Hamilton Gardens (07 January 2008)

We had time to visit the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. We enjoyed the Paradise garden collection which had garden themes from different places and times. Lorena in the Chinese Scholars garden.

John in the English flower garden.

John, and through to the Japanese garden of contemplation.

Together in the Italian Renaissance Garden.

Lorena in the Indian Char Bagh garden.

Well, unfortunately the trip is practically over. On the 8th we drove to Auckland, returned the campervan and flew home. There is still plenty to see if we can manage to return one day. For the moment though - back to work!

Waitomo caves (06 - 07 January 2008)

We visited the Waitomo caves and saw the amazing glowworms. Floating on a boat in the darkness of the cave, it was like looking up at a starry sky - incredible.


No photos allowed inside so we snapped these at the exit.


The next morning we took a look at the Aranui cave, a more traditional experience of stalagtites and mites. Large and impressive.


Our time is running short now. A visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi house & Native bird park was worthwhile. Then we trundled northwards to Hamilton.

Tongariro Crossing (05 January 2008)

The Tongariro Crossing is perhaps the best one day walk in New Zealand. I wanted to give it a go although at 18.5 km including 800m+ of climbing - it sounds like a challenge. The forecast was good, the daypack well stocked, we caught the bus to the start point and off we went. An hour later and we are about to start the climbing (up the saddle behind us).

The volcanic landscape was really impressive. Crossing the "South Crater". We kept our eyes open for Orcs - this is the land of Mordor!


Almost the highest point and a good view of Mt Ngauruhoe, or if you prefer - Mt Doom!

A steep descent which Lorena was not too happy with and then we arrived at the Emerald lakes.


The walk took us 7 and a quarter hours although we had to run at the end to catch the bus. Just made it! A good day.

Note for non-film buffs: Some of the Lord of the Rings movies was filmed not far from here.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland (04 January 2008)

We went to see the famous "Lady Knox Geyser" that erupts daily. We sat for a while with about a hundred other people looking at a small white "volcano" and waiting. Then an attendant arrived, made a short presentation and poured some soap into the spout. Shortly afterwards she blew! Bizarre. (Technical explanation available on request!)


We walked all around the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to see and smell the thermal experience.


Sulphur pools and bubbling mud were the order of the day.


Well, it was all interesting but we are a bit "thermalled out" now. It was refreshing to visit the clean, powerful and fresh Huka falls near Taupo.

Rotorua (03 January 2008)

"The sulphur city" of Rotorua is a fabulous place, both beautiful and smelly! We parked by the lake.


And then took a walk along the lakeshore to stretch after the long drive.


The museum, and the gardens around show a typical english style.


The thermal "Blue Baths" were a welcome relax.

Opononi and the Kauri forest (01-02 January 2008)

We drove our "Maui" across to Opononi and parked in the local trailer park. Breakfast by the beach and then a short drive to Pakai hill.

From the lookout there is a good view of the west coast and Hokianga harbour.


A short distance south is the Waipoua Kauri forest which have many impressive Kauri trees. This one is the "Te Matua Ngahere" (the father of the forest) with a trunk over 5m in diameter and about 2000 years old.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (01 January 2008)

The Treaty House behind us has a special place in New Zealand history. It was here that the British Empire and the Mauri tribes signed their treaty of understanding.


Nearby, Lorena in front of the Meeting house - built in 1840 to commemorate the centenary of the treaty.


John in front of a 35m long Maori war canoe, modelled after the canoe in which the Polynesian navigator Kupe discovered New Zealand.

Now it is time to head west, there is much to see and not enough time!

North to Bay of Islands (29-31 December 2007)

We collected our "Maui" campervan in Auckland and headed northwards (along with many other holidaymakers). Our first stop was the Goat Island Marine reserve.

We took the glass bottom boat trip around the island and saw plenty of fish and stingrays.

At Whangarei we stopped to stock up on supplies for the camper. Here we are at the local falls - a nice lunch spot.


Finally the Bay of Islands, what a lovely place. On the beach at Russell.


Our campervan lumbers along, it is a bit slow and we try not to block up the traffic too much. Oh, another Maui, a friendly wave exchanged. We feel like the trip is really underway now, travelling to new places and seeing new things.

Auckland (27-28 December 2007)

We flew to Auckland, New Zealand for a short holiday. A chance for both of us to see the North Island. Here is Lorena with the city behind.


We took a ferry across to Rangitoto Island and walked to the top (260m) to see the view. John on the track up.


We also saw a view of the city from the sky tower - the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere! It's a long way down!

Our Memories of 2007

We had a great year, both settling into our new home and doing some more traveling together. We have made new friends, renewed old acquaintances, spent time with family and been to new places (both locally and overseas!).

Here are our 2007 memories.

Christmas (25 December 2007)

Christmas was full of celebrations (as always). This year we visited some friends for Christmas Eve and stay with the family on the 25th.

Here a photo to remember Christmas Day.
From L to R (front): Jake, Grant and Tilly.
From L to R (rear): Bruce, Mary, Lorena, Diddi and John.