M-whY

I spent most of the morning doing uninteresting but essential things. Reconfirming my flight to Australia, writing, checking email, etc. For lunch, I headed down to the Arts Center, where they hold an open air market every weekend. Among the stalls, I found a decently priced belts, for only $15 NZ ($1 NZ = $.70 US). I was almost tempted to buy one, but decided against it. After all, I'll probably just lose it again.

I had heard Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is one of the best places to view kiwi, so I went to the information center to ask how to get there. The woman at the counter suggested using the privately operated Best Attractions Shuttle, for $5 NZ. One way fare for public buses is $2 NZ, making the round trip price $4 NZ. Figuring it'd be worth the extra dollar for direct service, I walked across the courtyard to catch the shuttle.

Upon arriving at Willowbank, the driver handed me a return ticket and tried charging me $10 NZ. "It's five dollars each way," she explained.

"Uhh, I'll just pay for one way fare. I'll figure out how to get back to town on my own," I said, giving back the return ticket. I guess it might've been my own fault for not checking with the driver first, but the woman at the information center sure made it sound like $5 NZ round trip.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is set up to allow visitors to get really close to the animals. I could've reached out and touched the wallabies if I wanted to. Some of the displays were interesting, but most were actually quite dull. I mean, I suppose deer might be foreign to New Zealand, but I see them all the time back at home (albeit mostly in the form of roadkill). And having a section for sheep? Is that really necessary considering how many you pass while driving?

I breezed through most of the sections quickly, eager to get to the kiwi house. I did spend a good amount of time playing with the keas though. The world's only alpine parrot and considered to also be the world's smartest species of bird, I'd also give them the title of most world's most mischievous bird. One family had a box of crackers on their baby stroller, which a kea tried to steal. An elderly group, apparently familiar with the bird's thieving antics, hurried through the exhibit, muttering all along how nasty the keas were.

In reality, keas are just really curious. As soon as I entered the area, half a dozen or so keas flew right up to me. I tried to coax them onto my arm or shoulder, but they seemed more interested in my boots and water bottle. One even snuck up behind me and started gnawing at my backpack with their extremely sharp beaks. Had I stood still for ten minutes, I'm sure I would've needed to buy new backpack and another pair of shoelaces.

Eventually the keas got bored and flew off. I moved on to the kiwi house. Up til then, I had only seen pictures of kiwi. To see them in person was quite satisfying. After all, New Zealand has made such a big deal of them. Kept in a dark building, visitors were asked to remain quiet, as the kiwi are very sensitive. Like the rest of the reserve, we were allowed to get really close. I could've easily reached over the railing and picked one up. They shuffled around, poking their long beaks at the ground in search of food. They looked so comical, yet endearing at the same time. It's no wonder they're such a big attraction.

Back at the reserve entrance, I asked the woman at the counter where I could catch a bus back downtown. "Oh, just wait for the Best Attractions shuttle. It should be here in about 20 minutes. It stops right outside the door, it'll save you a 2km walk down the road." She pointed in the general direction of the bus stop.

I didn't want the Best Attractions shuttle. "Ok, thanks," I said and started walking in the direction she indicated. Half an hour later, I had found the bus stop. A bus arrived shortly afterwards and I was on my way back to downtown.

I then used the money I saved and splurged on a nice big dinner.

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!