Wahine Memorial Plaque
On April 10, 1968, the Wahine inter-island ferry, travelling from Lyttleton to Wellington, was caught in a violent storm and the skipper decided to make a run for the safety of the Wellington Harbour, but the winds caught the ship as she entered port and blew her onto rocks just inside the harbour entrance. The Wahine was holed and began to list and sink. Here is an account of the incident from the following web site - 

http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/wahine-disaster

Wellington Harbour Tragedy

The sinking of the Lytteton–Wellington ferry Wahine on 10 April 1968 was New Zealand’s worst modern maritime disaster. Fifty-one people lost their lives that day, another died several weeks later and a 53rd victim died in 1990 from injuries sustained in the wreck. The Wahine’s demise also marked a coming of age for television news broadcasting in New Zealand as images of the disaster were beamed into the nation’s living rooms. The footage was later screened around the world as the international media spotlight focused on Wellington.

Would-be rescuers stood helplessly on the beach at Seatoun as the Wahine succumbed to one of the worst storms recorded in New Zealand history. It seemed impossible that so many lives could be lost so close to shore. Although the main cause of the accident was the atrocious weather conditions, the subsequent inquest also acknowledged that errors of judgement had been made both on board the ferry and on shore. Shipwrecks were commonplace in the 19th century, but this was the 1960s – how could a large, modern vessel founder almost within sight of New Zealand’s capital city?

The plaque picture above was taken beside the beach at Eastbourne where most of the bodies of the victims who died were washed ashore.


Blame for this accident was attributed to no one and was just an unfortunate incident due to the wild weather.

Alas poor Yorick (Hamlet)

No, this is not he, but another.... This fine looking specimen is located in the Te Papa museum in Wellington, and is there to teach us a lesson about fossils.

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Colourful boats in a rack at Eastbourne, Wellington.

Hot Air Balloon at Sunset
This gives an eerie feel as the dusk approaches. But it is only because the camera is facing the sinking sun and has adjusted to reduce the brightness of the light that the sky looks so dark. Its not dark, of course, as balloons wouldn't fly in the dark here as I expect they would not be permitted to by law.
Click to enlarge.

Eastbourne
This is a part of the shopping area of Eastbourne, around the harbour from Wellington. The shopping area isn't very big, but then, neither is Eastbourne's population. For any important shopping a drive around the bays to Lower Hutt or even Wellington isn't far to go. Even catch a bus. These are regular and offer an excellent service, or one can catch the boat from Days Bay just around the corner in the next bay to go to Wellington, providing the harbour isn't too rough to stop the boat from running.
Click on the photo to enlarge.

A view from Wellington Zoo

This picnic area is a part of the Wellington Zoo, and beyond is the Wellington suburb of Newtown.

Click to enlarge the photo.

Last paddle before dinner
I would go down to the Petone beach each night before the sun set for the day during our stay there. Each evening these two would be down there too. I think they might live near by. The older man looked like he may have been the boy's granddad.

It was nice to see them enjoying each other's company.
Click on the picture to enlarge.

Bunting
This colourful bunting hangs across the shopping area at Eastbourne, across the Port Nicholson Harbour from Wellington City. it gives a bit of summery festive atmosphere while shopping here.
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Building the original Hapuawhanua Viaduct
This Viaduct was built near National Park on the main North/South railway link in the North Island of New Zealand. It has since recently been replaced so is no longer in use by the Railways.

What makes this photo of interest is the wording at the bottom left of the picture. Click on the photo to enlarge.

A Mural on the wall at Petone beach
This mural was decorating the wall at Petone beach and represents a Maori story. Click to enlarge.