Heading out of Wellington, we joined the state highway for the 2 hour journey North to the City of Palmerston North. It was originally just called Palmerston, but as there was a town of the same name on South Island, when a national government was formed, this town (as it was then) was told to add North to its name because the one on South Island was formed and named first. We initally only had one night here, but since arriving ,we have extended it to three. We are using it as a base to visit surrounding townships. Yesterday we headed into town,only to find part of the main street cordoned off for the Pulse Festival, celebrating the arts.
Whilst at the arts festival, we learnt of an event taking place in Fielding, about a 30 minute drive away. The finals of New Zealand national Rodeo Championships were taking place. It was an afternoon well spent watching the best Kiwi cowboys & cowgirls. Events varied from lassooing steers, wrestling steers to the ground,speed riding around oil drums
On the way home,we stopped in the town of Fielding for a milk shake at MacDonald's (by the clock tower) and to make use of their free wi fi.
Today we went to Mass at the Cathedral of The Holy Spirit near to our hotel in Palmerston North. The clocks were advanced here last night, so we were nice and early. We are now only 11 hours in front of the UK. After Church we headed North and out to the coastal town of Wanganui. There were lots of shops in town but most were shut. We found a memorial tower to climb, all 176 of them. At the top you had a wonderful panoramic view of the town. On the way there we crossed the river which splits the town in two and saw the only paddle steamer in New Zealand still in service, moored on the River Wanganui.
After a ride around town we stopped in the centre to take a picture of the victorian shops and arrange for our accommodation for tomorrow night.
I have just loaded this video to see if it will play on my blog.
Whilst at the arts festival, we learnt of an event taking place in Fielding, about a 30 minute drive away. The finals of New Zealand national Rodeo Championships were taking place. It was an afternoon well spent watching the best Kiwi cowboys & cowgirls. Events varied from lassooing steers, wrestling steers to the ground,speed riding around oil drums
On the way home,we stopped in the town of Fielding for a milk shake at MacDonald's (by the clock tower) and to make use of their free wi fi.
Today we went to Mass at the Cathedral of The Holy Spirit near to our hotel in Palmerston North. The clocks were advanced here last night, so we were nice and early. We are now only 11 hours in front of the UK. After Church we headed North and out to the coastal town of Wanganui. There were lots of shops in town but most were shut. We found a memorial tower to climb, all 176 of them. At the top you had a wonderful panoramic view of the town. On the way there we crossed the river which splits the town in two and saw the only paddle steamer in New Zealand still in service, moored on the River Wanganui.
After a ride around town we stopped in the centre to take a picture of the victorian shops and arrange for our accommodation for tomorrow night.
I have just loaded this video to see if it will play on my blog.
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