Royal Albatross, Penguins, Gardens and Dunedin Quilters
Dunedin Train Station
As we arrived in Dunedin, it was apparent this was a lovely town. The fabulous train station and gardens are really impressive. This is also the home of Cadbury chocolates…who wouldn’t love that thought.
Albatross at Taiaroa Heads
Our sight seeing began with a visit to Taiaroa Heads where we were able to view a colony of Royal Albatross.
View from Taiaroa Heads
We walked to the top of a hill to view them. The walk wasn’t easy, but it was worth it to view this majestic bird.
Mother and baby
The story of the Albatross is amazing.
The Yellow Eyed Penguin
Then we were off to Penguin Place to view the Yellow Eyed Penguins at the Colony at Penguin Place. This little fellow is waiting for his dinner.
The beach at Penquin Place
Again, it was a bit of a walk about to view the Penquins. We also walked to the top of a hill to view the seals.
Interesting design
I was struck by the interesting design created by the seals on the beach.
Typical serene scene
Sheep were everywhere and this was a typical scene no matter where we went.
The colors of the flowers were amazing
Flowers are such a big part of New Zealand and I was just amazed at the vibrant colors. We were off to lunch at the Glenfalloch Gardens overlooking the Otago Harbor.
Let the flower show begin.
Resting
I needed a bit of a rest after walking the gardens.
The Otaga Museum Quilt
When we returned back to our hotel, we headed off to the Otaga Museum to view some of the exhibits and see this lovely quilt made by some of the local quilters for the museum.
Smiles all around!
Quilters are universal. The local quilters set up a wonderful shopping trip so our group could purchase New Zealand fabrics. Do they look happy or what?!
That evening we were joined by the local quilt group in our hotel for a reception and for a wonderful show and tell of their quilts.
Let the Quilt Show Begin
This was an early wool quilt.
Everyone enjoyed the evening
It was indeed a lovely evening. We made a point of having our group and the local group of quilters sit together at the tables so lots of sharing and conversation followed. Thank you Dunedin Quilters for a lovely evening and for making us all feel so welcome in Dunedin.
Next we are off to Queenstown and everyone enjoyed an amazing thrill…..we have folk heros in our midsts!
All the best,
Carol
February 12th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Carol,
I’m so glad you had a great time in New Zealand and the pictures of the flowers are absolutely beautiful (especially if you’re in snow and rain-laden New Hampshire right now like me!!
I also agree you are the Tiger Woods of Quilting — you’re the best.
Donna
February 14th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Thanks Donna for the positive feedback!
All the best,
Carol
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
Hi Carol,
I loved the pictures of your trip to New Zealand. The scenery and quilts look spectacular. I also enjoyed the beautiful flowers. Did you ever think of designing paper pieced flower blocks? As a quilter and a gardener, I’m just a little spoiled. It would be awesome to combine my two passions. Thanks for all of the eye candy.