Category: New Zealand

Is the fabulous Maori name for the Fan Tail, a wee bird that frequents todays Nydia Path, a 10mile saunter to our walk in (or boat in) eco-lodge destination. Most of the time is spent on undulating paths going over a saddle between bays and in lush forested/fern cover. The variety is astounding, as are the sizes they grow to.

We had stopped in Havelock en-route. Famous for mussels and the birthplace of Ernest Rutherford.  So far we have not seen too much evidence of a mass movement of people by motor home.  The Jucy Lucy variety look fun: Lucy certainly gets around.

Fording a few streams we arrive at the delightful Nydia Bay – First Class Carriage awaits.

Plenty of time to take in the changing landscapes, flatter and more limestone river basins.

This comes to a steep end at Wellington where the Australasia and Pacific plates meet. Great place to build a city. The Te Papa gallery illustrates the development of NZ and the forces at play. The land grab by the colonialists in the 1800s is only slightly less shocking than the illustration of the deforestation, started by the Maoris and driven to completion by settlers. That’s why we now enjoy NZ lamb, merino, wine….

Much amusement is to be had en route passing through the township of Bulls. For example, the signposting of the police station: constabull.

And then onto via a very smooth crossing to South Island. Confusingly, where we land is no further south than where we left.

Early morning departure to get ahead of the crowds on this popular 19.4km tramp. We didn’t get ahead of the weather though which descended in moist waves as we ascended. You can appreciate why the Maoris believe these peaks are sacred – and fight to maintain their dignity. The adult in me tut-tuts at the number of kids going along in trainers and no gear: so good they were enjoying themselves and to hear their laughter at the end.

The scale of the geological forces at play is hard to take in. The 45degree slither down one loose path is the most difficult of the undulating day.

The local chateau was our supper point. Faded glory hadn’t impacted on their beer prices: the only draught coming from the doors.

Short hop to Wai-o-Tapu, sitting gurgling on the top of one of the world’s biggest volcanoes. The largest eruption in the last million years was here. Not today though, so photos are of more prosaic geothermal pools and gurglings, with a pervasive H2S background.

Day started with a fantastic cafe breakfast. Back of beyond location and huge healthy choices. Set us up nicely so the digesting sounds were muffled by the mud pools. Before lunch in Taupo, which is preparing for this weekend’s Iron Man event (shame, missed entering), the voracity of the waterfalls (200000litres per minute) draining the crater are hard to take in.

Wifi here is both sporadic and limited amount for free. So come back for updates as photos and links may get added as and when.

Rail strike (RMT) so roads out of city are very busy. Property pressures mean that smaller (affordable) developments start to ribbon the highway. Soon though we are on a flat agriculture plain, then small undulating hills, running parallel with a rail to trail cycle way. Very much like typical UK lowland landscapes. The rain also made us feel at home.

Somewhat bizarre and pleasant stop at the guide’s Mum’s (farm) house for coffee. Great waves of friendly tanned wrinkles. Then onto collect a “cabinet” lunch happily digested by the side of the blue lake. So called as it, and it’s neighbouring green lake, shows the colours of the minerals. Today they are both rain grey. Pleasant walk shows off the native trees. These contrast well with the redwoods we meandered through later – an import that didn’t quite reach the expected heights.

Today’s destination is Rotorua. Here the Maoris’ show and feast proudly samples their rich heritage. This includes the geothermal pools and some tentative geysers. A volcanic start to the tour.