Wrapping up in NZ

Our time in NZ after our Wellington trip included a trip to Otago, where we celebrated Nana's birthday (and did some fieldwork) in Moeraki and Mama gave a seminar at the University of Otago. We explored our neighborhood in Christchurch, including discovering Riccarton Bush, a preserved remnant of ancient forest close to our flat. And we went wildlife watching at Willowbank Reserve, where highlights included feeding the longfin eels and watching a kiwi snuffle around. And we headed up to Kaikoura and across to the West Coast to wrap up our fieldwork. Caden, Finn, and Mama enjoyed riding back from Greymouth to Christchurch on the Tranzalpine Railway. 

Exploring Riccarton Bush

Feeding the eels

Making salmon quiche with Nana

Playground in Fendalton, Christchurch

Playground in Moeraki, Otago

Caden learns important skills at the Moeraki Tavern

Moeraki boulders

And a dinner with a view

Up to Kaikoura. If you squint, you might be able to see fresh snow on the high peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Range

Meat pie and sausage roll at a takeaways stop in Springs Junction en route to the West Coast

Hiking along the Pororari River in Paparoa National Park

Fun at Countdown Foods in Greymouth

The Tranzalpine Railway back to Christchurch