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.

Lizards and predators

Peruvian lizard @ Machu Picchu and his New Zealand cousins – Common Gecko and Copper Skink

This is a blog of shame. The warmer weather has the lizard population out sunbathing on rocks around my house. Unfortunately, they're easy pickings for my young predators and some other introduced pests. Learn more.

The predators: my lovelies, Kotare (NZ Kingfisher), Australian Magpie and Hedgehogs

At the zoo

Some of my favourite shots from the annual birthday visit to the zoo.