∞

I did this Online Hearing Test a few years back and have just gone through it again.

Hmmm, having found my previous test results, it looks like my hearing has declined. May be time for a professional test.

∞

Nice to see that a] the beach was still there 🤣 and that b] someone had been having a good time.

Sandcastle decorated with shells at the beach.
∞

I had a wonderful time away on holiday, but am thrilled to be home to my kettle that I can set to the correct temperature for my tea, and my most favourite teas. Ahhhh.

∞

Partly because it's Easter I followed official advice and arrived at Christchurch airport early to allow extra time for security. There is no security screening for my flight to Wellington. LOL

Also changed to an earlier flight so I'll be home earlier.

This is a pleasant and comfortable airport.

At Christchurch airport, looking out to the tarmac.
∞

My friend Anne and I dressed warmly against the sharp wind in Christchurch at the Travis Wetland.

Me on the left in the blue jacket standing upslope of Anne on the right with a green jacket.
Me on the left in the blue jacket standing upslope of Anne on the right with a green jacket. Photo by Ruth.
∞

Autumn colours in Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa | the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

A small lake with trees and bushes in greens, oranges, golds, around it.
∞

This morning we enjoyed a pleasant walk around the 119 hectare Ōruapaeroa / Travis Wetland in Christchurch. At some points we had views of the Port Hills.

Travis Wetland view to the Port Hills.
∞

Rakaia Gorge is scenic from the lookout.

Rakaia Gorge - blue river below green hills with golden grass in the foreground.
A blue braided river bed between hills at the bottom of the road.
∞

Staying with a friend in Christchurch. This is one year old Felix. 🐈

Very handsome grey and white cat.
∞

Athol is a tiny place about half way between Te Anau and Queenstown. It has a very convenient public toilet, a tearooms, and this interesting Memorial Seat for the Returned Services Association.

Athol RSA memorial seat shaped like an open book with some pages upright and others rolled over to form a seat.
Athol RSA memorial seat, front view.
∞

Back in Takapō for the night. From the back I thought this was a car, but it turns out to be a Mustang Thunderbird touring bike.

Mustang Thunderbird touring trike.
∞

Such a cool use of the Internet: Fish Doorbell in Utrecht:

… viewers around the world can watch a livestream of the camera and, when they see a fish, press a doorbell to open the lock allowing the fish the opportunity to continue swimming upstream to their destiny.

∞

This photo probably most represents Milford Sound. Huge craggy sheer cliffs, greenery, numerous tiny or massive waterfalls.

Huge waterfall from sheer cliffs.
∞

What a long day. The bus picked us up at 8 this morning for our Milford Sound Tour and after a busy day we returned at 5. A quick meal at Thai Anau and now we're all wishing it was already bedtime!

Milford Sound and environs are so scenic!

∞

At the Te Anau bird sanctuary I spotted Takahē and Whio (Blue Duck). 🐦

Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Two Takahē in Te Anau.
Two Takahē in Te Anau.
Two Whio at Te Anau.
Two Whio at Te Anau.
∞

Spent the night in Queenstown. Today we drive 2 hours to Te Anau then tomorrow, with any luck, we visit Milford Sound for a cruise — Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau with Fiordland Tours.

Map shows locations.
∞

Lake view from Earnslaw Lodge on Lake Wakatipu in Tāhuna | Queenstown, east to west.

Lake with craggy mountains behind, vegetation and houses on the shore.
Lake with craggy mountains behind, vegetation and houses on the shore.
Lake with craggy mountains behind, vegetation and houses on the shore.
∞

The landscapes in Mackenzie and Central are just jaw dropping.

∞

Aoraki (Mt Cook) from Lake Pukaki.

High snowy mountain behind lake.
∞

I’ve never been to Cromwell on Lake Dunstan before. Stark mountains all around.

Lake with stark mountains behind.