Matiu/Somes Island

Matiu/Somes Island, viewed from Seatoun; vise versa; Wellington city viewed from Matiu/Somes

Wellington is finally enjoying summer, and the weekend in the city was buzzing with the Rugby Sevens (aka crazy costume party), One Love music festival, and final days of the excellent Yayoi Kusama exhibition all happening at once.
We packed a picnic and escaped the madness by taking a 15 minute ferry ride to Matiu/Somes Island in the middle of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington harbour). Walking briskly, the island can be circumnavigated in about an hour; a leisurely stroll allows a deeper appreciation of the history, wildlife and views. No baby Tuatara sightings, unfortunately.

Top: Birdseye view, Middle (left to right): Kakariki disguised in the bush; Oystercatchers on the old wharf; Rare Little Blue Penguins in nesting box; Bottom: Sheep enjoying the shade in the heat of the day; Stingray at Queens Wharf.

Sunday at the beach

Lovely day, Sunday, so off to the beach we went - first time this season.
A few things about Lyall Bay - its a “Woof Woof Ruff” ( area designated for exercising dogs), has fantastic surf for all levels of surfers (lessons available) and the sea temperature is frigid! Watch out for those iceburgs. (Really not kidding).

Blowing out the cobwebs

Clockwise (from top left): Breaker Bay, viewed from Beacon Hill; Pencarrow Heads; On the trail of Hobbits, New house under construction, Pass of Branda; InterIslander ferry in Cook Strait (with snow-top South Island in distance)

Wellington has been living up to its nickname (= windy) so after a Saturday indoors, a brisk walk was in order Sunday morning.
We chose the closest - the Eastern Walkway.