Travel Agent Chifley

Despite the fact I personally do not find the New Zealand accent to be music to my ears (sorry to all my Kiwi friends), on my third trip to the “land of the long white cloud”, my first as an adult, I found a new appreciation and affection for our neighbours to the right.

New Zealand is a beautiful country - picturesque and full of history, interesting people and lovely hospitable occupants. It is also home to some quirky and unusual places and attractions, which definitely adds to its charm.

In a nutshell, my tour took us from Christchurch (highlight – beautiful gardens and good scones) through to Hanmer Springs (highlight – thermal pools) and onto Nelson (keep reading). Then it was onto the Picton ferry to head up onto the north island and visit Wellington (highlight – cool museum), Napier (highlight – cool art deco buildings) and Auckland (overall cool city).

However, the biggest highlight of my time in New Zealand would have to be our stop in Nelson, a small town at the northern end of the South Island, home to around 43,000 people, and some prime real estate overlooking the Tasman Bay.

Nelson is known as being a cultural centre, with a vibrant music scene, varied arts and crafts and home of the Nelson Kite Festival each year. Within the last few years a major draw card for Nelson has been the fact it is the town with the Goldsmiths shop where the “One Ring” from the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy was designed.

The thing that really won me over with Nelson is the World of Wearable Art Museum. The annual Wearable Art Awards began near Nelson and the museum showcases many of the winning designs. I admit I mildly balked at the idea of visiting this place but found it totally unique and fascinating. I am not sure I can imagine someone wearing an outfit made of ring pulls from a can or car tyres would be comfort plus. Nowadays, there is a World of Wearable Art Awards Show each year in Wellington which attracts tens of thousands of people and is broadcast around the world. It’s popularity has grown since it’s conception in 1987.

Overall, New Zealand is a wonderful destination. It’s so close to home we should all pop in and visit our neighbours more often!

Journal and photos provided by Melinda