New Brighton

13th January

My last day in New Zealand and it was warm & sunny so I caught the bus to New Brighton beach.

I suppose it was a little like Brighton - probably less built up - a little run down - but the beach is sandy not stony. It has a pier though too.

Someone had done some sand art. I walked along the pier where people were fishing and couldn't resist taking pictures of the seagulls - they are very photogenic!

I sat on the beach for a few hours, but the sea was a bit rough to swim.

I'm certainly not getting fed up with this almost continual summer 😎

Back to the hostel to shower and pack. 

My flight tomorrow goes at 9.15 am, if on time, & has two stops  - Melbourne, then Singapore then Penang arriving, hopefully, around 10 pm - It's a long day, but I gain back 5 hours.

Christchurch Botanic gardens revisited:

Just wanted to add this video of the sounds in Christchurch Botanic gardens yesterday. I love strolling in these gardens

I wish I could have recorded the delicious smell from the rose garden. Everytime the breeze came, the delicate perfume wafted over. It was so good.

A giant twisted gum tree, over 100 years old

A beech tree - I was fascinated how knobbly it was

The reason you can't bring fruit etc. into New Zealand - bio-security - they are afraid that the Queensland fruit fly could take hold.

So many varieties of basil in the herb garden

Bee-Hive

New Zealand is home to the Manuka tree, a native bush tree, the honey from which, it is claimed, has antibacterial & other health properties. 

.....I am sad to leave New Zealand. I would Love to return one day.  It is such a beautiful country with such diverse landscapes and exceptional scenery.