New Zealand - Feb 28 - #2

This is a continuation of post #1.  It is believed that the first post was getting too large to add any text or images.

The next stop on the tour was at the top of one of the surrounding hills where the first wind generator was placed.  It was not determined if this was the first wind generator in New Zealand or in the world, but it was simply claimed to be the first.

The original generator had some issues.  It was discovered that the generator would shut itself down if the wind blew to strong.  When the wind subsided the generator would then come back on line.  Then when the wind blew strong again (which was often) the generator would shut itself down again.  When the wind subsided the generator would again come on line.  This scenario would repeat itself over and over and over.  The generator was eventually taken off line.  When the technology was improved the generator was replaced.  The newer technology allowed the generator to continue to work even in higher winds.  The newer generator is still on line and operating.

Having never been close to one of the generators I was a little surprised at the amount of noise it would make.  Each time one of the blades would pass there would be a very audible whoosh.  Whoosh ... whoosh ... whoosh ... whoosh, and so on and so on and so on.

At the next stop we were given the opportunity to walk through their botanical garden.  Even though it is fairly late in their growing season a lot of their flowers were still in bloom and still quite beautiful.  At the end of the botanical garden was a rose garden that was built during the great depression.

The final stop on the tour was at the old St. Paul's church.  The church was not a large cathedral, but a simple small church.  The stained glass in the church was beautifully done.  It was well worth the stop.

Once back at the ship we had dinner, took in a show, and called it a day.