White Gold

In this case, I’m thinking about milk! Dairy is one of the largest industries in NZ, and growing by the day. This past week, we had the opportunity to spend a week not only on a small organic dairy farm, but on an organic dairy farm that also produces delicious yogurt less than 10 m from the milking shed. What a beautiful process of using none other than fresh milk, culture, and a little bit of heat to make this extremely "low food-miles" product.

On the farm, not only did we drink a lot of fresh milk and yogurt, but we also got to make some feta cheese, AND make some yummy ice cream!

During our time on the farm, we were also asked to participate in two presentations/discussions on "water conservation issues in the Canterbury Region". Some of it was very interesting, some...not so much... Although I have a feeling that intensive dairy systems should not exist in the arid areas that need constant irrigation of there pastures, it was not discussed during the water strategy meetings. Instead we learned that there are plans to expand the dairy industry in the area despite the already present water restriction. Go figure.

Following our stay on the farm, we headed west to see the other "White Gold", this time in the form of snow and ice (and tourists!). We arrived at the base of Mt Cook/Aoraki awestruck by its grandeur. It is no wonder why Sir Ed Hillary chose this area to train for his ascent of Mt Everest!

We decided walking around the base and campground was not enough for us and therefore decided to do the 4hour climb up to the Mueller Hut (1800 m). Not only was the scenery on the climb up beautiful, the hut was directly across from many of the glaciers!

Now, on our way to Dunedin to visit Brit and Ben, where we hope to see the magnificent Royal Albatross!

Standing outside the Clearwater farm.

Jackie milking the cows (I got to milk one of these lovely ladies by hand!).

The nearly finished product.

Two familiar faces with Mt Cook in the background.

Mueller Hut, our humble abode for the evening.


Flowers and Ice (sounds like a James Taylor song...)

Until next time...