Hello and welcome to this week’s mrlukeniktravel blog, coming to you from Whanganui, New Zealand. I am currently on the west coast of the north Island, looking out into the Tasman Sea. Somewhere in the distance lies Australia! The city sits on the banks of the Whanganui river its last stop on a journey started on the slopes of Mount Tongariro. This city is renowned for its artists and craftspeople, more on that later. As I write this I am sat in a TV lounge with a wooden-framed window rattling from the wind outside. The sun is just beginning to peek through the clouds after a wet morning.
During my time in Whanganui I have been checking out the local galleries and artists workshops that dot the city. Lower rental values in the city has encouraged the establishment of these businesses. Glass-blowing, ceramics, paintings and contemporary art all have a place here. A morning’s visit to glass-blowing was fascinating and really showed off the skill involved. It was incredible to see what can be created by blowing down a hollow metal tube into molten glass. Due to the fragile nature of glass I decided it was best not to get a piece myself! Unfortunately the main art museum is closed for earthquake protection improvements. This, combined with tsunami warning signs, is a reminder of the geothermal activity at work here. I have yet to experience any vibrations myself, but it is not unlikely.
A view of the city from a disused water tower, now a viewpoint.
On Sunday morning I managed to stumble upon the Whanganui Rowing Regatta. There were all manner of boats represented from waka (Maori canoe) to coxed eights. The single sculls featured a number of international and elite-level rowers as the Billy Ellis trophy is renowned throughout New Zealand. The longer 5km course also provides good race experience. It was great to see athletes of all levels racing and enjoying support from the crowd on the riverbank. I like to encounter experiences by chance rather than by design. Watching the regatta also afforded a good view of the local paddle-steamers. Rather than goods, farmers and mail, they now carry tourists on sight-seeing voyages.
It’s that time of the year! Christmas arrives in Whanganui Winter Gardens.
And so, at last, to an announcement I have to make. Today marks 6 months since I left the UK! I have covered 4 countries in that time and hope to cover a few more yet. As ever, I shall be documenting my adventures on this blog. It honestly does not feel like that long, or that I am that far away from home. I guess gradually moving westwards has that effect. I have to remind myself that I am currently over 24 hours flight from home. Contacting home requires a 13-hour time difference to allocate for. It is quite nice to spend longer in one country and not have to constantly adjust my clocks. It is worth spending longer in the places that are further away from home!
The steps towards Whanganui’s veiwpoint gets the heart pumping!
That is about all for this week’s update. As always, for more on the go updates there is my Twitter feed @mrlukeniktravel. For lovely photos, hopefully, there is my Instagram @mrlukeniktravels. So from here in Whanganui untill next time, stay safe and travel on!
A sign warning of dangers of the ground grumbling beneath our feet.
