Views of Lake Wakatipu

Frankton Beach looking south
Looking towards The Remarkables and Kelvin Heights from Sunshine Bay track

Walter Peak from Sunshine Bay track

Modern day Genie and 3 Wishes ?

After the world was introduced to New Zealand and the Queenstown region in films like The Piano, Narnia, Wolverine and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, it should come as no surprise that there is a thriving film industry in New Zealand. What I was surprised about was how many "filmies" there are actually based in Queenstown. During slower periods, some engage themselves in personal projects like film competitions. Here is one that a friend did for a short film competition, Nikon Festival. Clever concept I think. (You might recognize my voice and hands.)

Look for me in Security!

So I'm off to America in two days. This will be my first time traveling with my new New Zealand Residency. I think that means a different queue upon my return to New Zealand, but not sure if it means anything going into America.

Anyway, a friend of my brother, who just happens to be a Kiwi apparently has said he would make it worth my while if I can bring back a few things for him and his wife. Apparently their bags were too full to bring back a few of their NZ favorites after their recent trip to their homeland. So I'm off to the New World after posting this to pick up cans, yes CANS, of Wattie's Tomato Sauce. They figure cans will get me through Customs, rather than plastic bottles. A bit apprehensive I am, but willing to give it a go.

So if I don't post anything in the next few weeks, please send someone to look for me in Security at the Los Angeles International Airport. And don't be surprised if I've eaten all the sauce by then. Which reminds me, I suppose I'd better pack a can opener as well ... just in case.

How filming affects New Zealand

The American TV show, The Bachelor, filmed in New Zealand last season. Part of this filming took place in Queenstown. As gorgeous as Queenstown is, they were able to showcase beautiful areas and made them look even more spectacular ... if that's even possible.

I'm pretty close to this industry now, having relationships with many involved in it. Ever since Lord of the Rings, filming has done so much for New Zealand's visibility worldwide, and therefore, its economy. Fortunately, it just continues to grow.

I think Tourism New Zealand does an incredible job of capitalizing on this as well. But then again, I think TNZ does a great job all around. The 100% Pure Campaign has been recognized as one of the best in the world and has been built the NZ brand over the past 10 years. But I love advertising, and I could go on and on about this.

In the meantime, here's a good article about how The Bachelor is providing visibility for New Zealand to the American market - Bachelor Back to Sing New Zealand's Praises

Lalomanu, Samoa

This was the view from the Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu, Samoa, where I attended the wedding of two new friends in June 2008. I've been wanting to blog about the recent earthquakes and tsunami that killed many in the Samoan Islands, but had no idea was to say about such a tragic event. Then after this terrible event, there were other natural disasters in Indonesia and the Philippines. It has been a terrible last few weeks for the South Pacific.

Samoa is a major holiday destination for many in New Zealand. After the events, there continue to be many stories of loss and devestation. The first-hand accounts of the waves hitting are amazing. Today I had lunch with my friend who was the bride at the wedding in June 2008. She and her husband have organized a group donation to go directly to the family who owned and operated the Taufua Beach Fales. Tai and Sili both made it through the disaster, though they both spent time in hospital. However, they lost 13 members of their family. The bride told me Sili's account of being hit by all three of the tsunami waves. He is very, very lucky to be alive.

Taufua Beach Fales no longer exists, and from all accounts, Lalomanu no longer looks anything like it does in the photo above. But to the credit of this one Samoan family, they plan to rebuild their resort and open again one year from now.

Daffodils & Tulips & Cake ... oh my!

I spend quite a bit of weekend time in Glenorchy, the township at the head of Lake Wakatipu, about a 45 minute drive from Queenstown. It's a different kind of place, even the locals from Queenstown will tell you that. Yet no one can quite explain why, so you're never sure if they mean it as a dig or a compliment. Either way is fine. It's a beautiful small community where you can totally relax.

Last weekend the town held a regular community event, the Glenorchy Flower Show. A $5.00 entrance fee got you into the town hall to view all the entries in all the multiple categories, plus afternoon tea. I was sold! (I love a good tea, and this one included various little sandwiches, a banana-like loaf, and pikelets with whipped cream and strawberry jam. Yummy!)

To my delight, there were also categories for photos, crafts and baking. There were 3 sub-categories in the photo and baking competitions - image of a rooster, image of a particular long-time Glenorchy local, and a kid's competion of an image of their school play area. The baking sub-categories included an iced chocolate cake (I thought I'd arrived in heaven till I found out that we couldn't actually taste them!), a Belgian biscuit and a scone.

The chocolate cakes ended up being auctioned after the awards were handed out. I was good and didn't bid. But I also didn't win the huge, gorgeous chocolate mousse cake that was raffled. Perhaps this was because before I could buy a ticket, they ran out. I couldn't even get a photo of the piece of art before someone pulled it away and rushed it off. The beautiful creation was made and donated by Grant, the owner & chef of the Glenorchy Cafe. It's a cool caf with great food! Though Grant is from Australia, I heard he studied pastry making in Austria. You know what that means!

Enough about the cake. The flowers were gorgeous. Who knew there were so many types of daffodils and tulips?! Certainly not I. It does make you want to submit some entries for the next show. Oooooo, or better yet, I'll volunteer to be a judge! Then I'll get some chocolate cake!

Everything is popping ....

Spring is really on us now in the South Island. Growing up in Southern California, I used to see photos of signs of Spring. These were obviously not taken anywhere near where I lived. I read this is in a book recently - Southern California has a climate. It doesn't have seasons. So I suppose I never really experienced what Spring means ... the blooms, the warmth, the sun, and the animals. Ah, the animals. Spring is gorgeous and so are the lovely things that come along with it.