Black water rafting in Waitomo Caves. What is that you ask, well it's putting on a wet suit, finding an inner tube that fits your bum and going into a cave to ride the water through the cave. We spent the morning today inside a cave looking at glow worms and bumping down the stream inside the cave on our inner tubes. Cold and wet, yes but exilerating and different yes. I will add the pics later as getting late and very tired. Today we drove from the caves over to the west coast, Kawhia, and climbed a black sand dune to view the west coast. A local surfer told us if you take a shovel and at low tide dig a hole in the sand near low tide, you will be rewarded with a hot pool. Now this we have not seen mentioned anywhere. The beach was remote but wide and long, no crush of people here. From here we meandered to Taurnga on the east coast. Our thoughts were to find some where to camp up for two nights. No chance as it is the local iron man competition this weekend. All accommodation booked up 50km north and south. Bummer. Still we went for a ramble in the town along the beach and got soaked in a short down pour. Still our spirits are high and we move along. OK so we managed to book into Katikati 50km or so up the road. A pleasant motel but only for one night. A good meal at the local hotel, write up the blog and bed. Tomorrow not sure where we will be as we do not want to back track or end up in Auckland just yet.
Spare a thought for our friends in Carnarvon, they are being hit by a second flood in as many weeks. How lucky we are to be where we are.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 9
Today our wanderings have taken us from Lake Taupo to Waitomo Caves. The route we chose took us to the south of the lake and then north west. The country side never ceases to please the eye with the lush green pastures, healthy looking cattle and the grazing sheep. The roads are good with adequate sign postings and frequent over taking lanes. The shortage of straight stretches of road is well and truly made up for with twists and turns, up and downs. The small towns we drove through appear to have a thriving community with activity evident in most towns. In general they all look tired with the buildings showing their age. Very few of the shops appear vacant and the agricultural suppliers look well stocked. We still are enjoying the scenery and the driving. Tomorrow Waitomo caves and black water rafting then on to who knows where!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 9
Rotorua is a very interesting place. There is more than steam, there is history, tradition and people. The motel we stayed in last night was very average but trying to find a place at 7:30 in the evening is never easy. Still it was clean and the beds were OK. Pamela has developed a back problem so today we found a physio to help out. After securing a booking we started to look at the steam vents around town and the mud puddles. All very hot and the familiar smell of sulfur. In the town their are vents but only small ones.
From the town centre we went to a Maori village on the fault line that runs through town. Here we experienced Maori culture, learned a little more about their history and viewed the geysers. The ones active in the area are here and now only blow at a reduced rate but all the time. An interesting fact, the fault line running through NZ is the same fault line that runs through Mt Etna, so any activity there is felt here.
The singing and dancing was very enjoyable and also very spiritual. All movements and words have a history or are linked to stories from old.
From here we went to the Blue and Green lakes. This part of NZ is surpassing the other areas we have seen for a different kind of beauty. The wooded hills, the thick forest, the many lakes all make up for a tremendous experience.
This picture shows the last volcano to erupt in NZ. About 100 lives were lost and a village that was covered in ash has been preserved as a tourist attraction.
We now turn our attention to the road south. We head for Taupo. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in NZ and possibly Australia. We viewed it from a look out on the outskirts of town and it is majestic.
We drove into town and started to look for accommodation. A little more difficult than thought but we find a hotelier who is willing to search for a place for us. We lock in a Motel further down the road and head to our over night stay. It's close to the lake and we have a short walk before settling in. Soup and wine for dinner, another fine NZ wine. So far every wine has been very drinkable. Not sure if the travelling helps the pallet!
Tomorrow of to Waitomo Caves area and prepare for black water rafting.
From the town centre we went to a Maori village on the fault line that runs through town. Here we experienced Maori culture, learned a little more about their history and viewed the geysers. The ones active in the area are here and now only blow at a reduced rate but all the time. An interesting fact, the fault line running through NZ is the same fault line that runs through Mt Etna, so any activity there is felt here.
The singing and dancing was very enjoyable and also very spiritual. All movements and words have a history or are linked to stories from old.
From here we went to the Blue and Green lakes. This part of NZ is surpassing the other areas we have seen for a different kind of beauty. The wooded hills, the thick forest, the many lakes all make up for a tremendous experience.
This picture shows the last volcano to erupt in NZ. About 100 lives were lost and a village that was covered in ash has been preserved as a tourist attraction.
We now turn our attention to the road south. We head for Taupo. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in NZ and possibly Australia. We viewed it from a look out on the outskirts of town and it is majestic.
We drove into town and started to look for accommodation. A little more difficult than thought but we find a hotelier who is willing to search for a place for us. We lock in a Motel further down the road and head to our over night stay. It's close to the lake and we have a short walk before settling in. Soup and wine for dinner, another fine NZ wine. So far every wine has been very drinkable. Not sure if the travelling helps the pallet!
Tomorrow of to Waitomo Caves area and prepare for black water rafting.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day 8
Today we drove south to Auckland to collect Mum. We traveled via the coast road from Russell to Whakapara via Helena Bay. The single most noticeable thing was the volume of boats in nearly every bay. They range in size from small yachts to medium sized motor boats.But boats everywhere, each bay just as wonderful as the last and just beautiful to view. Strange people here though, we nearly ran over joggers who run on the road, in the middle of the road and on the side of very narrow roads, does not seem to be any thought for their own safety or other road users. Our car did the job but noticeable lack of power on the hill stages. The road from there to Auckland we have traveled so nothing new. After collecting Mum, on the road again heading for Rotorua. We by passed Hamilton and went via Cambridge. The trip was very reminiscent of the area around Scottsdale in Tasmania or Moor River in South Africa, all very picturesque, green and lush. The area looked like it could grow everything and well. We made it into Rotorua late in the afternoon, found a motel that suited our requirements, not very flash but where we can be together for the night. A quick look around the town, dinner in an Italian restaurant then home to get ready for tomorrow. No pictures today as most over old ground. Tomorrow Rotorua.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 7
Today we went on a boat-beach- heli cruse. It involved each of the above and it was Pamela's Christmas present and as such it was a surprise. We started with a hearty breakfast at our accommodation then headed to the Russell wharf to await collection by boat for our day away. our boat was waiting and we were the only passengers so off we go. we have a brief tour of a few of the 144 islands with a little history lesson as we go. We see the place Captain Cook anchored.
We land on an island with both ends privately owned and the center in public care.
We then head for our own beach for the day. Now considering the amount of boats and people here at present, our skipper did very well to find us a beach that was deserted. Unfortunately we did not have it all to our selves as boats soon mored off the beach and filled the area with the sounds of children having fun.
Later our lunch was delivered, a feast of many courses delivered in a brown paper bag. We then continued to enjoy our beach, the sun, cool water and the view until 2:30. Our boat returned and took us to their floating heli pad off on of the adjacent islands. From there we flew over some of the islands viewing the Hole in the Rock and other wonderful sights.
The hole is large enough for sizable pleasure craft to go through. The pilot also informed us the helicopter will fit through but fortunately he did not take us through. Back we headed to the main land, across the bay from Russell, Paihia,and the end of our day.We took the ferry back to Russell and settled down for the remainder of the afternoon. Dinner was burgers and a fine NZ red eaten on the veranda of our accommodation.
Another fabulous day in NZ. Tomorrow back to Auckland, pick up Mum and head south to who knows where.
We land on an island with both ends privately owned and the center in public care.
We then head for our own beach for the day. Now considering the amount of boats and people here at present, our skipper did very well to find us a beach that was deserted. Unfortunately we did not have it all to our selves as boats soon mored off the beach and filled the area with the sounds of children having fun.
Later our lunch was delivered, a feast of many courses delivered in a brown paper bag. We then continued to enjoy our beach, the sun, cool water and the view until 2:30. Our boat returned and took us to their floating heli pad off on of the adjacent islands. From there we flew over some of the islands viewing the Hole in the Rock and other wonderful sights.
The hole is large enough for sizable pleasure craft to go through. The pilot also informed us the helicopter will fit through but fortunately he did not take us through. Back we headed to the main land, across the bay from Russell, Paihia,and the end of our day.We took the ferry back to Russell and settled down for the remainder of the afternoon. Dinner was burgers and a fine NZ red eaten on the veranda of our accommodation.
Another fabulous day in NZ. Tomorrow back to Auckland, pick up Mum and head south to who knows where.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 6
We set off early after saying goodbye to our Auckland hosts. Craig and Karen have made us very welcome and we would recommend anyone wanting to stay in Auckland to try and book here. They helped in small ways like getting mum to the front door of our unit, to do this they allowed us to drive over the lawn to our front door. They loaned us a map book of Auckland that proved in valuable. The end cost for our stay was way less than expected helped by the high AUD$.
The road north has the only toll road in New Zealand, a $2 toll but how to pay it is the issue. The small section does not have toll booths, you have to prearrange payment or pay after over the phone. The other alternative is to take an alternative route, nearly the same distance but slower so this was our choice as it also let us see more of the country. Good roads most of the way up but down to one lane so a little slower. We deviated off our track to enjoy a recommended hot water mud spring baths at Ngawha. Sign posts a little vague but we got there. The mud pools were at varying temperatures from cool to very hot. We found one that suited our liking and enjoyed the soak. It all had an unusual aroma, not a stink like sulphur but close. We both felt relaxed after showering and our skin felt soft.
We go on to Paihia to find the town is full of holiday makers and it is packed. After driving around for some time we find a parking space and head off for a bite of lunch. On the way I book our activity for tomorrow. Lunch in a small café turned out to be a wonderful steak and nacho’s. We tried new local beers and both OK. Down the coast to Opua and the ferry to Russell. Our accommodation is very flash in an old world way. Our room looks over the bay with the afternoon sun streaming in. We walk into Russell, all of 200mtr and wander around. David, our host had recommended the local boating club for a Sunday roast and we booked. It turned out to be good wholesome home cooked type food, just what we both needed. Another walk into town then home to prepare for tomorrow. I hope it will be special as it is Pamela’s Christmas present.
Day 5
Today we spent our day looking around Auckland, spending time with relatives and doing tourist things in the city. We collected cousin Sandra and went to the museum. Worth a look and the show put on by the Maori displaying their culture was very interesting. We learned a little about their liking for dance and song. Also a brief insight into the use of traditional weapons and the tools used to assist in the training.
From there we wandered into the south western suburbs to visit other cousins. Of again to visit other friends in the northern side of the city. Looking at the different areas shows so many architectural styles, all very interesting. We return home later in the evening but still day light as the day light saving allows us to make the most of the light. Tomorrow off to Russell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
