In the far distance you can see Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain (3754m)
Shantytown as a conference venue was a good idea as well. A beautiful place, with enough room for the sessions. Overall, it was a very well organised conference, and something different for me, since it had a heavy industry focus. It was also good to meet new people, or catch up with friends and colleagues. For example, I had been in touch by e-mail with Ron Mader for the last 10 years, but this was the first time we met in person. It is always great to put a face to a name :)
I didn't take photos during the conference, but one of the field trips went to see the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes at Punakaiki, a bit north of Greymouth. Last time I was there was with Armin in 1994 as a "tourist', i.e. three years before I moved to New Zealand the first time. So I was keen to see the place again. It hasn't changed much, except that the walking tracks are now sealed and a bit more "secured' with fences. In 1994, people walked all over the place. Before we saw the rocks, we went to have a look at the Department of Conservation visitor centre, and also got a good talk about the new toilet and sewage facilities - the details of visitor management!
A Kereru (New Zealand Wood Pigeon):
Across the main road is the entrance to the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes:
Here you can clearly see why they are called Pancake Rocks:
