Yesterday we drove from Taupo to Wellington, but not before stopping at the Taupo farmers market to check it out. It was a cross between a flea market and farmers market.
The drive was long and pretty scenic but it was mostly overcast and we did get some heavy rain, which unfortunately obscured the mountains. Anyway we arrived in Wellington and checked into our Airbnb in time for us to go out for a short walk and Yanmei took this:
Today we decided to go to Zealandia, which our host recommended. It is a 500 acre sanctuary where they are trying to restore the habitat to pre-human levels for plants and birds. Until humans arrived there were no mammals in New Zealand, which meant that birds thrived here. Humans not only hunted the birds, they also brought predators like rats, possums and cats that severely damaged a lot of bird species. Zealandia is surrounded by a predator-proof fence to keep all those things out, which makes it feel a bit like Jurassic Park.
Inside are rare bird species and native forests.
The lizard above is a Tuatara, which is the last living species from its order. The rest went extinct with the dinosaurs.
After Zealandia we did some shopping in Wellington, before heading back. Now I’m writing this blog before dinner 😀.
David