, and due to a popular uprising of sorts, I am now blogging instead of sleeping. Last time we left off in Napier, so now we travel down to the capital city of Wellington, which we did not get to visit, because we had a 10AM ferry to catch to Picton in the South Isle.
Between Napier and Hastings, we saw this interesting hedge. The trees reminded me of the ones I've seen in pictures of Haifa, Israel.
Roadside hedge between Napier & Hastings
How could anyone drive by this house without taking a picture? East, and slightly south of Hastings, we found this rare gem amongst the owners vineyards, half way up the hill. What a sense of style!
Vineyard Owner's House, Hastings, NZ
Hastings itself was quite a visual treat, following the Art Deco style of Napier, I believe.
i-site in Busy Downtown Hastings, during a rare break from heavy traffic.
Hastings, NZ
The sights of the picturesque town of Hastings continue.
Art Deco Clock Tower, Hastings, NZ
Believe it or not, this picture was taken only 20 feet from the previous two. They had this unsightly industrial railroad trck running through their downtown core, creating quite an eye-sore, as the track continues to be in use. Instead of lamenting and throwing up their hands, however, some ingenious kiwis, with their keen sense of style, went to work in creating the work of tasteful gardening art we see in these pictures. If only we in Canada could be as resourceful in beautifying our cities!
Industrial Railroad next to 'Main Street' Hastings.
Hastings, NZ
Looking at the same area from a different angle, you can see how they used the circular train turn table motif to enhance the romance and beauty of the overall garden design.
Beautiful Downtown Hastings, NZ
Something we were not prepared for was this at one of the local grocery stores. After snapping this picture, a lady behind the counter rushed over and asked who I was with, probably thinking I was from the health department. When I told her I was a dumb Canuck on vacation, she politely told me that it was company policy not to allow cameras in the store. Thus, I have left out the store's name out of courtesy...Oops!
Hastings Grocery Selection in some nondescript Grocery Store in Hastings, NZ
From the grocery store we scooted down the road for an awesomely tasty treat at the Rush Munro Ice Cream store! According to the friendly ladies behind the counter, the ice cream is made only a km away in a local factory, and shipped directly to their store every morning. We all had waffle cones of varying flavours, and to say they were delectable is an understatement! The factory has been producing ice cream for Hastings and the surrounding area since 1926. Here's a website for those interested; http://www.rushmunro.co.nz/
Rush Munro's Ice Cream Gardens, Hastings, NZ
I don't know what town we were entering when we saw this, but it was such a beautiful specimen, we had to snap a picture. I don't know if that's original paint either, but it sure made this Mach 1 look amazing! Notice the driver is on the correct side of the car? We figure that he has a special permit, because it's a vintage car--thus the California plate.
Mach I entering Masterton(?) NZ
Arrived at the Top Ten Holiday Park in Wellington, at last, Cailin tries to put in a little homework time while Cal tries not to.
Top Ten Cabin bedroom, Lower Hutt, NZ
It must be noted here, that this was our second experience staying in one of the Top Ten Holiday Parks association facilities, and we have to say that, consistently, these were head-and-shoulders above the quality of other Holiday Park chains. Yes, there are some gorgeously kept parks that are not Top Ten's, such as the pristinely kept Cosy Corner Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, but for quality time-after-time, or vote goes to the Top Ten chain of Holiday Parks. (Maybe we should see if they'll let us do a commercial!)
Anyway, that does it for another day! Farewell from the Wellington area.
Something we were not prepared for was this at one of the local grocery stores. After snapping this picture, a lady behind the counter rushed over and asked who I was with, probably thinking I was from the health department. When I told her I was a dumb Canuck on vacation, she politely told me that it was company policy not to allow cameras in the store. Thus, I have left out the store's name out of courtesy...Oops!
Hastings Grocery Selection in some nondescript Grocery Store in Hastings, NZ
From the grocery store we scooted down the road for an awesomely tasty treat at the Rush Munro Ice Cream store! According to the friendly ladies behind the counter, the ice cream is made only a km away in a local factory, and shipped directly to their store every morning. We all had waffle cones of varying flavours, and to say they were delectable is an understatement! The factory has been producing ice cream for Hastings and the surrounding area since 1926. Here's a website for those interested; http://www.rushmunro.co.nz/
Here's the scene that greeted me, upon returning to the table, having paid for all the treats;
"Gmmph! whhu? Wr we spos'd tw wait? Gmmph..."
The world's best Ice Cream, Hastings, NZ
All is forgiven, as we rest after our meal in the gardens. They actually allow people to eat their own picnic lunches in the garden before ordering their desserts from the counter. What a novel idea! We felt very comfortable here, and recommend it as a 'must stop' for anyone travelling in the area.
Rush Munro's Ice Cream Gardens, Hastings, NZ
I don't know what town we were entering when we saw this, but it was such a beautiful specimen, we had to snap a picture. I don't know if that's original paint either, but it sure made this Mach 1 look amazing! Notice the driver is on the correct side of the car? We figure that he has a special permit, because it's a vintage car--thus the California plate.
Arrived at the Top Ten Holiday Park in Wellington, at last, Cailin tries to put in a little homework time while Cal tries not to.
It must be noted here, that this was our second experience staying in one of the Top Ten Holiday Parks association facilities, and we have to say that, consistently, these were head-and-shoulders above the quality of other Holiday Park chains. Yes, there are some gorgeously kept parks that are not Top Ten's, such as the pristinely kept Cosy Corner Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, but for quality time-after-time, or vote goes to the Top Ten chain of Holiday Parks. (Maybe we should see if they'll let us do a commercial!)
Anyway, that does it for another day! Farewell from the Wellington area.
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