Air New Zealand flight NZ19 to Auckland from Rarotonga, probably one of the bumpiest flights we have ever been on.I expect our daughter Rhiain as Air Cabin Crew would say mild turbulence, but we thought we were on a trampoline. They had to suspend cabin service so we never did have our coffees filled up, cold air turbulence the reason, the captain said. He sounded Irish by the way, so I think he was giving us a bit of blarney.
Saturday 1st March 2008
Still Air New Zealand flight NZ19 to Auckland, still a 4 hour plus flight arriving a day later.The captain told us it was overcast on our arrival in Auckland, blarney again, when we touched down on the tarmac, visibility was that poor I thought we were still in cloud.Overcast he said, pea souper I say.However, despite the wind and rain it was still a pleasant 22 degrees C.Now we had already been told that Quarantine regulations in New Zealand are verystrict, so we declared on our forms that we had walking boots and walking poles so we duly went through the “Red” channel (this is quarantine not customs) we then followed the red line on the floor to the bio-security check point.The Quarantine Officer wanted to inspect our walking boots (which I had cleaned and disinfected prior to leaving America and Rarotonga, I tell a lie, Jenny cleaned them) luckily (or rather forward thinking on my part, I tell a lie, on Jenny’s part) they had been packed separately in plastic bags in the rucksack, so out they came.The Quarantine Officer was not satisfied and he sent them to the Bio cleaning department for inspection. He gave us a receipt for them and we were to collect them after passing through the quarantine X-Ray scanning, which we did, which poses a question. Where in a U.K airport can you have your shoes spotlessly cleaned for free?I wish now we had declared some of our clothes we had used on our hiking, we could have had them washed, dried and ironed before leaving the airport.
Bart the owner of the hotel collected us from the airport in his BMW 7 series and after a short drive we arrived at “The Ascot Parnell”, http://www.ascotparnell.com/ where we were introduced to his wife Therese and their beautiful Saluki dog Khalifa.After “settling in” we decided to walk into Auckland City Centre and have a simple lunch and a look at the various shops.Then returned on the “Link” bus to within 5 minutes of the hotel.We have been to 4 major world cities, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore and now Auckland and everyone of these puts the UK transport system to shame. Auckland has “The Link” bus which serves the City and surrounds, for just the one fare $1.60 (£0.75p) which can take you the complete circuit if you wish and the “Free” bus which travels around the main streets of the city centre.We should send a party of MP’s here (at their own expense) to see how a transport system works.Whoops!Political now, Sorry!
Sunday 2nd March 2008.
After a sumptuous breakfast we walked into the cityto visit the “Sky Tower” we viewed from the main observation deck first at 186m and then the skydeck viewing platform at 220m. The 360 degree view as you can imagine was staggering.Did you know that some “nutters” (and we saw 2) sky jump on a wire from the top?They also have to pay for the privilege.On the way down in the lift, I stood on a part of the floor which is made of glass, you can therefore see all the way down the lift shaft.Jenny did not want to be part of that so she moved out of the way for another tourist who wanted to take a picture.As the lift goes down (oh, I should mention part of the lift door is also glass) at intervals there are spaces in the concrete shaft which overlook the city.Jenny at the first one made a grab for me, forgetting she had moved and instead grabbed the tourist with the camera, much to his delight, but not that of his girlfriend. Laugh, I nearly wet myself!After a lunch in a patio restaurant overlooking the central shopping area, we took the ferry ($9 each return, another bargain) over to Devonport, a quaint little seaside suburb with perfect views of Auckland city and the harbour.If we wanted books this is the place to come and we purchased 2 used paperbacks for $2 each. A perfect day finished with a walk along Parnell Road famous for its Cafes, Restaurants, Craft-shops and Galleries and a stop at an Italian Restaurant for Pizza’s.Finished the day by viewing and photographing Auckland City and Harbour at sunset from the balcony.
Monday 3rd March 2008
Waiwera (57 Km).After a farewell to Bart and Therese we waited for our Motorhome from New Zealand Frontiers http://www.newzealandfrontiers.com/index.html, to arrive. If was nice after our frequent emails to Kenrick Mitchell the Managing Director of the Motorhome company to meet him in person. His keen sense of humour apparent in the emails was obvious in person.He drove us to a car park at a very pretty beach to familiarise us with the van and for us to complete the required documentation.Kenrick has been a great help with suggestingadjustments to our itinerary, ferry booking,and other useful “snippets” of information and has certainly an in depth knowledge of his countryWe then dropped him at the main Railway Station in Auckland (after he had very kindly showed us the way to the motorway) and we continued on our way.Before we left the U.K we had listed all our grocery requirements so it was a simple matter to stop at the first town called Orewa with a “Tesco” like supermarket and “whiz” round with the shopping trolley.Having stocked up we then drove the short distance to Waiera Hot Pools Camping Park which finds us with a wonderful view of Waiwera Beachwith the sea just yards away.As Jenny has not cooked (other than a micro-waved pizza at a hotel in America) for 5 weeks I had thought she may require a cook book, however I must say, the salad we had for tea tonight was cooked to perfection…….. They say once you learn to ride a bike you never forget!
Tuesday 4th March 2008
Whangarei (139 Km).It was great waking up to the sound of the surf and opening the rear curtains to see the sea.We sorted out the rest of our bits in the Motorhome, we have plenty of storage (although all those complimentary soaps etc. made it a tight squeeze).It was a very pleasant drive to Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park, despite having rain most of the way.We turned off the main highway and drove along one of the scenic routes, stopping at many of the pretty coves and beaches along the way. This is the life, stopping first in a picturesque lay-by for a cup of tea and a biscuit and then having lunch in a car-park overlooking the sea. (actually the Pacific Ocean).We walked the 2 kilometres into the town along the river to pick up some cheese and marmalade we forgot yesterday.I wanted to take a photograph of the harbour, however there was a yachtmoored in the way, unfortunately I couldn’t find the owner to move it. We walked through the shopping precinct on the way back and there was a man talking to a bird (feathered).I thought it strange until we walked up the next street and Jenny said “hello” to a Sparrow, must be catching!
Wednesday 5th March 2008
Russell (80 Km). After going to sleep with rain hammering on the roof of the motorhome, it was a pleasant surprise this morning to wake up to sunshine. We had already decided to go to Whangarei Falls Scenic Reserve but rather than go there direct we wanted to do the longer walk through Kauri Park along the river. The track is easy walking and at one point features a canopy walkway which gave us a bird’s eye view of the forest. The Falls themselves were magnificent falling from a height of 26.3m into a large pool, I only hope some of the photographs we took do it justice. Having been recommended to a Camp-site at Russell in “The Bay of Islands” we have arrived here instead of Paihia the distance being about the same, just a different part of the bay. We are on a superb pitch having paid slightly more for a “deluxe” site which has a view over the bay, our own grassed garden area and picnic table. Sitting having tea looking over the bay while drinking a bottle of wine is bliss. Tomorrow we have booked “A day on the Bay” cruise which we are both looking forward to.
Thursday 6th March 2008
A great cruise today around the “Bay of Islands” the weather has settled (although there is a forecast of showers tomorrow) and the sea was calm. We cruised first to the centre of the bay to watch the Bottle-nose Dolphins before carrying on to “Hole in the Rock” which is exactly that, however it is that large the boat was able to sail through it. When we reached the other side there was a phenomenon that we had only seen in nature programmes. A school of fish massing together almost as one, the patterns this made in the water was indescribable, we could not see why it was happening, we could only presume there were some larger predatory fish in the vicinity. We then reversed into a large cavern in the same rock, really eerie with the darkness, echoing sounds and dripping water, very skilful on the Captains part to be able to do that and thread his way through the hole. We then continued to an Island for lunch, Jenny and I walked up one of the tracks to a scenic view, sitting in the grass eatingcheese sandwiches, fruit cake, an apple and drinking ginger beer. On our return to the boat it was time for “boom netting” (look it up), we didn’t partake we left that to some of the younger members on the trip. After a further cruise amongst the islands we arrived back at Russell, after a very enjoyable day.
Friday 7th March 2008
Kerikeri (51 Km) So nice they named it twice! We have decided not to go all the way up to Cape Reinga, after advice from other people on the previous camp-site, unless we wanted to “tick the box” to say we have been to the farthest point on New Zealand main land, the scenery is not as good as other places, we have therefore just gone further round the “Bay of Islands” and are not disappointed. We left Russell this morningfor the ferry to Paihia, I must say I was a bit worried when I saw the ferry captain was female (are you reading this Sue T?) I thought we might end up in the Isle of Wight, however my fears were unfounded we arrived 10 minutes later in Paihia, despite running down, 3 Yachts, 1 Fishing Trawler, 2 Dinghy’s and a Seagull. I also realised this morning my navigator (and wife) was having trouble with the local place names. The map reading went like this, “it’s 2 km to Waitanwhatsit, turn right here for Keriwhatsit and then left for Whanguwhatsit.” I thought it was a coincidence that all the place names ended in "whatsit", however shemust be right, we got here! We have spent the afternoon walking up the River Kerikeri to Wharepoke and Rainbow Falls a superb 3½ hours passing through forest and grassland. At one point wehad the fragrance of Oranges and Nutmeg in the space of a few metres, wonderful!
Saturday 8th March 2008
Rawene (102 Km). We are just 24 kilometres from Opononi our intended stay for tonight overlookingHokianga Harbour having just taken a photograph of a stunning sunset whilst drinking a bottle of “Tui”.We are now on the West Coast of the North Island on the Tasman Sea having crossed over from the East and the Pacific Ocean. We shopped this morning at “Woolworth’s”, and yes, in New Zealand they still are a grocery store. The checkout lad asked if we had a discount card, which of course we hadn’t, the lady behind kindly ran her card through the machine for us, nice eh! These New Zealand people are a real friendly lot. We then stopped on the way at Wairere Boulders http://www.wairereboulders.co.nz/ and despite seeing such majestic rock formations whilst in the USA, we were still impressed with what we have seen today and the hard work by Rita & Felix Schaad who have built all the bridges, steps, and walkway’s etc. to enable people to visit them. Almost forgot, yesterday we bought diesel and we were served, no self-service here and the windows were washed as well!
Sunday 9th March 2008
Matakohe (176 Km).A few kilometres more than we scheduled but we stopped short of our stopping place yesterday and we also de-toured to the “Trounson Kauri Park” which was 16 kilometres down a gravel road. We drove along S.H 12 which went through the Waipoua Kauri Forest aptly called “The Kauri Coast Scenic Route”. Kauri’s are the majestic giant trees of New Zealand. We saw one of the largest “Tane Mahuta” estimated to be between 1,200 and 2,000 years old. Its along a path just 5 minutes off the road, to turn the corner and see the sheer size of it is awe-inspiring.
“When Chaucer was born this was a sturdy young tree. When Shakespeare was born it was 300 years old. It predates all of the cathedrals in Europe. Its trunk is sky-rocket straight and sky-rocket bulky, limbless for half its height. Ferns sprout from its crevices. Its crown is an asymmetric mess, like an inverted root system. I lean against it, give it a slap. It’s like slapping a building. This is a tree out of Tolkien. It’s a Kauri”. Joe Bennett (a Tale of Two Halves)
To see is to believe, we believe!
We have decided where possible to use the “Top 10 Holiday Parks” camping sites. We have used 4 so far and they have all be extremely good. We have paid the equivalent of£12.50 for this one at Matakoe, with views of the harbour, a picnic bench and a garden like setting. The camp kitchen (free to use) would be to the same standard as your own at home. Whilst writing this Jenny is using the Laundry (she is down to the last pair of clean knickers) this too is to a very high standard (the laundry not the knickers). Tomorrow we return through Auckland to visit the lower half of the North Island. If it is like this upper part we shall be very happy.
Monday 10th March 2008
We have enjoyed our stay at the Matakohe Top 10 Holiday Park so much we have decided to stay an extra day. This Morning we visited the Matakoe Kauri Museum in the village ( consists of Post Office, Tea Shop, Restaurant and Museum) The displays throughout were very interesting and we spent more time there than we anticipated (we are not “museum” people normally). This afternoon we did……….. nothing, other than lay in the sun, with a book and numerous cups of tea. This is exactly why we like motorhomes, we can go where we please, when we please, tomorrow we will do a few extra miles to catch up. As the manageress of the park said this morning, (who travelled New Zealand in a motorhome for 5 years) you have a country house, town house, beach house, any house you want it to be, depending where you want to visit. Good reasoning we thought.
Tuesday 11th March 2008
Hahei (413 km).A long drive today having decided we would “catch up” the extra day we had in Matakohe, however although we set out at 9:45am and arrived at 5:45 pm we had a nice steady journey stopping numerous times for sight-seeing,tea, coffee, lunch, etc.We also found a “Woolies” for topping-up our “larder”.We negotiated the return through Auckland without any problemspicking upthe motorway about 15 kilometres out and dropping back off25 kilometres the other side.Again we have switched coasts, we are now back on the east coast and the Pacific Ocean.All the information we have been given from various sources as been not to miss the Coromandel Peninsula, so taking heed, here we are and certainly from the little we have seen so far we are not going to be disappointed, especially as the weather is so warm.
Wednesday 12th March 2008
A day relaxing on the beach.Cathedral Cove about a hours walk from the camp-site,is well renowned for being one of the best and most beautiful beaches on the North Island.We looked at Gemstone Bay on the way which has a snorkelling trail (no signposts underwater, but buoys to guide you on top).We may give that a try tomorrow.Further on was “Stingray Bay” another lovely beach and then eventually we reached Cathedral Cove along the cliff top path.After a million steps down (I exaggerate, but it felt like it) we came to the cove, reached through a massive archway.One of the funniest things we have seen so far happened whilst we were there, I spotted a young Black-backed Gull playing and tugging along a sock.I thought it looked good for a photograph, 2 girls near us asked whether it was mine (the sock).I replied a Gull would never dare touch one of my socks (even less one of Jenny’s).Just then a girl came running up with a camera, closely followed by her man, I presumed she was also going to take a photo, however the man ran ahead and snatched up the sock.The Gull had pinched it out of his shoe about 100 yards up the beach!The other amusing thing about that episode was, the girl was annoyed with the man because she didn’t get her photo.He was annoyed with her because she wanted to take one.Laugh, we both nearly wet ourselves this time.
Thursday 13th March 2008
Waihi Beach (103 Km).Another relaxing day on the beach, before driving the short distance (albeit mountainous, with steep climbs, equally steep descents and plenty of hair-pin bends) to Waihi Beach.We stayed the whole day at Hot Water Beach spending the morning reading, and after lunch walking the short distance along the beach to the “thermal waters”. What a strange phenomenon, 2 hours either side of low tide you dig a hole in the sand and then relax in your own natural spa pool until your bum gets roasted red!Just 2 kilometres down is hot water andlava rocks the remains ofvolcanic activity some 5 to 9 million years ago (I read that bit on the notice board) the water which seeps up is so hot that you can only bear it for a short time and the cold sea that occasionally comes in is a welcome relief.We spent 2 hours like kids, digging holes in the sand and building sand walls to sit behind (Oh! come on you’ve all done it, but perhaps not at 62) we have finished off the day in………….. the camping park hot spa, well they say you can’t get to much of a good thing.
Friday 14th March 2008
Tirohanga (202 Km).On the Pacific Coast Highway at the beginning of New Zealand’s East Cape and“well-off-the-beaten-track”.As the guide books tell us its a beautiful region with spectacular scenery.However, when we started out this morning from Waihi Beach the rain was lashing down and we couldn’t see much of it.We had a now customary stop and shop at “Woolies” mainly for fresh fruit for our breakfast fruit salad (we have this now every morning), then a stop for our “elevenses” at a very picturesque picnic area by the side of the ocean, (the sun now shining) our lunch again by the ocean (why don’t we have picnic areas like these in the U.K).Another thing we realised this morning, we have only paid once for car-parking and that was only a $1.We also had discount at “Woolies” even though we didn’t have a “One-Card”, plus 4 cents off each litre of fuel.Arrived at the Motor Camp and had quite a conversation with “Bruce” who knows more about what’s happening in the U.K than we do, (nobody has told me if Linda won that ice dancing programme).We settled in (i.e. put the kettle on) and relaxed in the afternoon sun.We like it here!
Saturday 15th March 2008
Tolaga Bay (270 Km).We did a few more kilometres today than we intended, having visited Pacific Coast Macadamias Orchard for a morning coffee and a look around the orchard.We travelled around the East Coast stopping at various scenic viewpoints that we thought were appealing, then a long lunch at Lottin Point a pretty little beach well of the main road along a steep and narrow gravel road.We intended stopping earlier but an error with the navigational equipment (Jenny) meant we passed the intended camping ground and travelled further along the coast to the next one.However it obviously means we have a shorter distance tomorrow to Gisborne.
Sunday 16th March 2008
Gisborne (55 km).The most easterly city in the world, (I didn’t understand that so Jenny explained with the help of paper and pencil) I thought because we say far east it would be Japan, Hong Kong etc, shows how much I know.We arrived early so we are having a relaxing day, although “a woman’s work is never done” as Jenny is taking the opportunity to use the laundry to wash sheets, towels, clothes etc. (Jenny made me put that last sentence in).The campsite although only 800 metres from the town centre is also right on the beach front, so we have a great view from the motorhome over the whole of the bay, “Young Nicks Head” (read your history books) and towards the Mahia Peninsula. A major incident also occurred today the strap on my “Teva’s” (walking sandals) broke.Now I have only had them 9 years since our first visit to Australia so an email of complaint to the manufacturer may be called for on the shoddy workmanship.In the mean time I just hope the “super glue” holds.Thought I might be lucky and catch the Australian F1 Grand Prix on the T.V in the games room, but although the tele had 29 channels there were only 5 programmes on it and none the one I wanted.You would have thought that as McLaren is a top team and the original team owner and driver was the late great Bruce McLaren a “Kiwi”, they would have a bit of consideration and televise it (still remember seeing Bruce setting an amazing lap and circuit record at Mallory Park in the 60’s, but I digress).Tomorrow we leave the coast and travelinland before joining the “Thermal Explorer Highway”, me thinks another opportunity when we might “burn our bums”
Monday 17th March 2008
Lake Waikaremoana (165 Km).We found a downside last night with the unobstructed view we enjoyed across the bay.When the wind blows hard (and it most certainly did) it had an unobstructed path to our motorhome, unfortunately for Jenny the rocking of the van kept her awake. Fortunately for me (just like a baby) it rocked me to sleep.We have now left the windy and cloudy weather of the coast and we are staying in a delightful location right on the edge ofLake Waikaremoana, without a cloud in the sky, in fact tonight we have attempted to use our star chart to identify some of the constellations, although with a ¾moon it is not pitch black.Jenny managed to get her hair cut today in Wairoa, as there is plenty of sheep shearing around the area I suggested that she may get it cut cheaper at a local farm, however, she didn’t seem to keen on the idea. Whilst Jenny was at the sheep shearer’s hairdressers I thought I would make my self useful and clean all the van windows, made a lovely job but forgot, to get to the lake we had to drive 37 kilometres of gravel road and we have a further 66 kilometres to get out the other side.Think Jenny will make a better job cleaningthem next time anyway, especially as she refused to clean those on the outside of the “Skytower” in Auckland, so I could take a better photograph!
Tuesday 18th March 2008
Our second day here at Lake Waikaremoana, this morning we did the Black Beech walk from the motor camp to the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre and then continued to Aniwaniwa Falls track a series of 3 waterfalls along a short stretch of river before it flowed in to the lake.I required the gents toilet and on the way up the path passed the time of day with a Maori Visitor Centre Employee, who then turned around to me and said “ Are you from Birmingham”?Evidently he had been to a cousins wedding in Solihull so picked up straight away on my accent, I didn’t think I had a strong “brummy” accent obviously enough of one for it to be recognised the other side of the world!We continued to have a good chat before he had to relieve his colleague for lunch.We returned to the camp site to have lunch and then decided to have a relaxing afternoon at the lake.After a short time Jenny asked if I was “alright” (she thought I had gone to sleep).My reply!I am here with my wife, best friend, lover and hot water bottle, lying on a beach, by the side of a beautiful lake, surrounded by forest covered hills, not a cloud in the sky, listening to the Eagles “Hotel California”, you bet I’m alright!
Wednesday 19th March 2008
We have decided to stay at Lake Waikaremoana an extra day we have enjoyed it so much.Again we walked from the motor camp to the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre via the Black Beech track and then further to the Papakorito Falls a 20m waterfall which was most impressive especially seeing it falling through the forest from the track.On the way back we again visited the Aniwaniwa Falls but from the other side of the river and were able to photograph parts of the falls from the beach at the bottom.We then had a further afternoon on the lake side, Jenny reading, me listening to my music.After tea we invited over for coffee Brian and Judy a lovely couple from Wellington (NZ) who we had chatted to on several occasions at the motor camp.However, they very kindly bought over a bottle of wine which we all enjoyed.We spent a great evening, Brian and I finding we had a common interest in motor sport of a few (several few, well to be truthful over 40 years ago).Jenny and Judy talking as though they had known each other for ever.They were also a great help in telling us of some interesting places to see and places to stay.
Thursday 20th March 2008
Rotorua (186 Km).A bbbbbbbbbone ssssssssssshakingride for 66 kilometres from the lake through Te Urewera National Park to the tarmac road for Rotorua.We had a short diversion on Brian and Judy’s advice to Kerosene Creek (yes Judy we found it) a hot water spring creek where we “simmered” for ½ a hour until cooked in the hot (almost to hot) water.We then tried to get into the holiday park at Blue Lake but is was full. Jenny (who had gone to the office) couldn’t understand why until she was informed it was Easter Weekend!We hadn’t a clue that it was, so I am a bit “miffed” Jenny has not thought to buy me an egg and sorry Rhiain and Michael you haven’t got one either. I must admit without at times looking at our itinerary and website we would never know what day it was (I actually thought it was Friday today any way). We now know when we need to re-supply our groceries, the jars, bottles, etc. start rattling in the emptying cupboards, so today it was a trip to the local PAKn’SAVE. We are also back in a technological area, we have both a mobile telephone signal and WiFi.
Friday 21st March 2008
A very interesting day, we drove to Hells Gate (they wouldn’t let me in because I will be going upstairs but I bribed them with $25) about 10k from Rotorua, the most active geothermal reserve in the area and WOW! We were stunned never would we have thought ofseeing anything like this, bubbling pools of mud, sulphur pools, the Kakahi Falls the largest hot water fall in the Southern Hemisphere, steaming cliffs, everything was truly amazing and if you don’t believe me check out http://hellsgate.co.nz/ and take the virtual tour yourselves.We travelled the short distance to Lake Okareka for lunch, a popular local spot for all water activities, after lunch we did go for a swim in the surprisingly warm water (although no thermal activity here) which was very refreshing.Again just a short drive into Rotorua central to look at Kuirau park, again we were amazed, a park in the centre of a city, with all the usual park features, children’s playground, paddling pools, flower beds and gardens. However, in several places areas of thermal activity, bubbling mud pools, steaming lakes and boiling waters.I could imagine in the U.K there being a 5 mile exclusion zone around them, instead of the viewing areas here just surrounded by barriers of wood and rock and despite visiting all these attractions we have still not had to pay a parking fee.
Saturday 22nd March 2008
Tongariro National Park (179 Km).An earlier start this morning so that we could get to Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) Thermal Wonderland before the Lady Knox Geyser blew its top at 10:15.A staff member at that time (after a short talk) puts organic soap down the hole and about 5 minutes later the geyser jets out foaming water to a height ofapprox’ 20 feet.It was a bit disappointing really as we thought it would roar and gurgle and be a bit spectacular, however it was really a bit of a damp squib.The other parts of the thermal park though were very good, but although larger than Hells Gate we saw yesterday I did not think it was as good.I did hear a Japanese tourist say “lhyybvbdxdvbyadd”, which roughly translated in to English means “I thought Thermal Wonderland was a store were I could buy my winter pyjamas”.After having lunch on the side of a river bank and afternoon tea (posh eh!) on the side of Lake Taupo we decided not to stay at Taupo but to continue on towards our next stop, this meant we could catch up the extra day we had at Lake Wakearemoana.Great, as I am sitting typing this we can here an Owl called a Morepork in the forest opposite the camp site, so called because…………Yes, you’ve guessed it’s hoot is a loud ‘more-pork’. I kid you not!
Sunday 23rd March 2008
Taihape (157 km) Spent the day at Tongariro National Park we thought we had chosen a poor day as there was low cloud surrounding the mountains when we arrived at Whakapapa Village Visitor Centre, their weather forecast for the afternoon was sunny (and on a scale of 0-5 the forecast of a volcanic eruption was 1) so we continued up the Top o’ Bruce Road to Iwickau Village.By the time we had a cup of coffee there were some breaks in the cloud so we thought we would risk the ski lift ride which climbs to 2020 metres up the mountain.That was fun, especially the first section (it goes up in 2 stages) which was a 2 seat chair, the notice said don’t swing it, we didn’t have to, ours was like a clock pendulum anyway, the second section was on a 4 seat chair that seemed much more stable, how people get on and off those with ski’s and sticks without breaking a leg before getting on to the snow I don’t know.We then continued up Mount Ruepehu to the sky line (above some late snow) to 2170m.We had a fantastic view both on the way up and at the top of The Pinnacles and the plains below where some of the “Lord of the Rings” was filmed and the mist and cloud around us lent a mysterious air to the surroundings.I did see a Hobbit hole and Orc footprints and at one point I fully expected Gollum to jump out!We are now on our way to Wellington to catch the ferry to the South Island.After our exertions of the day, we have stopped at a small country camping ground where all we can hear are birds, sheep and the river close by, should sleep well tonight.
Monday 24th March 2008
Wellington (222 Km).We had a phone message yesterday from Brian and Judy the couple we met at Lake Waikaremoana who live in Wellington inviting us to spend some time with them touring their city and having a barbeque afterwards at their house.We had a tremendous time with them, Brian driving us around the city and harbour then to the bays around the city before motoring up Mount Cook to the viewpoint for some photographs.It is such a vibrant city so much to see and do for all ages.We then went to their house for the barby, Brian and I and Judy and Jenny having a great chat, we seem to all have so much in common and you would have thought we had known each other years instead of just a short time.We were most impressed with the work Brian is doing in their garden to return it to all New Zealand native flora.We also enjoyed Judy’s home made Pavlova (Sorry Judy there is none left for tomorrow).We are indebted to Brain and Judy for making us so welcome and we look forward to keeping in touch with them both in the future.
Tuesday 25th March 2008
A bit of a late start today, something to do with Brian’sKawakawa leaves (something only Brian and Judy will understand).However, we caught the bus into the city, having metLes and Heather from Christchurch (originally from Selly Oak and Geordiland respectively)at the bus stop and by the time we had completed our 20 minute journey to the city centre had invited us to their house when we reach Christchurch.Real friendly people these Kiwi’s.On arrival we walked all the way along the harbour front.I was quite tired at the end of our walk, I think it was something to do with all those joggers, skateboarders, cyclists etc. as just looking at them exercising made me short of breath, (after our efforts on Sunday climbing part of Mount Ruepehu we shouldn’t feel to bad). We continued our walk along the harbour front stopping for a fish lunch, I had Snapper and Jenny tried Butterfish 2 species neither of us had tasted before and which we both enjoyed.We then continued into the shopping area to try and buy some Teva walking sandals, mine becoming deceased a few days ago (they were 9 years old!) I couldn’t find any the same, surprise, surprise, and the ones we did see seemed very expensive so will try again in the South Island.Judy had suggested a ride up to the Botanical Gardens in the Cable Car so we spent the afternoon looking around the cable car museum at the top and the gardens.We would have liked to have visited the observatory but unfortunately it was closed for renovation.A ride down in the cable car and a walk to the bus stop to return to the Motel (which has adjacent facilities for motor homes) just 5 minutes away from the “Interislander” ferry terminal, has ended our visit to the North Island of New Zealand.We will not try to put into words what we think ofour visit here, suffice to say we have enjoyed it immensely, the people have been so friendly, the scenery spectacular and so diverse and apart from a couple of wetter days at the start, we have had endless days of sun and cloudless sky’s.Looking forward now to the South Island, join us there for more of our nomadic wanderings.
All images on this website are copyright of Alan and Jennifer Morris and may not be used without prior written permission.
