Mission Accomplished

And so our 7 week sabbatical in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup comes to an end.

We can honestly say that we accomplished everything we set out to achieve. Be tourists, explore, relax, have fun and spend time together as a family. And of course watch and be part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

What summary is a summary without some statistics ?

• Number of islands explored: 2
• Number of museums visited: lots
• Modes of transport utilised: planes, train, cars, bus, ferry
• Approximate number of km travelled: 4100+ km
• Artworks purchased: 4
• Rugby World Cup tipping competitions won: 1
• Breweries visited: Lots
• Number of new beers sampled and enjoyed: 190+
• Chocolate factories visited: 2
• Number of Rugby World Cup Games attended: 7
• World Cups won: 1
• New Champagnes/Sparkling wines sampled and enjoyed: 30+
• Items to declare at customs in Sydney: heaps
• Total cost: Priceless

Highlights of the trip are too numerous to list as for sure I'd miss something out. Having said that one highlight is;

• The All Blacks winning the Rugby World Cup.

This week we return to Australia. Aidan and Abbey will return to school. Sam has a few more days before she returns to work, and I don't head back until mid November. I have commercial beer to brew for summer for Doctor's Orders Brewing, as well as a number of NZ trip inspired beers formulated to pilot in the pilot brewhouse. 

Next big holiday; Rugby World Cup 2015 in England. mmmm, probably not. 2019 in Japan. A distinct possibility.

Wellington, Zealandia & Weta Cave

Yesterday we started the family jaunt around the North Island.
We had a very uneventful trip from Picton to Wellington on the ferry across Cook Straight (the kind of ferry trip you want in NZ).

Sam graciously gave up her ticket for the All Blacks vs Canada game so I could go with my mate Phil. It was a great running game with the AB's scoring at a point a minute. Canada got a couple of try's too to great applause.

Today we took the kids up to Zealandia. 

ZEALANDIA is a unique eco-attraction. New Zealand's incredible natural history is brought to life with a state-of-the-art indoor exhibition. It is quite hands on and fantastic for the kids with lots to look at, lots of multimedia and lots of buttons to press.

We did briefly venture into the 225ha (550 acre) eco-sanctuary but with a day of heavy rain it wasn't the best to see some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects in the wild.

After lunch we then headed off to the Weta Cave.

Weta provide a lot of the magic to movies such as Lord of the Rings, King Kong, District 9 and Avatar. They are currently working on Tin Tin. 

The Weta Cave is quite small and contains a mini museum of props and collectibles from the movies Weta has been involved with. 

There is also a short screening showing some behind the scenes information about Weta. It looks like a pretty cool place to work. 

I was really taken with the reality of the props. You'd swear that they would really work.

 Tomorrow we head north road tripping.

Go USA

Tomorrow night Nelson is hosting USA in their match against Italy.
Whilst Nelson has adopted Italy as their second team, Richmond (a satellite city of Nelson) has adopted USA.
Today Richmond started a couple of days of activities to make USA feel welcome and get some local support bind them. It all kicked off with a parade (all American style) down the main street.

Cheer leaders (from the local rugby union team) closely followed by some bikers.

A customary old style police car complete with siren

and even a mix of old army gear.

Following the parade were the welcomes from the local mayor, USA team manager, USA Ambassador to NZ etc.

Aidan and I escaped to take a few photos

whilst Abbey was happy some some of the freebies 

A spot of shopping and Aidan got a welcome addition to his wardrobe for tomorrow nights game.

We're all looking forward to the Italy vs USA game tomorrow night and the tailgate party in Richmond prior to the game (complete with local wineries and breweries ;-)  ).

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.