Spring in New Zealand

Greetings from Aotearoa!

We've survived another 3 week lock down in Auckland.  Although this one was fairly hassle free other than mandatory mask wearing on public transportation or in stores, we couldn't rent a car to leave the city.  Thankfully, we are again free to roam New Zealand as the country has contained all covid-19 cases successfully yet another time.  Hooray for the Kiwis!!  

For the next month we are covering new ground on the lower half on the North Island.  Our first stop took us to Hamilton to see this small town's famous garden.  Originally, the land was a trash dump but in the 60's work began to landscape the area into the beautiful spot it is today.  This garden specializes in showcasing the various gardening styles used throughout the world over the ages.  Funded through donations and grants, this garden is already impressive and has plans for continuous expansion over the next decade. Driving rain forced us to leave early so we'll revisit the area later in October on our way back north.

Mediterranean Style

Classic Indian Garden

Japanese Garden

The old man in the forest is carved on tree roots

Mt. Taranaki was the next item on our bucket list.  This grand volcano is a snow covered beauty standing 8,261 feet high.  It last erupted in 1755 and offers more than 125 miles of walking trails.  Summit attempts require snow/ice gear and true mountaineering expertise.  We hiked the north and east side enjoying completely different views when the clouds parted.  Evenings provided the clearest skies for full views of the mountain.

Mt Taranaki from our kitchen window during sunset

Weather changes quickly up here

Made it to above timberline

Goblin forests line the trails

Dawson Falls

New Plymouth is a thriving community which has majestic Mt Taranaki in its backyard and a fabulous shoreline in its front yard.  We had a beautiful warm and sunny day to do the coastal walk along the Tasman sea.  This shore line is rocky and wild while also providing some excellent surfing waves. Some interesting art pieces along the walk add a surprising air of sophistication to this smallish town.

All the beaches are black sand here due to the lava from Mt. Taranaki

 On clear days, the bridge frames the mountain for perfect pictures

A stone Maori totem

Who can resist this picture set up!

Can you say Chunky Monkey!

Stay tuned for our next blog which is going to showcase some of the fabulous flowers of spring here on the North Island.  Wishing you all a colorful fall.

Hugs to all!

Cheryl & Dan


 




 



Comments

  1. Gary BOctober 3, 2020 at 6:10 AM

    So it seems that during lockdown you guys enjoyed the food but didn't get to take those energetic walks very much.
    Hahahaha

    ReplyDelete

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