Taking a Monday morning walk on Lyall Bay

Last weeks Monday morning walk  at the beach on Lyall Bay Wellington

the schnauzer stick to themselves

gulls face into the wind

ususally can surf beside the Wellington International Airport

loving the fun!

hard to surf today

not good for surfing today

chase this stick

end of the beach

mostly black backed gulls

dog walker has them under control

Matiu Somes Island, Wellington harbour (NZ)

In the middle of Wellington Harbour, New Zealand, is a fabulous island. Easy to visit, by the Dom Post Ferry, I have been there quite often and have even stayed overnight a few times.

Matiu Somes Island is a predator-free scientific and historic reserve with a rich multicultural history.

The island is owned by local iwi (Te Atiawa) following a Treaty (of Waitangi) settlement. It is governed by a Kaitiaki Board – of local Maori and DoC (Dept of Conservation)

Since the mid 1800s, it’s been a quarantine station, for people and animals, and during World War 2 was a prison for non-New Zealand citizens.

I had planned a trip there last week but was unable to go, but because of that its been on my mind so thought I’d post a few photos for you. See a previous post about the island here

arrival and departure wharf

Black backed gull chicks

lay your eggs here penguins

back-back gulls nest here

safe homes for giant weta

Fabulous to see tuatara in the wild

windswept

the sun goes down behind the city

“cabbage trees’ on flower