True Kiwi entertainment

June is the time for three iconic Kiwi events, the national Field Days, the NZ hosted FIFA U20's and Kiwi mating season (the birds of course!)

We started off our weekend with a Kiwi Night Walk in the Ohope Wildlife Sanctuary, led by two members of the local Whakatane Kiwi Trust. It was a very different experience being out in the bush at night, especially sitting with a group of 15 people in silence and darkness just listening to the night and watching the stars through the creaking Punga (fern) and Rimu trees.
Kiwi calls
We did (eventually!) hear 2 male Kiwi calling very loudly and very close to where we were. Kiwi are amazing birds where the egg the female carries is huge and looks about half her size - it can only fit because the two halves of the breastbone are not joined in the middle so the chest can expand to accommodate the egg!
Kiwi facts

We also saw some huge Wetas - cricket type beasties. We were lucky to see 2 of the 3 main types in NZ, Tree and Cave Wetas - the cave ones have smaller bodies but enormous long legs and can jump a very long way!
This one is a tree Weta with Malcolm's hand for size comparison!

The next day we popped over to Mystery Creek (near Hamilton - great name!) where the Annual National Farmers Gathering called the Field Days is held. Everyone who is anyone goes to Field Days - a truly national institution. It is actually a bit like our County Shows without the animals - just HUGE GYNORMOUS tractors (the one below costs the same as a small house!), happy farmers wearing Swandri and lots and lots of 'things' to make cows, sheep and farmers smile!

 Tractor pulling was a very serious business and the competition was fierce!

 Happy cow- with automatic milking on demand!

 Even the police cars were dressed for the part!

 Lots of tasty things to try as well, including a very passable whisky!

Then back again to Hamilton on Sunday to watch the one of the semi-finals of the FIFA U20's world cup. We watched the up and coming new stars of Brazil and Portugal. Luckily the awful FIFA scandal has not spoilt this competition here in NZ.  It was an even match which went to penalties, with Brazil winning - they went on to win the U20 World cup. Portugal played well but their goal kicking was woeful!