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Northland
Waitomo, Taupo, Coromandel
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Land of the long white cloud - week 2
Wednesday 12th.
Wet, and far too rough to take a tourist boat ride out on the harbour, so we took the car ferry to Russell. Quaint little town, lots of old buildings. Spent some time looking at the beaches, and exploring the town.
Thursday 13th.
Big expedition to Cape Reina, the northernmost tip of NZ. Early rise, 6am to drive to Kaitaia for a 8.45 start. Took a bus tour with Sand Safaris. 10 tourists on the medium sized bus. Travelled north to Gumdiggers park, where we learn the history of gum digging in NZ. The gum cam from buried kauri trees, which were in swamp. The gum came form the roots and the top of the tree, and was used to make varnishes. It was a young form of amber. The Dalmations came out from Europe, and were the main gumdiggers. Like all pioneer stories, life was very hard.
Then continued north to the white sand Rawara Beach, very nice, white sand is a novelty here, then to Tapotupoto Bay for lunch (sandwiches and muffins). Next stop was Cape Reina, where we did the 20 minute return walk to the lighthouse, and saw the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.
On the return trip, we stopped at the Te Paki sand dunes, where the younger travellers tobogganned down the sandhills, before driving down 90 mile beach. The trip finished at the obligatory tourist centre, where we admired the overpriced souvenirs.
Finally, the hour and a half trip back to Paihia, after an excellent day, with NO rain.
Friday 14th.
Another fine day, and the seas even looked calm, but we were heading south. Headed
down the highway, then deviated out to Tutukaka, near the Poor Knights Islands, which is supposed to have excellent diving. Far too cold for Peter to consider diving though.
In Whangerei, we stopped at the falls,then continued on south. Evening found us at Waiwera, which was a Thermal resort town. Stayed in a cabin at the resort, and took the waters, before heading to the pub for dinner. Waters was a big complex with pools of different temperatures, so you could choose how much you wanted to cook. About 40 degrees suited us.
Saturday 15th.
Headed through Auckland on the motorway system, then deviated to the West Coast to check out Raglan, a nice little holiday village, bigger than many we had seen. The rain bucketed down while we were there, so backtracked on the bitumen, to Waitomo Caves, staying at the Youth hostel for 2 nights.
Sunday 16th.
Went to the caves, avoided the abseiling, flying fox, blackwater rafting expedtion,
and instead did a trip where we went down a river in a raft and stayed dry!! Sat
back and watched all the glowworms glow, very impressive. In the afternoon, drove
down to the coast, did a couple of short walks on the way, to a natural bridge and
some waterfalls.
This is sheep country, and the hills are very steep, and unlike Australian sheep, the kiwi sheep were dotted all over the hills. They seem to like to fence straight up the hill, and access for the farmer is very difficult. They seem to use quad bikes,and would need some good dogs.
Monday 17th.
Back on the move, to Taupo. Picked up some cheap accommodation here for a few days
in a timeshare resort. $99 for the week, will only stay 4 nights. On the drive over, stopped for morning tea at a small town, and found the cheapest baker, $1.50 each for a sausage roll, apricot slice and custard slice. The onwards towards the
lake. At the south end of the lake, saw steam rising from the hills, and investigated. Stopped at a small town and went on a thermal walk, past rising steam and bubbling mud. Next stop Turangi, at the southern end of the lake, which claims to be the trout capital of the world. Peter started salivating. Continued up the east coast of the lake to our accommodation, very nice. Asked about trout, found out you cannot buy them, even in a restaurant, you have to catch them yourself. Peter was not impressed. Walked around the town, which has lots of outdoor and sports shops.
Highway 1 runs through the town, and there was a big traffic jam, so must be horrendous when it is busy. They are building a bypass road though.
Tuesday 18th.
Looked at some of the local sights, Huka falls which is controlled outlet from Lake Taupo, which is very low at present, so minimum flow only. But there are 8 hydro
power stations downstream, so they have to let some out. Apparently supplementing
the power with some from the south island. and a new geothermal power station has
just opened.
Took a walk around the "Craters of the Moon" thermal area, saw more steam and bubbling mud.
Wednesday 19th.
Headed off to Rotorua after a cold night. It was clear at Taupo, but still clouded in at Rotorua, so we went to the kiwi park, and saw our first kiwi. No chance of seeing them in the wild. quite cute to look at, but not cute at all in nature.
By midday the sky was clear, headed up the lookout to find that there was a restaurant there, and view was not open to the public. Had our lunch at the lake.
On the drive home, drove through some more thermal valleys, stopped at some mud pools, and a public swimming stream. Nice warm water there, and some young swimmers, but quite smelly.
Having a good time though, glad we have warm accommodation, as it is freezing at night.
Wet, and far too rough to take a tourist boat ride out on the harbour, so we took the car ferry to Russell. Quaint little town, lots of old buildings. Spent some time looking at the beaches, and exploring the town.
Thursday 13th.
Big expedition to Cape Reina, the northernmost tip of NZ. Early rise, 6am to drive to Kaitaia for a 8.45 start. Took a bus tour with Sand Safaris. 10 tourists on the medium sized bus. Travelled north to Gumdiggers park, where we learn the history of gum digging in NZ. The gum cam from buried kauri trees, which were in swamp. The gum came form the roots and the top of the tree, and was used to make varnishes. It was a young form of amber. The Dalmations came out from Europe, and were the main gumdiggers. Like all pioneer stories, life was very hard.
Then continued north to the white sand Rawara Beach, very nice, white sand is a novelty here, then to Tapotupoto Bay for lunch (sandwiches and muffins). Next stop was Cape Reina, where we did the 20 minute return walk to the lighthouse, and saw the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.
On the return trip, we stopped at the Te Paki sand dunes, where the younger travellers tobogganned down the sandhills, before driving down 90 mile beach. The trip finished at the obligatory tourist centre, where we admired the overpriced souvenirs.
Finally, the hour and a half trip back to Paihia, after an excellent day, with NO rain.
Friday 14th.
Another fine day, and the seas even looked calm, but we were heading south. Headed
down the highway, then deviated out to Tutukaka, near the Poor Knights Islands, which is supposed to have excellent diving. Far too cold for Peter to consider diving though.
In Whangerei, we stopped at the falls,then continued on south. Evening found us at Waiwera, which was a Thermal resort town. Stayed in a cabin at the resort, and took the waters, before heading to the pub for dinner. Waters was a big complex with pools of different temperatures, so you could choose how much you wanted to cook. About 40 degrees suited us.
Saturday 15th.
Headed through Auckland on the motorway system, then deviated to the West Coast to check out Raglan, a nice little holiday village, bigger than many we had seen. The rain bucketed down while we were there, so backtracked on the bitumen, to Waitomo Caves, staying at the Youth hostel for 2 nights.
Sunday 16th.
Went to the caves, avoided the abseiling, flying fox, blackwater rafting expedtion,
and instead did a trip where we went down a river in a raft and stayed dry!! Sat
back and watched all the glowworms glow, very impressive. In the afternoon, drove
down to the coast, did a couple of short walks on the way, to a natural bridge and
some waterfalls.
This is sheep country, and the hills are very steep, and unlike Australian sheep, the kiwi sheep were dotted all over the hills. They seem to like to fence straight up the hill, and access for the farmer is very difficult. They seem to use quad bikes,and would need some good dogs.
Monday 17th.
Back on the move, to Taupo. Picked up some cheap accommodation here for a few days
in a timeshare resort. $99 for the week, will only stay 4 nights. On the drive over, stopped for morning tea at a small town, and found the cheapest baker, $1.50 each for a sausage roll, apricot slice and custard slice. The onwards towards the
lake. At the south end of the lake, saw steam rising from the hills, and investigated. Stopped at a small town and went on a thermal walk, past rising steam and bubbling mud. Next stop Turangi, at the southern end of the lake, which claims to be the trout capital of the world. Peter started salivating. Continued up the east coast of the lake to our accommodation, very nice. Asked about trout, found out you cannot buy them, even in a restaurant, you have to catch them yourself. Peter was not impressed. Walked around the town, which has lots of outdoor and sports shops.
Highway 1 runs through the town, and there was a big traffic jam, so must be horrendous when it is busy. They are building a bypass road though.
Tuesday 18th.
Looked at some of the local sights, Huka falls which is controlled outlet from Lake Taupo, which is very low at present, so minimum flow only. But there are 8 hydro
power stations downstream, so they have to let some out. Apparently supplementing
the power with some from the south island. and a new geothermal power station has
just opened.
Took a walk around the "Craters of the Moon" thermal area, saw more steam and bubbling mud.
Wednesday 19th.
Headed off to Rotorua after a cold night. It was clear at Taupo, but still clouded in at Rotorua, so we went to the kiwi park, and saw our first kiwi. No chance of seeing them in the wild. quite cute to look at, but not cute at all in nature.
By midday the sky was clear, headed up the lookout to find that there was a restaurant there, and view was not open to the public. Had our lunch at the lake.
On the drive home, drove through some more thermal valleys, stopped at some mud pools, and a public swimming stream. Nice warm water there, and some young swimmers, but quite smelly.
Having a good time though, glad we have warm accommodation, as it is freezing at night.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Land of the Long White Cloud
Thursday 6th
The flight to Auckland with Aerolineas Argantinas was basic, plane was a bit rattly, and there was no music or movies. But, there was a cheese and onion roll and a slice of cake for lunch, and free wine, soft drink and coffee, so can't complain. The fun began at Auckland airport, where we queued with the other arrivals (about 5 planeloads), as the alarms were sounding in parts of the airport. After about an hour, (alarms still going off), they decided to process us all, and immigration and customs were swamped. On the bus into town, the driver told us that a workman had cut through a gas main. They are building a big hotel at the airport.
Our hotel in Auckland located near the ferry terminal. It was an older style hotel, but the room had a harbour view. wotif makes life so easy for the traveller. Across the road from the hotel was Viaduct Wharf, which was redeveloped as the home base for the America's Cup syndicates. Only the NZ team there now. There are 2 ex NZ America Cuo yachts (which you can go out on). Also lots of other large yachts and boats and the largest gin palace we have ever seen. There is also a huge marina.
Lots of cafes and bars at Viaduct wharf as well.
Friday 7th
Took the free city loop bus around town for a bit of an orientation tour. Walked through the park neast Auckland University, which was holding graduation, and there were lots of graduands in academic dress. Bit like Sydney, lots of up and down when walking. Walked back through the city down to the wharf. After lunch, we took a harbour cruise, Auckland has a magnificent harbour, sun shining.
Later that afternoon we went to the rally. WRC (World rally championship) were holding the Rally of NZ. Their cars were parked on Queen's wharf near our hotel, but the special stage was at the domain (a big park in Auckland). Caught a shuttle bus out there, peak hour traffic was horrendous, so the driver let us out on the far side of the park, and we walked up and over a couple of hills to get to the track. It was a single lap, timed stage, starting with WRC cars, then moving on down to local raly drivers.
Back in town, we ate at a Chinese barbecue restaurant. Excellent value at $20 for 2.
Saturday 8th.
Jucy rentals picked us up at our hotel, and drove us to their depot where we picked up our Suzuki Swift, our car for the rest of the holiday. We headed north, to our destination of Paihia, Bay of Islands. Our accomodation is good, one bed apartment high on the hill. The scenery is lovely here, and Paihia is a tourist town, with lots of accommodation and cafes. They had a Country Rock festival on, so we had some free entertainment while we checked out the shops, and had a pizza for dinner. Unfortunately it also started to drizzle.
Sunday 9th.
The drought has broken, apparenly they have not had rain for months, but it is forecast for most of the week. Checked out the tours, and got ideas about where to go. Water based activities definitely off the schedule for a few days. Went for a drive for a look around, decided to stay on bitumen roads only, and ended up at Kawakawa, a town famous for its public toilets, the only southern hemisphere building designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasswer.
Monday 10th.
Weather still coming from the east, so headed west to the Wairere Boulders, basalt boulders which have flutes etched into them by the acid in the kauri trees. water drips off the trees onto the boulders. Apparently the only place in the world where fluted basalt boulders exist. Next stops were on the Hokianga harbour, at Rawene, Oponini and Omapere (huge sandhills on the northern banks) before heading to the Waipoua forest to see Tane Mahuta, the tallest kauri tree in NZ. Truly magnificent, very Avatar. Much bigger than any we have seen before. Also walked to the Four Sisters, 4 kauri trees growing from one base. Weather Ok, the odd drizzle, but some sunshine. Drove home via Dargaville. About 300km for the day.
Tuesday 11th.
More rain, planned an easy day today. Drove to Kerikeri, the nearby "big town". Stopped at the Stone Store, an old mission building. Lots of old mission buildings around here, heavily Maori country. Drove out to Kerikeri inlet, but disappointed there was no public access to the water, which is lined with mangroves. Bought lamb shanks from the butcher, and fresh veges from a roadside stall. Had to borrow an electric frypan from the resort, as none of the pots supplied were big enough to cook them in. Peter bought some sashimi. He is forcing himself to eat smoked salmon and sashimi, as they are plentiful and reasonably priced.
The flight to Auckland with Aerolineas Argantinas was basic, plane was a bit rattly, and there was no music or movies. But, there was a cheese and onion roll and a slice of cake for lunch, and free wine, soft drink and coffee, so can't complain. The fun began at Auckland airport, where we queued with the other arrivals (about 5 planeloads), as the alarms were sounding in parts of the airport. After about an hour, (alarms still going off), they decided to process us all, and immigration and customs were swamped. On the bus into town, the driver told us that a workman had cut through a gas main. They are building a big hotel at the airport.
Our hotel in Auckland located near the ferry terminal. It was an older style hotel, but the room had a harbour view. wotif makes life so easy for the traveller. Across the road from the hotel was Viaduct Wharf, which was redeveloped as the home base for the America's Cup syndicates. Only the NZ team there now. There are 2 ex NZ America Cuo yachts (which you can go out on). Also lots of other large yachts and boats and the largest gin palace we have ever seen. There is also a huge marina.
Lots of cafes and bars at Viaduct wharf as well.
Friday 7th
Took the free city loop bus around town for a bit of an orientation tour. Walked through the park neast Auckland University, which was holding graduation, and there were lots of graduands in academic dress. Bit like Sydney, lots of up and down when walking. Walked back through the city down to the wharf. After lunch, we took a harbour cruise, Auckland has a magnificent harbour, sun shining.
Later that afternoon we went to the rally. WRC (World rally championship) were holding the Rally of NZ. Their cars were parked on Queen's wharf near our hotel, but the special stage was at the domain (a big park in Auckland). Caught a shuttle bus out there, peak hour traffic was horrendous, so the driver let us out on the far side of the park, and we walked up and over a couple of hills to get to the track. It was a single lap, timed stage, starting with WRC cars, then moving on down to local raly drivers.
Back in town, we ate at a Chinese barbecue restaurant. Excellent value at $20 for 2.
Saturday 8th.
Jucy rentals picked us up at our hotel, and drove us to their depot where we picked up our Suzuki Swift, our car for the rest of the holiday. We headed north, to our destination of Paihia, Bay of Islands. Our accomodation is good, one bed apartment high on the hill. The scenery is lovely here, and Paihia is a tourist town, with lots of accommodation and cafes. They had a Country Rock festival on, so we had some free entertainment while we checked out the shops, and had a pizza for dinner. Unfortunately it also started to drizzle.
Sunday 9th.
The drought has broken, apparenly they have not had rain for months, but it is forecast for most of the week. Checked out the tours, and got ideas about where to go. Water based activities definitely off the schedule for a few days. Went for a drive for a look around, decided to stay on bitumen roads only, and ended up at Kawakawa, a town famous for its public toilets, the only southern hemisphere building designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasswer.
Monday 10th.
Weather still coming from the east, so headed west to the Wairere Boulders, basalt boulders which have flutes etched into them by the acid in the kauri trees. water drips off the trees onto the boulders. Apparently the only place in the world where fluted basalt boulders exist. Next stops were on the Hokianga harbour, at Rawene, Oponini and Omapere (huge sandhills on the northern banks) before heading to the Waipoua forest to see Tane Mahuta, the tallest kauri tree in NZ. Truly magnificent, very Avatar. Much bigger than any we have seen before. Also walked to the Four Sisters, 4 kauri trees growing from one base. Weather Ok, the odd drizzle, but some sunshine. Drove home via Dargaville. About 300km for the day.
Tuesday 11th.
More rain, planned an easy day today. Drove to Kerikeri, the nearby "big town". Stopped at the Stone Store, an old mission building. Lots of old mission buildings around here, heavily Maori country. Drove out to Kerikeri inlet, but disappointed there was no public access to the water, which is lined with mangroves. Bought lamb shanks from the butcher, and fresh veges from a roadside stall. Had to borrow an electric frypan from the resort, as none of the pots supplied were big enough to cook them in. Peter bought some sashimi. He is forcing himself to eat smoked salmon and sashimi, as they are plentiful and reasonably priced.
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