Weta Studios

I visited the Weta Cave (link) this morning, a mini museum dedicated to promoting the work of the Weta Workshop (link). The Weta Workshop is a design and physical manufacturing facility in Wellington which services film makers like Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) and others. The video clips below will give an indication of the types of costumes, special effects and digital animation services created at the Weta Workshop.

The visitors centre has some life-size models of Gollum (a.k.a. Smeagol) and other Weta workshop creations

ANZAC Day - April 25th

Today was Anzac Day (Anzac = Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), a day which commemorates the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces. This took place  during the first World War at Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915 under a plan of Winston Churchill. Today, ANZAC Day more broadly commemorates Australians and NewZealanders who have died and served in military operations. 

Each year, dawn services take place throughout New Zealand. I and thousands of others attended the dawn parade and services in Wellington at 5:30 this morning.

   

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

In 1887, the Paramount Chief of the Tuwharetoa people - Te Heuheu Tukino IV - donated the mountain peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu to the nation of New Zealand. This gift was the genesis of Tongariro National Park and the first of its kind ever made by an indigenous people.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing crosses over steep volcanic terrain and through the culturally significant area known as the Ketetahi Hot Springs. In the photos below, you will see Mt Tongariro (1967 m), Mt Ngauruhoe (2287 m) - that's Mt Doom for any Lord of the Rings fans - and Mt Ruapehu. You will also see Red Crater (1886 m), the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake (Te Wai-Whakaata-o-te Rangihiroa). The total trek is 19.4 km (approximately 24 km including the hike to Mt Tongariro summit).  

FLAT MAX

This afternoon we received the mail delivery at work and I was surprised to find a visitor! My nephew, Max, had flattened himself and posted himself in the mail from Hull, Massachusetts to Wellington, New Zealand! 

After three very long flights amounting to a full day of travel, Flat Max hopped out of his padded envelope looking ready for an adventure. Unfortunately, we had to spend the rest of the afternoon in the Auditor-General's Office. 

Flat Max also came with a handwritten note:

April 8, 2009

Dear Uncle John,

I'd like for you to meet Flat Max. Would you mind if Flat Max stays with you for a week or two? When Flat Max is ready to come home you can mail him back to me. I'd love to hear all about your adventures with Flat Max. I wanted to let you know that Flat Max loves to have his photograph taken. Thank you for helping me with my school project.

Yours Truly,

Max

Hot Cross Buns

One thing I have really enjoyed about living in New Zealand is some of it's charm. One example of this is its hot cross buns (link). On Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), the bakeries in town begin selling the delicious sweet buns (pictured below). I have been invited to two hot cross bun parties today (Good Friday) to celebrate the Easter weekend with friends.

Oh, another thing I really like is that Good Friday and Easter Monday are both national holidays in New Zealand!

Oxfam Trailwalker 2009

This weekend, I went to Lake Taupo area to support friends doing the Oxfam Trailwalker 100 KM walk. I completed this walk last year and wanted to be a support crew member this year. 

The team, 1step@atime.com, completed the 100 KM walk in just over 25 hours and raised over $3250 for Oxfam's programs (click on this link to see the team's homepage). Congratulations to Susan, Kaye, Helen and Kirsty for completing the hilly off-road walk in just over 25 hours! 

Here is a map of the walking route:

Here are some photos along the walk: