Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey begins near Christchurch Airport, exploring the Antarctic Centre before catching a plane heading up the East Coast to Wellington. Once in the city I head to the harbour waterfront which I explore during the afternoon and into sunset.
Today's Journey
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Before leaving Christchurch I visit the International Antarctic Centre. This is the nearest major airport to much of Antarctica with most New Zealand, USA and other scientific flights to the frozen continent take off from here. |
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Exploring the Antarctic museum, with many exhibits from New Zealand's Scott Base and surrounding areas. |
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Flying out of Christchurch over the braided Waimakariri River following the east coast northwards towards Wellington. |
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The rugged approach to Wellington Airport. This coastline lifted 6 metres out of the water in the 1855 magnitude 8 earthquake. |
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Gandalf rides an eagle in the Wellington Airport terminal. |
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Reaching the city centre. Windy Wellington really lives up to its name as the clouds hurry across the sky, making for some interesting long exposure photography. |
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Exploring Wellington Harbour, bound between several major fault lines. |
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A late afternoon long exposure shot of the city centre viewed from one of the wharfs. None of the buildings tower over 20 storeys due to the earthquake risk, with a major fault line running just behind the buildings and in front of the hill. |
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A guitarist plays in the shelter of some shipping containers on the wharf, which is surprisingly busy with a vibrant cafe culture. |
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Strong winds carry the clouds quickly over the city as I look out over Mount Victoria as the evening sets in. |
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