Norfolk Island is small, there is no doubt about that, but don't be fooled, there is plenty to do and some stunning sights to see. Our group of 7 hired a 7 seater car which enabled us to drive all over the island and around the coast. The coast line is spectacular - great foaming waves crashing over rocky shores is a mesmerising sight, I could watch them for hours. They can also be entertaining, well at least they were to the other 6 members of my group. We had driven down to Cascade Bay to see where the ships come in to unload goods and produce for the island. I was totally absorbed in watching the waves from the pier facing in one direction oblivious to the waves coming in from the other direction. A large wave came in and completely engulfed me much to the delight of my friends. I was soaked and cold from head to foot but could at least see the humour in it. Fortunately, or unfortunately, nobody got a photo of this watery event.
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| Ooops! I didn't see that coming! |
Another day we drove to the other side of the island to see the glorious golden sand Anson Bay and the Captain Cook Memorial. Captain Cook discovered Norfolk Island, and named it, in 1774. Down a short but steep path from the monument there is a look out and the views are absolutely stunning! What a beautiful place the island is.
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| Anson Bay |
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| Above and below: views from the look out at Captain Cook Memorial |
A drive to the top of Mount Pitt located in the island's National Park gave us spectacular 360 degree views. We lingered a while soaking it all in before driving to the old Melanesian mission and St Barnabas' chapel. Set way out in the country this lovely church is really worth a visit.
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| View from Mt Pitt - note the ubiquitous Norfolk Pines |
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| Inside St Barnabas Chapel |
Driving around Norfolk Island is interesting. Although most of the roads are sealed a lot of them are severely pot holed so it is essential to drive carefully, also the cows on the island roam free so you will encounter them lazily crossing the road in front of you. I loved that, though, so rustic, laid back and charming.
But our time on Norfolk was not all about sight seeing, we also got to enjoy some great activities.
One night we went for an evening of fine dining at The Homestead restaurant, set in a hundred year old house in a lovely location, The meal was superb. I highly recommend this especially for a special occasion.
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| The Homestead restaurant |
Another night we went on a progressive dinner tour. This was huge fun! I remember when progressive dinners were a thing amongst our friends, it's a shame they have gone out of fashion. At least Norfolk Island has turned them into a much enjoyed tourism venture. It involved three courses at three different homes with affable hosts who talked about life on the island today and some of the history of the past. A must do for visitors to the island.
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| Main course of the progressive dinner, I'm 2nd from the left |
One afternoon we went to Two Chimneys Winery, the only winery on the island, for a wine tasting. We were offered 7 different wines to taste and we all thought they were good. I partcularly liked the Verdelho and bought some to bring home. I think everyone bought some which was a good thing because when we went to pay for the tasting we were told it was free of charge. This surprised us, most wine tastings in New Zealand require a payment and sometimes they are expensive. If you go to Two Chimneys make sure you buy at least a bottle of wine to cover the cost of the tasting, it's only fair.
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| Wine tasting at Two Chimneys Winery |
With a couple of hours to spare I went to see Cyclorama, which was only a few doors from our accommodation. This astonishing 360 degree artwork portraying the history of the Bounty Mutiny and the settling of Norfolk Island took my breath away. At times I felt I was right inside the painting. Cyclorama has won many Tourism Awards and is not to be missed.
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| A section of the extraordinary Cyclorama - Photo by Cyclorama |
It is very easy to spend a week on Norfolk Island, there's lots to do, lots to see and I hope one day to revisit. There are many tours and activities for the visitor, we barely scratched the surface, and it is a peaceful calming place, the pace of life is slower, it's balm for the soul.
