From Castles To Christchurch

There is a saying, "Expect the unexpected." Well, after another leisurely day of travelling we've arrived safe and sound in Christchurch, where we spend the remaining 4 days of our South Island holiday. Along the way we stopped at the Ashford Craft Shop & Showroom (home of the world famous Ashford Spinning Wheels) in Ashburton ~ that was to be expected with a keen knitter on board. However, the unexpected followed ~ after surveying the many hundreds of wool equipment and fabrics, Dabak purchased a couple of balls for a future wool project. Well I never! Anyway, it was a good opportunity for us guys to stretch the legs, take a few snapshots and enjoy the fresh air.

Another unexpected ~ over dinner we met up with a UK Salvo couple (from Cradley Heath Corps), who worshipped with us yesterday at Dunedin City Corps and, like us, are touring NZ. What a delight it was to 'bump' into them again after arriving in the 'big city' of Christchurch.

For now we are going to relax and do a little planning for the next few days activities, as we look forward with great expectation to exploring the sights and sounds of this picturesque southern city. What awaits us is yet to be seen...but being ready to "expect the unexpected" is a good start.

Psalm 5:3 (NIV) ~ "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Soaring On The Lord's Day

This morning we worshipped at the Dunedin City Corps, where we enjoyed a warm welcome and encountered the presence of God in fellowship together. Captain Alister Irwin gave a thought provoking message on the Nehemiah principle ~ recognizing a need and handing it over to God for "together" action!

Then again we encountered the presence of God as we experienced nature ~ this time at the Royal Albatross Centre, where we witnessed these humongous birds in soaring flight (and I have a nice photo to prove it!) Next stop was a self-guided walking tour of Larnach Castle and grounds. This is NZ's only castle and one that has been restored for our enjoyment.

So...we soared with God today in so many ways. How about you?

Isaiah 40:27 (MSG) ~ "...those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."

Southern Scenic Sojourn

Well, we arrived safely in Te Anau but, unfortunately, didn't make it to experience our Milford Sound boat cruise as the road remained closed until the day after we left town. As the saying goes, "When life deals you lemons, make lemonade"... so we did! We made the most of the opportunity to experience a local tour of the Glowworm Caves. A short cruise across Lake Te Anau was a sight to behold, as was walking down into the dark caves to board a dingy-type boat for a journey into the complete darkness of the glowworm grotto. Dabak fully appreciated the variety of sounds caused by the cascading waters as we ventured to deeper and darker depths.

Leaving Te Anau on Thursday morning, we headed to Invercargill ~ NZ's southernmost city and the home to Bert Munro of the Indian motorcycle fame. Though quite a remote, rural area it is uniquely beautiful, with tremendous botanical gardens and an array of sightseeing wonders. A highlight was to see Dabak enjoying feeding a lamb and getting to pat a baby goat ~ all part of our "Animal Farm" Holiday Park encounter.

On Friday morning, we left for a three-night stopover in Dunedin. Of course, first on the agenda after our 5-hour ride, was a walking tour of the Cadbury Factory, complete with sexy hairnets. The samples were nice as were some bargains from their chocolate shop. Yummy!

Saturday was another 'scenic delight'. This began with another walking tour ~ this time of the picturesque Botanical Gardens next door to our motel. We enjoyed the walk ~ I took heaps of floral and fauna photos while Dabak navigated her way around the many paths, often discovering interesting things for me to photograph. It was awesome!

In the afternoon, we boarded the Taieri Gorge Railway for a stunning 76km return trip through the city suburbs and into a "gorge-ous" area surrounded by cliffs, mountains and bushland. Here's Dabak enjoying the journey with one of our travelling companions.

Isaiah 33:17 (NIV) ~ "Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar."

Southward Bound

To kick start the day, we took a 20 minute drive to Deer Park Heights, where they have a fantastic 'open range' animal reserve (the property in which they filmed several parts of the Lord Of The Rings movie). his morning we left scenic Queenstown and headed south to Te Anau (2.5hrs drive). There were many deer, goats, sheep, bison and llamas wandering around just waiting for Dabak to hand feed them. The scenic backdrop complemented this amazing experience well.

From there we headed south for Te Anau, where we stay tonight and hope to make to our way to Milford Sound ~ providing that is, the road is open following the avalanche warning. Well, it's been great so far, not much can dampen our spirits!

"This is my Father's world,

And to my listening ears,

All nature sings and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world,

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought."

Maltbie Davenport Babock

Earthquakes And Queenstown...

NEWSFLASH...At 1.30am this morning (during our first nights sleep in Queenstown) we were woken by huge tremors in our 2nd floor bedroom that shook the whole area. Though we suspected as much, we didn't find out until the morning that it was the result of an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale that hit off shore NZs west coast near Milford Sound. If that wasn't scary enough, again at 10.30am today, while travelling to do our "Bungy Experience", another tremor from an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale occurred. Fortunately, this time we didn't feel it as we were out driving at the time. Praise God for travelling mercies!

As the above pics taken from outside our hotel room show, Queenstown is a stunningly gorgeous place and wherever you look it is as though the scenic backdrops have been especially painted for a movie set. The hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's inland lake, bordered by alpine mountains.

Today's activities included: Bungy Experience Tour (pic below shows it delighted some and terrified others!), drive around Deer Park feeding the animals, Sky Gondola ride (pic below too!) and relaxing spa/sauna.

God is good all the time ~ All the time, God is good!

Genesis 1:9-10 (MSG) ~ "And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good."

Grandiose Glaciers

'Awesome' and 'amazing' are words that we used frequently today to describe the majestic mountains with their imposing ice glaciers. Here's a couple of pictures to support this.

Yes, Carl Boberg was right when he penned these familiar words of praise!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!

South Island Spectacular

Since arriving in Christchurch at 3.30pm on Friday afternoon, we've enjoyed a series of warm welcomes and kind hospitality. The weather, on the other hand, hasn't been so friendly ~ with strong winds, constant rain and chilly breezes. But we can't fault the scenery here, it's spectacular! Lush green grass, stunning sunsets and majestic mountains make it all worthwhile.

Having spent a nice night in Christchurch, we boarded the TranzAlpine on Saturday morning for our 4-hour train journey across alpine country to Greymouth, on the 'wetter' west coast. Picking up our hire care gave us all an increased sense of independence and personal comfort, preparing us for a delightful drive ahead. While shopping, we met the Salvo veterans band from Christchurch and met a few 'old' friends.

This morning (following home church worship and a hire car hiccup!) we headed off for Franz Josef Glacier, stopping on the way at a Jade Factory in Hokatiki and for lunch at a nice roadside cafe. Nothing prepared us though for the amazing sights awaiting us at Franz! It was truly a God-connection moment ~ one that is beyond words...so you'll have to wait for the pictures!

Deuteronomy 7:21(MSG) ~ "God, your God, is among you—God majestic, God awesome."