Growing into a Monarch

Monarchs grow from caterpillars by shedding their skin. They develop from an egg through five caterpillar stages (instars), to the pupa (chrysalis), from which emerges an adult butterfly.

Hungry Caterpillar

Caterpillar searches for a place to spin a silk button - it forms a 'J' and molts one last time

Molting Caterpillar

Pupa

A Monarch is born

Fun at the Historic Village in Howick

On the third Sunday every month Howick Historic Village has a live day when the villagers come to live and you can go and have a chat to them to see what life was like for them. A visit is well worth it even just to enjoy the atmosphere or have a cup of coffee in the little cafe.

Weaver

Having fun in the village

Villager in front of her house made of mud that is dug out and dried up to form the bricks of this house

The rope maker's wife and grand kids

Rope maker hard at work

The rope maker's wife

The priest in front of his church

Rope maker's wife and grandson

Village Store

Puppeteer

Afternoon Picnic

Attention!

Practising the drill

Village Gossip

In the village

New Plymouth Festival of Lights

The Festival of Lights in New Plymouth's Pukekura Park presents its visitors every year with some great events and entertainment with spectacular lighting.

Visitors have a great time just strolling along the magically lit paths. The park's water wheel, fountains and the waterfall are flooded with lights and different features. Below are some of my favourites this year.

Water fountain with lanterns on the main lake

Water Wheel

Poet's Bridge

Floating Jellyfish 

Sleeping Giant

Birds

For more information on the event, visit the website www.festivaloflights.co.nz

Winter Day on the Otago Peninsula

Albatross chick in its nest

Albatross Chick

Nap Time

Fur Seal

Greetings from Halong Bay, Vietnam