Marineland, Napier, New Zealand

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Having visited the National Aquarium just a short walk along the promenade will bring you to Napier's  fabulous Marineland attraction.

I think I must be a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to performing dolphins, seals, sea lions etc. I hate the thought of these animals being in captivity but I can't fail to be impressed at what a terrific show can be created in a custom made environment like this.I think I keep at the back of my mind that at least this way they aren't being clubbed to death somewhere or being dished up as somebody's dinner in various countries of the world.

In addition to all the obvious aquatic attractions here you can also find another large model railway layout which is great for any model rail enthusiast and big kids and little kids alike.

I couldn't decide which of my Marineland pics to stick on this post so I took the decicion that it was easier just to put in a slideshow of them all.

Southwards Motor Museum, Southwards Car Museum

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New Zealand is, lets face it, a relatively small couple of islands and isolated thousands of miles away from any other highly populated country. You wouldn't think they could lay their hands on many vintage vehicles.

On the contrary. The Southwards Motor museum must have one of the most impressive collections of vintage cars and other vehicles in the world. From familiar Rolls Royces to old fire service vehicles. From little 'bubble car' vehicles to the 'Back To The Future' DeLeorean DMC 12 Model  this museum really has the lot.

The huge Southwards Museum complex (see Google satellite image above) also houses a huge, working, model railway layout.

Model railway layouts are still very popular in New Zealand. In other destinations on the North Island I will be posting you will see they are still very much popular tourist attractions.

Both young and old will appreciate just how much work and dedication has gone into the layout at Southwards.