Wednesday 20th March

We travelled Clockwise round the Taranaki Volcano (South from a New Plymouth) today. The volcano was completely obscured by cloud to begin with. The clouds moved across the top and we managed a few photos of the summit.

First stop was Dawson Falls. You ascend the volcano via road up Manaia Road near Kaponga. The road is easy to climb by car and walks up to the volcano are clearly marked. We parked up nearby the falls and followed the path. It went very steeply down the mountain side with uneven deep steps. There was a viewing platform above the Dawson Falls.

We decided to bite the bullet and descend to the bottom of the falls. Even more very steep steps to climb down, but it was worth the effort. The sun was blazing down and that made it difficult to photograph but this is what I managed.

The walk/climb back up was something else! But proud I did it all. The Dawson waterfall has a 18 metres drop.

We called for lunch by the coast at Opunake, this is a quirky little town with a few shops and pubs. Back along the surf highway.

At Cape Egmont we saw the lighthouse. We hoped we would be able to see the volcano behind the lighthouse but the cloud had obscured the mountain again.

It didn’t take long to reach New Plymouth and we sat in a park above the South Bay enjoying the sunshine. There are conical islands just out to sea. If we walked the New Plymouth coastal walkway from here we could get to our motel and beyond the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge but it is a very long pathway!

We are both very tired today, our travels are catching up with us I think. Soon be home and time to rest then.

xxxxx

We are now at New Plymouth in Taranaki. NZ

The journey from Taupo took us through Lord of the Rings landscapes. We followed huge hills and gorges with cliffs, through the “middle earth” of North Island to the coast at. Here we stopped to see the 3 Sisters. We were lucky the tide was out and perfect to view them. They are 3 stacks out to sea and you can reach them at low tide.

You walk along the river bed and out to the sea. We had help climbing down to the river. 2 men held out their arms to help us down over huge boulder rocks. We walked along the sand. Surprisingly it is black volcanic sand,as the cliffs are white and yellowy.

We had to paddle over the stream to reach the beach and then as we turned the corner we saw the 3 sisters rocks ( it looked about 5 sisters to me!) There are arches, caves and stacks to explore. The reflections in the wet sand were lovely.

did you see grandad?

“On the North Taranaki coast, near Tongaporutu, you can see two (formerly three) 25 metre rock formations known as the Three Sisters. Another spectacular formation called Elephant Rock once stood alongside the sisters, before losing its trunk to erosion in 2016.

Interestingly, there were four sisters at the turn of the century, but the sea is claiming them one at a time.”

It reminded us of at the end of the Golden Bay in the South Island. We stayed there quite a while until we felt the tide had turned and was coming in quickly so we walked back along the river to the boulders and up to the carpark.

The journey from here still was very picturesque as we weaved through the hillsides. As we again reached the coast it was flat and lots of farms with cattle mostly.

New Plymouth has a lot of things to offer and after we had checked in to our motel we went to the newish bridge by

“New Plymouth’s Te Rewa Rewa pedestrian/cycle bridge is a tied arch bridge and has a clear span of almost 70 metres and is part of the award-winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.

Spanning the Waiwhakaiho River, its iconic form represents the sacred relationship between the land, sea and wind with the Ngati Tawhirikura tribe.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge opened on June 5, 2010 “

Although the visibility towards the Taranaki volcano wasn’t too good, we got some good photos. We are going to go back at other times to see if we can capture the iconic image we wish to photograph.

Our time in NZ is beginning to slip away. 3 nights here and then 1 in Hamilton on the way to Auckland area for a week before we fly out 30th March.

It seems a long time since Christmas in Thornbury! Xxxx

I copied and pasted info today, it was much easier 😅🤗🤗💕💕💕💕

Monday morning, clear blue skies fluffy clouds and a breeze, what more could you ask for on an Autumn morning in NewZealand…

We travelled to a small village and harbour called Kinloch at the north of the Lake. There was a beach and lots of trees and grass. It was so peaceful and relaxing there, we sat in the shade and watched the clouds and water lapping on the lakes’ edge. There were a few black swans and a heron at the entrance to the marina. Perfect….. I can just imagine Louis Otis Xavi and Alice climbing on that red climbing frame.

We came back to Taupo to check on the boat times to see the Maori rock carvings. Before we had time to consider we were told a boat was about to leave and they would wait for us. Grandad hurried to pick up the cameras from our car and I got on the boat! What a surprise for us. We had a wonderful time on there. The ship we sailed on was originally a steamship The Ernest Kemp.

Then we had an hour an a half round trip covering Taupo end of Lake Taupo up to the Maori carvings just beyond Acacia Bay and Jerusalem Bay. It was so enjoyable we wished we could have stayed aboard for another couple of hours.

It was 2pm when we got back and we went to a restaurant for pizzas and tea/ milk shake.

I managed to get my hair cut too so our last full day in Taupo was very productive. It is still hot, just cool first thing and when the sun goes down in the evening.

Desperate to see you all very soon, send me some pics of the children please. Good luck writing up your dissertation Anona, thinking of you all ….. xxxxxxxxx

Today we went on a bus and a boat trip and then a hike;to explore the youngest geothermal system in the world.

It was a 45 minute drive from Taupo towards Rotorua. If you remember when we were in the Bay of Plenty we came over this way and saw a buried village and waterfall. This is the other side of that lake and right in the huge caldera of the Okataina volcano.

We bought a ticket for both the walking tour and the boat trip. There are buses running down to the lake Rotomahana and back up to the cafe at Waimangu. You have the choice of 3 stops to walk to to catch the bus. So the way we did it…. First we took the bus all the way to the lake and boarded the boat. We were the only passengers! Then after the boat trip we got on the bus and returned to the top for lunch. Then we walked all the way down to the lake and bussed back again. Phew!

So first the boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana:

We were in the Taupo volcanic zone part of the New Zealand Pacific “ring of fire”. The molten rock is only a few kilometres below the surface. The whole area was born from and dated from the volcanic eruption within Mount Tarawera. On 10th June 1886. At this moment the lake grew bigger, the area was covered with mud and many people died. New springs of boiling water appeared and sadly beautiful pink and white salt terraces were destroyed for ever.

On the lake we saw hot streams, volcanic rock walls of many colours, steaming cliffs, fumerole steam vents and geysers.

Next the hike down the mountain:

Walking steeply down to the lake, we saw the whole area of the mountain with craters and pools of differing colours due to the algae, a crystal wall and terraces, geysers, bubbling springs of boiling water, creeks and stalagmites, Rift Valley and wetlands surrounding the lake.

5.3kms is the distance we walked. The geology was spectacular.

We both really enjoyed the whole day. It came to about £36 each( $70 for seniors).For both the walk and cruise. Not too bad for all we saw was it?

Hope you like the photos It has been an amazing day xxxx

I’ll end with the Huka waterfall and Taupo, We went there again last night and did a bit of the walking tracks along the river down to the falls.

Such a sad day in New Zealand today after the reality of the massacre in the 2 mosques in Christchurch is found out.

Our hotel is next to the Islamic Centre in Taupo. As we set off there were already several bouquets of flowers outside. When we returned there was a garden of tributes laid there.

We travelled round the east side of the lake and on route 47 to Whakapapa ski field. We were here 3 years ago and then we went up the ski lifts right to the top of the volcano. This year it is no longer in operation. There are major works going on up there in the ski village and improvements being made and no ski runs. The visibility wasn’t too great this morning but I managed to get a few shots of the volcanic rocks and skylines. It is a bleak but fascinating environment. The vegetation gradually dies away as you ascend up the road.

Do you like the steaming hillsides?

We went to the visitors centre in the National Park and then called back at Turangi. (We stayed at Turangi 3 years ago)

Back in Taupo there are lots of sports and races going on. Yacht racing and Ironmauri.

Many many motorbikers passed us on the way round the lake. That was scary…… and noisy! Is this a Saturday thing I wonder?

Before I stop writing I forgot to show what we met on the road over to Taupo from Napier. 2 houses being moved along the road ….incredible!

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We left Napier this morning. We feel much better. Mann Tours back on track….

The journey from Napier to Taupo follows the highway 5 along the Thermal Explorer Highway. We travelled through the Tarawera forest where we stopped for coffee at Tarawera. This is the half way point along the road too. We loved seeing the hill ranges all along. It is a pretty, and long, hilly road. After Rangitaiki you reach a plateau with volcano hills and steaming hillsides. Then you see a view of the huge Lake Taupo.

We had an early brunch and a rest. There was an arboretum close by with views over the town and lake so we spent some time there and had a little walk along the lemon tree walk.

We looked on the map and found that Huka Falls was quite near so we went there. Wow it was impressive. There was a viewing platform and then further along the road you can park up and walk a short way to cross over the river below the falls.

The water flowing over the rocks sounds terrifically loud. It is absolutely worthwhile going to see. It is all fenced off for safety and there are cycle and walking paths along the river and towards Taupo.

About 200,000 litres of water plunge nine metres every second. On the way back to Taupo there are thermal springs and the water is carried along in huge pipes to geo thermal power generation plants.

Our motel is a five minute walk away from the main shopping area and the town is full of restaurants and shops.

Early evening we walked down to the small harbour and beach at Taupo. We found they are doing the kiwi version of IRONMAN….. Ironmaori. The bikes were all there in readiness and swimmers were being timed for the swimming

We are here until Tuesday.

And…. I’m in heaven in our bathroom is our own washer and a tumble drier…. I’ll be washing clothes every day…. it doesn’t take much to make me happy…

Pleased to hear Matthew Blandine Louis and Alice are coming to stay over Easter and Louis staying for a week by himself afterwards, how lovely xxxx

Ps   You will have heard the terrible news of murders at the 2 Christchurch mosques this afternoon. Hundreds of children were in the centre of the city too demonstrating about climate change. Their parents must also be so worried . New Zealand is in shock.

Today our last day in this area we didn’t do that much. We explored the town and shops and had a coffee break.

Then we went down the Marine Parade and stood on the small jetty in the sea.

Next we went to the coastal reserve we visited yesterday ……

 

and then onto a honey visitor centre! Arataki honey opened in 1944 It is in Havelock North and has free entry and tastings.

We learnt all there is to know about bees and bee keeping. There were bees in hives to see. We tasted 8 different kinds of honey.

Blue borage and Manuka honey were our favourite. They all had a slightly different taste. Of course there was a shop selling everything bee, honey and beeswax related. It was a good place to visit.

Tonight we walked along the historic harbour near our motel. Hope you like the pics.

Dad and I have not been feeling too well since we visited the gannet colony. We’ve picked up a virus like flu. Can you catch bird flu so quickly? Only joking! So we haven’t explored so much as usual. Hopefully we will feel much better tomorrow as we travel inland onto Lake Taupo. We are staying at the lake for 4 nights.

More news tomorrow xxxx love to my beautiful grandchildren, missing you xxxx

Today we went to the Art Deco centre and joined a group to tour the town.

It started off with a half an hour long video all about the town just before the 1930s earthquake, the actual earthquake and immediately afterwards. There were stills and videos of everything and it was very interesting. Then our guide took us around the main streets pointing out Art Deco of shop facades and interiors. We viewed the inside of a few times of the buildings too.

Here are some of the many photos I took….

Afterwards we sat outside a cafe in the shade. 29*c today and humid.

We knew there was an amazing viewpoint not to miss beyond Hastings above Havelock North called Te Mata Park. So that’s where we went to next. 399metres high with views over Heretaunga Plains and Hawke’s Bay including Napier.

The views were 360* and the road goes right to the top of the cliffs. We parked up just short of this. There were different walks to do but not today. It is too hot and they are really hilly.

Back along the coast we stopped at a wetlands reserve. There is a Maori compass marked out to follow where the stars rise and set in the sky, along with Maori carvings too.

There were not many birds out there today but sometimes there are spoonbills so we must go back before we leave.

It is raining on and off now but it’s supposed to be very dry and hot again tomorrow.

This sculpture is called the Spirit of Napier

Today we travelled to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

Gannet Safaris are based in Te Awanga and we left our car there and went on their mini bus to the Gannet Colony.

You travel 7 miles over private farmlands to reach the colony. Our driver, Graham told us all about the history of the land we travelled over; from when Captain Cook named the cape Cape Kidnappers to present day. It was so interesting to hear about the families who had owned and worked the land. The present owner is a billionaire who has created a top class golf course up there with accommodation and facilities costing mega bucks to stay there.

The road is tarmacked up to the golf course but gravel there after. The land is covered in steep gullies and hills. The bus climbed along scary bends with very deep drops. We stopped to view the coastline at the top of the sheer cliff. A very recent cliff rock fall has closed the beach to the public. You could walk 5 miles to the colony along the beach, up to January this year, then they had to stop this for safety. So now the only way to get to the gannet colony is by Gannet Safari buses.

There were 3 colonies. You could see the other 2 in the distance. There were so many birds and chicks. It was noisy and very smelly. It was difficult to get good shots as you couldn’t photo individuals and they were moving so much. Anyway here is a taste…

We enjoyed the whole morning it was so entertaining.

After lunch eaten near the closed off beach we went to the motel for a rest. Since then we’ve popped into Napier and wandered along the sea promenade. Tomorrow we are going to see the Art Deco buildings in town and explore inside some of them.

Hope the weather is getting less windy now for you, pleased we missed that. Xxx

As we left Gisborne this morning it was bright sunshine, the rain almost gone….

This is a butchers shop I just had to photo before we left.

We had set off early and decided to revisit the Mahia Peninsula on route to Napier. The skies were brighter but the tide was in so not much rock pavement was to be seen. We still enjoyed the scenery though and went as far as the gravel roads.

After we passed the Wairoa lagoons we stopped for lunch at a cafe near to Mohaka…. I’d had enough of Wairoa pancakes 😉😏!

Mohaka has the tallest viaduct in Australasia. The road passes underneath it. There were no opportunities to stop and take a photo, sorry. We passed very steep valleys and gorges and cliff faces. The road wasn’t too difficult though and seemed to follow ridges with views either side and in through valley bottoms.

We are now in Napier and quite close to the sea and beach, port and wetlands all close by. The mosquitoes have already bitten me they didn’t take long to find me. I thought we’d got rid of biting insects!

Tomorrow we are going on a trip to a gannet colony, that will be different!

Hope you are all doing well and can’t wait to see you all soon xxxx