Skywire

Skywire is a unique experience (the only ride of its type in the world) . You are strapped onto a high tech 4-chair carriage, which is launched 1.6km over and back, high above a native forest valley. You reach speeds of up to 100 kph (we hit mid 80's) on an endless cable, dropping 150 metres, similar in principle to an extreme high-speed ski lift.

First up was Nana & Poppa with Aidan & Abbey.

The destination is 1.6km across the valley to the other ridge.

We held off going for a couple of days waiting for a still day. It is Spring, but there is still a lot of snow around and anything more than a breeze can be quite chilly at altitude even before barreling down a wire at 100 clicks and getting the full wind chill.

We all had a blast. The kids got to go twice. Once with Nana and Poppa and once with Sam and I.

On the journey back down we stopped in the middle of the forest to experience some history.

There were a bunch of Maitai trees (both Male and Female) that are over 2000 years old.

The guide told a story that the tree is semi hollow and liquid gathers and ferments on the sap of the tree. The liquid is apparently quite fowl but is very alcoholic. The story goes that it was so alcoholic the bushmen were restricted from drinking it until Friday afternoon (which meant they couldn't fell the Maitai trees until Friday).

I can't find any references to this, but I like the story.

There is also a Maori Toki protecting the Maitai trees. Both Aidan and Abbey learnt how to do the Maori kiss.

After the trip Aidan & Abbey got to feed the lambs, eels and ducks. 

Aidan's lamb was very receptive.

Abbey's wasn't too keen on feeding time. 

The eels were very hungry.

But the ducks were fighting them off to get the bread.

A top afternoon enjoyed by the whole family.

Taste Nelson

Taste Nelson is a festival that encapsulates everything that is fantastic about Nelson: food, wine, beer, seafood, fresh produce, culinary delights, arts, crafts and local performing talent.

And with the greatest concentration of breweries in NZ there was a great selection to choose from whilst letting the kids enjoy the rides.

It was a beautiful day and Sam and I were just off the plane back from Wellington after a big night at the rugby with Australia beating USA 67-5.

Taste Nelson is held in the historic Founders Heritage Park.

At Founders Heritage Park you can experience life as it was in Nelson in the 1880s to 1930s. Set in character streets with shops as they were it is a trek back in time.

We enjoyed some great NZ scallops, Maori bread, fish, hot dogs and of course beer.
Breweries that were at Taste Nelson were;

• McCashins/Stoke Brewery 
• Bays Brewery 
• Moutere Inn 
• The Mussel Inn 
• Lighthouse Brewery 
• Duncan Founders Brewery 

I sampled beers from all but the Lighthouse Brewery. 5 hours is just not enough time ;-) The did have a great way of serving directly from their brewery wagon though (see below).

Whilst most of the beers were pretty mainstream the Feijoa Cider from Mussel Inn was very enjoyable.

With a Ferris Wheel, mini Hot Rod rides, face painting, jumping castle the kids had a blast.

Rugby 1870's Style

Today in Nelson as part of the Rugby World Cup celebrations there was a re-enactment of the first game of rugby played in NZ (the first recognised game of rugby played in New Zealand took place on Saturday, May 14, 1870 between a Nelson College side and the Nelson Football Club) at the same location (The Botanics).

The re-enactment started with a gathering of both teams at the Cathedral Steps at the top of Trafalgar Street and a haka from 1200 boys from Nelson Boys School.

A short walk to The Botanics and the game was on.

Nelson Boys and Nelson Rugby Club were both decked out in traditional uniforms. A traditional shaped ball was used for the most part the original rules played. Even the posts were manuka sticks.

A scum/maul consisting of the majority of the 18 members of each team happened quite often.

One handed throw into the lineouts (and uncontested as we know them).

There was even a streaker (in his onesy) that got arrested and put in the gallows.

It was a top entertaining event. Below is from the programme that details some of the original rules that would have been played in 1870.

Tonight we are off to some modern rugby with Italy vs Russia.

Nelson, Wellington & Beer

Nelson is the craft beer capital of New Zealand. The Beer Tourist website clearly shows this.
Have only been here a couple of days and just started to scratch the surface, but have already been to the following or sampled beer from;

• Sprig & Fern
• McCashin's 
• Totara Brewing Co
• Mussel Inn
• Golden Bear
• Abbey Restaurant Cafe & Garden Bar
• Squires Pub and Cafe

and in Wellington with a little time to kill before and after the South Africa vs Wales game;

• LBQ (Little Beer Quarter)
• Tap Haus
• Fork & Brewer (opened last week)
• Hashigo Zake

I can honestly say that New Zealand has an awesome beer scene.

Tomorrow we're off to Blenheim and I'll be visiting 8 Wired & Renaissance Brewing, Moa and plan lunch at Ye Olde Malthouse Restaurant.

And of course all this is research. I've already got a couple of ideas on the go for some new Doctor's Orders beers for 2012.