A Birthday Treat

Te Paki Sand Dunes, Northland.Images Courtesy ExploreNZ

Today is my birthday and I'm now at an age when reverting to adolescence seems increasingly attractive. And what better place to engage in something ridiculous and whimsical than the Te Paki sand dunes in the Far North. Located near Te Paki stream - which provides access from Cape Reinga to Ninety Mile Beach for the numerous tourist buses that frequent the area - the dunes have been pushed inland for around five kilometres and in places are over 100 metres high, making them perfect for a spot of sand-boarding. You can go it alone, or you can join the Dune Rider excursions, thereby side-stepping the whole issue of driving yourself north. And there's certainly something to be said for being driven about by someone else. www.explorenz.co.nz

Shed Memories

"One Shed, Two Sheds" Ronnie van Hout, Te Papa, Wellington. April 2009. Ajr

I love this work by New Zealand artist, Ronnie van Hout and the way it interacts with the architecture on the roof-top sculpture courtyard of the National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. I photographed it when I was there last week (with permission). It's called "One Shed, Two Sheds" and was inspired by van Hout's memory of his father's locked and secret sheds. www.tepapa.govt.nz

The Tip of the North

Cape Reinga, Northland. Image: ExploreNZ

Here I am – at the very tip of the North Island – getting a glimpse of the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It was built in 1941 and became fully automated in 1987, ending the era of the lighthouse-keeper. According to Maori mythology, the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their way to the after-life, so theoretically it should feel like a very spiritual place. Overflowing with tourists as it invariably is though, it’s a very special kind of hell - which is a very great pity for it’s the sort of spot I’d love to sit alone in.

Boaties' Heaven

Bay of Islands

An Aerial View

Image courtesy ExploreNZ

http://www.explorenz.co.nz/

One Grey Day in the Capital

Wellington Waterfront. April 2009. Ajr

It was a grey day when I first wandered along the Wellington Waterfront a week or so ago, which seemed to suit the mood of this sculpture located outside Te Papa. I never did find out whose work it was. I did ask and all I discovered was that it (and others nearby) are not a Te Papa initiative. I liked the way this particular work interacts with the surrounding architecture - a lovely combination and contrast of forms.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Bay of Islands, Northland. Images Courtesy of Explore NZ

Who could blame our overseas friends for falling in love with New Zealand when this is what they have to endure? The Bay of Islands may seem 'touristy' to some, but get away from the towns and out on to the water and you discover the real beauty that makes this place so enduringly popular. It may be mid-winter - and okay, the sun may not be shining QUITE this brightly today - but there's a lot to be said for Northern warmth - and On the Edge makes it all so easy! www.explorenz.co.nz

More Britomart Boards

Britomart, Auckland. April 2009 Ajr

I find something unexpectedly fascinating - poetic almost - about the juxtaposition of all these lovely 'soft' words with the brutality of a construction site at Auckland's Britomart development. Love it love it love it and took Waaaay mote photographs than I should probably confess to. There's a few I featured a few days ago below...if you scroll down a wee way. Clever graphics.

The Art of the Sign

Auckland Art gallery. April 2009 Ajr

There's plenty happening at the Auckland Art Gallery but whether or not you call it art is another matter. The original gallery building is getting a huge makeover - it's currently wrapped in orange like a giant surprise package - and a new extension is being built. I loved the way the hoarding sign, the image of the finished gallery and the shapely tree all came together to make an interesting visual image. I also love gallery signs fullstop - hence the top photograph. I often photograph gallery signs. To me, they can be works of art in their own right.Sometimes it's about colour and shape; other times it's about the signs in situ - how they are juxtaposed with architecture and their surroundings. www. aucklandartgallery.govt.nz

The Collectors - 11

All photos April 2009. Auckland Ajr

Collectible Crown Lynn gathered across a piano top in Auckland. One collector's passion for early New Zealand ceramics is spreading throughout the house. Swans have alighted upon every surface and handpotted vases are clustered together in safe corners. For others in this series click on Collectors in the label line below this post.

Making Memories

Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris. Images Supplied by Explore NZ.

Talk to anyone who has ever encountered a dolphin, be it in the water, or from a boat and they all say the same thing - that it was one of the most special moments they've experienced. Dolphins have a universal appeal and who could miss an opportunity to get up close and personal. And you can do just that with Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris, which take you out into the Hauraki Gulf to swap pleasantries with these friendly marine mammals. Just another of the everyday happenings in a lucky travel guide writer's life. www.explorenz.co.nz

Down in the Cave

Dinner @ Tanuki's Cave, Upper Queen Street, Auckland.

One of the best little Japanese yakitori and sake bars I've ever been in. Packed to the gills with many others who feel the same way.

Choices

Multiple Choice in Cuba Mall, Wellington

April 2009. Ajr

Pleased to Meet You....

I'm George Bear

And I Live

@

The George Christchurch

www.thegeorge.com

And Speaking of Lips!

Queen Street, Auckland. April 2009. Ajr

Here's another saucy little billboard in Auckland's main street - perfectly placed near a set of traffic lights, which is probably just as well given the distraction factor

Delicious!

Auckland. April 2009. Ajr

I don't need to say a thing! It's all written on the window of this divine little restaurant!

Autumn Fashion

One Hot Orange Autumn Moment

@

Annah Stretton, Ponsonby

Auckland

High Speed Thrills in the South

Shotover Jet in Shotover River Canyon. Image Courtesy Ngai Tahu Tourism

Racing through narrow rocky canyons at crazy speeds may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you want to wake yourself up in a hurry, this is just the way to do it. Join the Shotover Jet team for more squeals and screams per minute than you thought yourself capable of. www.shotoverjet.com

More Art From the Capital

"Ferns" Neil Dawson, Civic Centre, Wellington. April Ajr

I can't resist - I have to bring you further views of Neil Dawson's terrific suspended sculpture, 'Ferns,' that is suspended above Wellington's Civic Square. I know it's been in place for a long time.; I know it's not new; but every time I visit the capital I see it afresh.

www.ferns.co.nz

A Trick of the Eye

How the eye can play tricks in the big city.

I loved the way Neil Dawson's suspended sculpture, FERNS appears to be hanging off the crane. A case of right place, right time. www.ferns.co.nz

Behind the Curtain

SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland. April 2009 Ajr

I've spent a lot of time in the voluminous and elegant foyer of the SKYCITY Grand Hotel in the last couple of days - mostly because I was an idiot and got my appointment times mixed up and had to return twice to get it right. While waiting, I amused myself taking photographs - little glimpses of the hotel's huge and amazing contemporary New Zealand art collection through the see-through curtain thingy. Both SKYCTY Hotel and SKYCITY Grand are adorned with a wide array of artworks - from lobbies through to every single guest room. I love that about the place. www.skycitygrand.co.nz

Cool Cars - 43

One White 1939 Buick - Spotted in North Canterbury

Ajr 2009

A Kiwi Tradition

Image Supplied by Tourism Auckland 2007

Fish and Chips

In an Auckland Park

An Enduring Kiwi Tradition

Leaping From High Places

SkyWalker April 2009 Ajr
Sky Jumper determined not to look down. April 2009 Ajr
And just to prove that I DID go to the top of SKYTOWER today - despite my fear of heights - here's a couple of shotsI took of people MUCH keener than me. Keep in mind that SKY TOWER is 328 m (1,076 ft)tall and it has a glass-faced lift with a glass panel in the floor. Suffice to say I was quietly freaking out long before I ever got to the top observation deck. www.skytower.co.nz

City Graphics

Auckland April 2009. Ajr

I spent a LOT of time this afternoon photographing these hoardings at a Britomart construction site. Ernst & Young have also sponsored a hoardings art exhibition in the same area (more on that another time) and the whole place is looking colourful and interesting. I like it when construction sites ADD to a city. I might be the only person who thinks so but I do tend to think they do anyway. .... all those forms and textures and shapes and cranes.... I find it all visually stimulating. Factor in words and you've got a real winner in my eyes.

Billboard of the Week

A traffic stopper in central Wellington

April 2009. Ajr

Food Shot

Image Stephen Goodenough courtesy The George

Edible Indulgence

@

Pescatore Christchurch

www.thegeorge.com

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 52

"The Bay Sun Lounge - Accessories Not Included" Inkjet 2007.

Here's another interesting offering from one of New Zealand's leading printmakers. To see others in this ongoing series click on Cleavin in the index line below this post - and don't forget to click Older Posts to see the complete set.

Collectors' Heaven

Auckland. April 2009 Ajr

If you ever want to fossick in a secondhand/antique shop, seek out this little gem in the Auckland suburb of Westmere - especially if you're into collectible china. Babushka's has an enviable gathering of just about everything. It was closed when I visited... thank goodness, for I fear I might have done something silly.

A Good Day for Washing

Kingsland, Auckland. April 2009 Ajr

A bright ruffle of washing on a suburban line in the Auckland suburb of Kingsland

Bright Lights, Big City

Auckland and the Sky Tower at Sunset. Image Supplied by Tourism Auckland 2007

Dare I confess to the fact that the bright lights of the big city are taking it out of me?

I feel like I've flown to Jamaica and back!

That's the lot of a travel guide writer - early starts, late nights, rushing about like a headless chicken, eating too much, not sleeping enough, writing long hours and generally fighting back exhaustion. Call that glamorous do you?

Gallery Graphics

Hot Pink

@

TheNewDowse, Lower Hutt

www.newdowse.org.nz

April 2009. Ajr

Cafe, Ponsonby Style

Auckland, April 2009 Ajr

I loved this little cafe - Agnes Curran - in Franklin Road, Ponsonby...a little slither of a place filled to the brim with visual stimulii - stacks of food books, collections of Crown Lynn crockery, a video projected onto the brick walls, old signs, food goodies to buy, food goodies to eat, magazines to read and a great picture window looking out onto an avenue of plane trees turning golden in the first flush of autumn. Just the spot to rest awhile from travel guide mayhem.

Sunset Over the City

Auckland Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower. Image Supplied by Tourism Auckland 2007.

I'm keeping away from the Harbour Bridge for now. For reasons I can't fully explain, I've never really been a fan of the North Shore. But I'll have to cross the bridge in a few days time when I head up to the Far North. Now THAT I am looking forward to.

A Monet Moment

Wellington. April 2009. Ajr
A fun visual juxtaposition in central Wellington

Taste India.....

........... at .........Shamiana's, New Lynn

April 2009. Ajr

Ahoy There!

Image Supplied by Tourism Auckland. 2007

Here I am in Auckland - aptly tagged the City of Sails.

It may not be as sunny as this here today but the view is just as pretty.

www.aucklandnz.com

Autumn Wine

Arisan Wines, Oratia, West Auckland. April 2009. Ajr

The vines were looking almost-bridal at Artisan Wines at Oratia in West Auckland this morning - gorgeous in the soft, grey morning light. www.artisanwines.co.nz

The Burger Building

Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

I'm loathe to give Burger King any kind of publicity at all, but I couldn't walk past the stunning building they're in here in Wellington. It's the beautifully restored Bank of New Zealand building - a giant piece of pavlova architecture sitting on the corner of Manners Mall looking like it's just fallen off someone's wedding cake. Such a waste to now see it colonised by BK.

Up Close and Personal

Images Supplied by Kaikoura Kayaks

Fur Seals Cavorting

For Foreign Visitors

Kaikoura Kayaks
www.kaikourakayaks.co.nz

Cool Cars - 42

One Bright Red 1976 MG Grand Turism - Spotted at McLean's Island, Christchurch

Friendly Locals......

@ Midnight Espresso, Cuba Mall, Wellington

April 2009. Ajr

The Art of Signage

TheNewDowse, Lower Hutt. April 2009 Ajr

I loved these signs in TheNewDowse - almost artworks in their own right. I was particularly thrilled with the top image - as I opened the door to leave the gallery space, I caught a glimpse of the reflection of one of the artworks for sale in the gallery shop. Too good to pass by. www.newdowse.org.nz

From the Food Files

Many Good Reasons

To Forget the Diet

Brunetti's, Melbourne

www.brunetti.com.au

Nov.2008. Ajr

The Sad and Lonely Lunch

Chow, Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

I think the guys at Chow in Tory Street thought I was a sad and lonely case when they caught me photographing my lunch the other day. Little do they know is all I can say! I was happier than a pig in mud - all those crispy rice paper rolls with mint, coriander and lemon chilli dipping sauce; those fat little coconut prawn dumplings with kaffir lime and cucumber chilli sauce; and Asian greens with sesame oil and oyster sauce! Dip, chew, swallow, dip, chew, swallow. They couldn't have made it any easier for me and I came away with a mouth singing with ginger, chilli and happiness. www.chow.co.nz

Billboard of the Week

Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

My Favourite Wellington Billboard so far!

Wedged Between

Hereford Street, Christchurch. Dec. 2008. Ajr

How's this for one of the cutest little shops you've ever seen. It's the Shands Building, which is the oldest shop in Christchurch - if my memory serves me correctly. It's now home to a great little secondhand store, Shand's Emporium on the ground floor, an excellent secondhand clothes store upstairs (with a great collection of old hats); and a small jewellery boutique.

Meet the People - 39

Another in the Series Meet the People – Ordinary and Extraordinary New Zealanders Doing Interesting Things – When Wellington architect, Alan Blundell opted for a career change, he decided to design, build and run a hotel. The fact that he had never designed a hotel before was no impediment and, inspired by the ‘design’ hotels of Manhattan that he visited in 2000, he set to work to create a chic, urban hotel that would stand out from the rest. Alan, who has had his own architectural design business in Wellington since 1988, applied his knowledge of space planning (acquired in the design of inner city apartments) to the hotel concept and set to work on a 158 square metre site on Wellington’s prestigious Oriental Parade. The end result is Ohtel, a cleverly-planned and beautifully executed gathering of 10 hotel rooms that maximize both views and space.
Images Courtesy Ohtel, Wellington
And to ensure that Ohtel has a totally unique character, Alan has furnished it with a fabulous collection of Mid-Century Modern furniture and ceramics, which he spent two years hunting for in Melbourne and on the Internet. Each room is totally individual and each has a jaw-droppingly gorgeous bathroom – all glass and beautiful New Zealand graphics. Opened in 2008, Ohtel has been a dramatic change for Alan but he’s finding the tourism industry “upbeat and friendly compared to construction” and he’s enjoyed creating a new property and watching guests enjoy it and contribute to the idea. “Everyone has been positive and supportive and as a born and bred Wellingtonian, it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to introduce guests to the capitals best features. Wellington has evolved into a wonderful urban space filled with diverse New Zealanders and I love sharing that,” he says. www.ohtel.com www.rab.co.nz

Urban Oasis

All images Courtesy of Ohtel, Wellington.

From the cool exterior signage to the sleek collectible furniture, the colourful New Zealand and German ceramics, the designer lights, high-tech mod-cons and enormous bathrooms, Ohtel is all about providing guests with an elegant-yet-hip environment to unwind in. Think pleasure-plus. Think indulgence. Think of never wanting to leave. I’ve seen the insides of more hotels than is probably decent to mention and while many of them are superb, I am inspired by a hotel that goes the extra mile to create a unique and memorable ‘persona.’ All that pattern and colour and texture – wonderful! And there’s a sense of ‘home’ ….it’s the furniture that does it. For many it will bring back memories of the 50s and 60s; for young collectors who now see that period as ‘collectible,’ Ohtel will be a feast! www.ohtel.com

When the Coast Shifts

South Coast Gallery, Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

I loved this little slither of a gallery - just a few feet wide and tucked between two scruffy Cuba Street businesses. It's the new premises of South Coast Gallery, who have shifted into the centre of town from Island Bay. Their Island Bay gallery is now open by appointment only. www.southcoastgallery.co.nz

Designer Den

Artikel, Wellington. April 2009 Ajr
I know what you're all thinking - why didn't she take a photo that shows what Artikel is all about? Well, I did think about it, but I quite like the sense of mystery that comes with this photo of their imposing silver door and the boldness of their signage. I like to think it makes you want to know more - but maybe that's because I have the advantage of knowing what visual treats lie inside this little design emporium. And not only that - there's the fantastic staff! They made my day yesterday. And when I commented that I loved one of their posters - that it should in fact be my Frommers motto; that I should have it emblazoned across my car as a kind of personal logo - they wouldn't let me leave the store without giving me a cool mini version of it on a carry bag. I think I might be a fan forever and ever more. www.artikel.co.nz

More From The Colourful Shoppers' Files

ikoiko, Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

Welcome to ikoiko - another of the cool and colourful stores you'll find in Cuba Mall. I adore this part of Wellington. It's a creative melting pot where anything goes and I love the freedom of that. Nothing is pristine and shiny like it is in the Lambton Quay area. You never know what you're going to find, or who you're going to meet when you walk down Cuba Mall - or greater Cuba Street.

Three Cheers For Street Art

"Common Ground" at TheNewDowse, Lower Hutt. April 2009 Ajr

How totally fantastic to see street art getting gallery space!!!

I fell in love with this terrific exhibition - "Common Ground" - at TheNewDowse. I stopped by today and could hardly tear myself away. The show is a collaboration between the German design group and artist collective, Via Grafik and Auckland street art crew, Cut Collective. Both walk that thin line between art and vandalism; both share the philosophy that "if the wall is kept grey, the mind will follow." I'm right with them on that. I'm SO inspired by Wellington and the fact that the city doesn't seem to be AFRAID of street art and graffiti (like they are in Christchurch). I'm constantly excited by all the visual stimulation - heck, even some of the city buses are 'splashed' with street art. It's fun. It's fantastic. This show at the Dowse gives us all a taste of just how creative street art - and particularly stencilling - can be. Also included is Board Art 08, a collection of skateboard artworks from 40 New Zealand artists, designers and musicians, which is currently touring NZ courtesy of COCA in Christchurch. www.newdowse.org.nz

Making Choices

Decision Time @ Floriditas in Cuba Street

Wellington

April 2009. Ajr

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 51

"Sport and Politics Don't Mix"

Wise words from one of New Zealand's leading printmakers.

Hands Up Who Likes Karen Walker!

Karen Walker, Wellington April 2009 Ajr

Obviously the work of a very handy window-dresser.

THE Light Returns

At Little Rock, Kaikoura. April 2009 Ajr

Another spotting of New Zealand designer, David Trubridge's circular light shade that I love photographing in different settings. You can see the others by clicking on David Trubridge in the label line below. www.davidtrubridge.co.nz

The Art of Knitting

Trees Cuba Mall. April 2009 Ajr

I couldn't stop myself smiling when I came upon this funky little art installation in Cuba Mall on the weekend. No indiction as to who was responsbible but who cares. I loved it. It reminded me of the way the trees are often wrapped in Seoul. I like the idea of us looking after our trees.

Thule Bay Boatsheds

Thule Bay, Stewart Island. February 2009. Ajr

Here's another of my favourite boatshed scenes on Stewart Island - a place where the water is so clear and so richly coloured you just want to dive straight in!

Tutti-Frutti

Frutti, Wellington April 2009 Ajr

So many cool and colourful shops in Cuba Mall. This place - FRUTTI - sent me into a little frenzy of delight - a fantastic rainbow of colour, pattern and texture and it was filled to overflowing with shoppers yesterday. Who said anything about a recession?

Billboard of the Week

Wellington. April 2009. Ajr

Here in Wellington - a little distraction when I was crossing a busy street

Up the Wall

This is what happens when you drink too much French Champagne

Jan 2009 SOL Square, Christchurch. Ajr

A Picnic Over the Capital

Image Supplied by Flat Eart Tours, Wellington

Wellington is, without doubt, my favourite New Zealand city and on a clear day, there's no better place to get an overview than from the top of Mount Victoria. I was up there yesterday taking photos of my 'mini-Hong Kong,' as I like to call it. If I had used my brains I would have joined one of the terrific capital city excursions run by Flat Earth Tours. They not only take you to all the best places in the city - relevant to your own personal interests - they also feed you when you get to the top of Mount Victoria, which seems entirely sensible to me! www.flatearth.co.nz

A Sign of the Times

Cuba Mall, Wellington April 2009 Ajr

It May Yet Be My Lucky Day

Humming in the Capital

Hummingbird, Wellington. April 2009 Ajr

One of my favourite Wellington haunts - Hummingbird in Courtenay Place, where I had lunch today - courgette and mint fritters with hummus and rocket.

Strait Talking

The Interislander. Cook Strait Ajr

So....here I am.....crossing over to the Mainland - and keeping a keen eye on the life rafts! Eagerly awaiting a landing in Wellington, my favourite New Zealand city.

Small Moments of Beauty

Dandelions

Standing Tall

In a Field

Escape to Picton

The Sea Room

The Formal Suite April 2009 Ajr

This is where I’m resting my weary head tonight – in one of the gorgeous suites at Escape to Picton – a divine hideout right in the centre of this quaint little portside town. This glamorous little boutique hotel – just three big guest suites – is the work of Killian and Juliearne Kavanagh. It’s one of many properties they've renovated and this one – in one of the town’s old bank buildings – is a real winner. Totally gorgeous and even better, there’s a romantic little restaurant and bar downstairs….which is where I’m heading right now! www.escapetopicton.com

It's in the Bag

Image Stephen Goodenough Courtesy The George

Cute Cute Cute

Bread in a Bag

Pescatore @ The George Christchurch

http://www.thegeorge.com/

More Marine Mammals

Orca Watching
Lunging Brydes Whale
Orca All Images Courtesy Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris
Forgive me if I seem to be thrashing the marine mammals but the kind people at Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris have sent me all these amazing photographs that I feel bound to share. I have no other excuse - and I should warn you....there will be more. www.explorenz.co.nz

Taste Treats

More Macaroons

From Amanda McBeath's scrumptious

J'aime les macarons

I wrote about Amanda in Meet the People 38

Click on Meet the People below

Image: March 2009 Ajr

An Inner City Homestead

Orari, Christchurch. April 2009 Ajr

I visited the very gorgeous Orari homestead in Christchurch earlier this week. It's now a central city B&B - and a perfectly-placed one at that; just acorss the road from the Art Gallery - but it still has that wonderful old world charm and scale that comes with older homes. And don't be deceived by this photograph - it's actually HUGE. This is just the front verandah. www.orari.net.nz

Billboard of the Week

There's something inherently mischievous about the BNZ Piggy that I rather like.

Wise Words......

From The Sweet Kitchen

Christchurch

Pear, Almond & Cranberry Tart

www.sweetkitchen.co.nz

Art Bites

Images Stephen Goodenough courtesy The George
Pescatore’s executive chef Andrew Brown and his team appear to me to be having far too much fun – creating edible art! Could there BE a better job? It’s all about creating food that engages all the senses and they do that with a to-die-for Evolution menu – 10 degustation courses that ripple across your taste buds and leave you begging for more. And yes, even after six courses it IS still possible to still want more…. they are small courses after all – little taste teasers – and, as the cliché says, you only live once! That said, you can pick and choose from the a la carte menu instead; but why ruin a perfectly good night by having to make choices? www.thegeorge.com

StreetscapeNZ - 27

City Centre

Napier, Hawke's Bay

For others in this series click on StreetscapeNZ in the index line below this posting

In the Pink

SOL Square, Christchurch. April 3009. Ajr

Gorgeous Autumn Morning

Couldn't Resist All That Pink

MINX @ SOL

Cool Cars - 41

One Deep Blue 1937 Chevrolet Coupe - Spotted in North Canterbury

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 50

"Sport and Politics Don't Mix II"

Here's another wry comment on life and sport from one of New Zealand's top printmakers. For others in this ongoing series click on Cleavin in the index line below this blog.

Dining in Style

Image by Stephen Goodenough, Courtesy The George

The multi-award-winning Pescatore at The George Christchurch has a glamorous new face. Christchurch architect, Richard Dalman of Dalman Architecture has brushed the upstairs space with a quiet elegance. He’s created a restrained opulence in a new restaurant ante-room that’s the perfect counterpoint to the dark minimalism of the restaurant itself.

The Pescatore April 2009 Ajr
The Pescatore April 2009 Ajr
It’s all white-on-white – a delicious marrying of diaphanous fabrics, crystal chandeliers, chrome poles, padded doors and almost-lickable marble. I love it. Not everyone is a fan of white-on-white-on-white but I am. My ideal house – in my ideal world, where I live with my ideal fat bank balance – would be all-white…. top-to-toe. And maybe I'd only eat all-white food. www.thegeorge.com

Architecture in Miniature

Every time I walk down High Street in Christchurch I stop and look at these architectural models in the window of Intrados Architecture. I love the coming together of forms and materials, the lighting, the texture, the crossing over of linear aspects.

A Volcanic Palette

Image supplied by White Island Tours

I love a good volcanic landscape and there are certainly plenty of those on White Island - New Zealand's only active marine volcano in the Bay of Plenty. The stunning contrast of colours shown here are exactly what I love most. The team at White Island Tours with Peejay are the experts at giving guided tours on the island and they'll lead you safely across swirling bands of colour, steaming and hissing vents and into the heart of the excitement. www.whiteisland.co.nz Click on White Island below to see more striking volcanic images.

A Small Australian Moment

Cool Graphics

From Aviary

A Gorgeous Boutique Clothing Store

Woodend, Victoria, Australia

Chaos on the Move

Chaos, Christchurch. April 2009. Ajr

While the headline for this post sounds suspiciously like my life right now, it does in fact refer to the fact that my favourite Christchurch secondhand shop - Chaos - is about to move....from their current funky Manchester Street store, to the much larger Blue Kiwi premises in Tuam Street. This will give them SO much more space to display their fantastic array of goodies; plus they're sharing the space with a purveyor of Victorian clothing and jewellery, so now you'll get two for the price of one under one roof. I can't wait. They always have a terrific range of old signs, posters and embellished mirrors. There's even a giant pink flamingo - just the thing for the person who has everything!

Cathedral Rose

Christchurch Cathedral. Dec. 2008. Ajr

It's been a while since I featured one of my church photos on a Sunday - I'm sure some of my friends were beginning to think I had turned into a religious zealot. But it's always been about the architecture - and the serenity of a church space - not my personal religious (or non-religious) affiliations. I just love church buildings and I rarely enter one without coming away with a photograph that I'm happy with. I particularly like this one - taken inside Christchurch Cathedral. That's the gorgeous Rose Window above the main door. I did take copious notes about it on the day but now I can't find them; but I'm sure if you visit the Cathedral's website, you'll be able to read about it. www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz

For Cat Lovers

Feline Elegance

Gorgeous works by Wairarapa-based fabric and ceramic artist, Kirsty Gardiner.

I wrote about Kirsty about a year ago in my Artist Studio series. Click on Artist Studios in the index line below and you'll be able to read more about her. You can also see more of her inspirational works at www.kirstygardiner.co.nz

StreetscapeNZ - 26

Dudley Street

Richmond, Christchurch

For Speed Freaks......

Images supplied by Shotover Jet and Ngai Tahu Tourism.

When it comes to sheer, blinding terror and excitement, there's not much around to beat Queenstown's Shotover Jet experience. The big red boats race through narrow, rock-walled canyons, up shallow rivers and just when you think you can relax, they spin you 360-degrees in the middle of the river. It's not for the faint-hearted but if you're in the mood for 'blowing the cobwebs out of your life' this will do the trick nicely - and over two million people who've taken the ride since 1970 can attest to that. www.shotoverjet.com

Dolphin Spotting

Images Supplied by Auckland's Whale & Dolphin Safaris

I have been known to drool with envy over other people's photographs and this is a case in point!

Two beautiful shots that somehow capture the spirit of these marvellous marine creatures that we all love. These were photographed in Hauraki Gulf on one of Auckland's Whale and Dolphin Safaris. www.explorenz.co.nz

Barry's Provocative Unpublished Minutes - 49

"Blueprint For Disaster" Etching 2007

Another thought-provoking work from one of New Zealand's leading printmakers. To see others in this series click on Cleavin in the index line below this post

Sailing Away!

Images Courtesy of Explore NZ, Auckland.

Tired of the office? Feel like a break? Like the feel of the wind in your hair? Want to dabble your toes in billionaire waters with the professional yachties? If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of those questions then the former America’s Cup racing machines NZL 40 and NZL41 should do you nicely. Just the thing to blow out the cobwebs! But be prepared for a bit of hard work too because passengers become crew on these two beauties. www.explorenz.co.nz

The Collectors - 10

Talk to me about collecting and collectors and my heart skips a beat, my knees wobble and I feel faint with excitement. I'm fascinated to the core by the whole concept of collecting - what we collect, why we collect and the strange, obsessive urge that overtakes us in the pursuit of objects we become passionately focussed upon. So it was with true delight that I pounced on this small-but-growing collection of early, miniature Crown Lynn pottery vases recently. It all started with a gift apparently - two little vases given by a friend who was clearing out her cupboards. I haven't featured any collectors for a while but if you'd like to see those already covered, just click on Collectors in the index line below this post.

Self-Portrait 8 - On a Bike

In the late afternoon sun

Central City

Autmn Leaves Fluttering

March 2009. Ajr

For others in this series click on self-portrait in the index line below

Library Architecture

Taitapu, Canterbury. January 2009. Ajr

This is the super cute Tai Tapu Library in the little village of Tai Tapu on the outskirts of Christchurch. It was built in 1932 by Tai Tapu landowner, Sir Heaton Rhodes, who also built the magnificent homestead, Otahuna, which I've featured here previously. It's now a luxury lodge and one of my favourite giant houses in all of New Zealand - Otahuna that is, not the Tai Tapu Library. Click on Otahuna or Homesteads in the index line below and it should appear www.otahuna.co.nz

Paddling with Wildlife

Images Supplied by Kaikoura Kayaks

Of all the physical adventures I've tried in the course of writing the travel guide, Frommers New Zealand, kayaking is near the very top of my list of favourites. There are so many great stretches of water in this country that are perfect for kayaking - though few are richer in wildlife and unexpected surprises than the Kaikoura Peninsular. If you paddle out with the team from Kaikoura Kayaks you'll likely be joined - very quickly - by nosey-parker New Zealand Fur Seals. They love to join in the fun and you can get some great photographs. http://www.kaikourakayaks.co.nz/

Shoe Shuffle

Red Shoes

Through a Window

By Chie Mihala

www.chiemihala.com

If you love shoes check out this cool website

Seeing Things

A Trick of the Eye

When an inner city church is not really for lease at all.

But it's something to reflect on perhaps?