Wanganui - Lower Hutt

Trip Start Nov 04, 2007
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Trip End Dec 06, 2007


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Friday, November 23, 2007

Having been denied access to the river pleasures of Wanganui (both fast and sedate), we decided not to let that spoil our appreciation of the city. So we decided to go to the Durie Elevator, which is cut into the side of the hill giving access to the part of the city on top of the hill and with views over the ocean and river. Unfortunately, the signs leading us to this attraction took us to a carpark at the top, and we didn't much feel like paying money to be taken away from the view. So don't ask us the elevator was.
The view was impressive from the elevator site, but even more impressive from the top of the ANZAC war memorial a little further up the hill. 126 steps later, we could almost see Australia!
At lunch we stopped at Palmerston North at The Esplanade, which is actually a fantastic park and garden by the river.  The kids loved the play equipment so much it was hard dragging them away for a boring walk Durie elevator
Durie elevator
 .  As far as they're concerned this holiday is all about the parks!
Of course no trip to Palmerston North is complete without a trip to The Square, and as dutiful pilgrims, we made our respectful journey. But not without noticing that we passed by a certain excitement on the way. On the way back, we quickly stopped in to see and experience the excitement. We came away with a replacement Little PeopleŽ cat, but now possess duplicate grandparents. It is a job lot, you know. So they have Nanna and Pa as well as Nanna and Grampas now.
Onwards we drove to Wellington, where we even encountered a Motorway! Very exciting, but it seemed like the New Zealanders didn't know how to use it. We took a quick detour through the town centre, and past the Australian Embassy (or High Commission, we're not sure) in a dry run attempt for tomorrow's voting attempt. But as it was almost five, we adjudged that attempting to actually vote would be a fraught proposition.
On to Lower Hutt for some camping action, where it became apparent we've all hit the wall in our own unique way. The kids have runny noses, and Gavin had a migraine. Deb was really tired and all blocked up too. We may not make it.
Gavin had a dream that work called and recalled him to duty, but he ignored the phone call - a sackable offence! Now he isn't sure if it actually happened or not.
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