finding fresh water

In our sporty little car, we took the scenic route from the West coast of the North Island to the East, making a stop in Taupo. We experienced the sheer force of the Waikato River at Huka Falls, which gushes 200,000 liters of water every second (enough to fill an olympic swimming pool every minute).

Huka Falls, Taupo

Taupo, with a view of Lake Taupo

While the town wasn't much to see, we found ourselves a gorgeous little bay - Whakaipo Bay - where we were able to take in gorgeous views of the mountains and walk along the beach looking for pretty rocks. We enjoyed an afternoon swimming in the crystal clear fresh waters (despite all the gorgeous beaches, we still prefer the fresh water to the salt stinging our eyes).

Whakaipo Bay

Lake Taupo

After a perfect afternoon, we continued eastward to Napier through timber country, passing timber farm after timber farm, which then gradually also gave way to some sheep farms and deer farms and then vineyards.

View from a moving car on the drive from Taupo to Napier

reconnecting at the center

From the Coromandel, we headed away from the endless beaches to Hamilton, enjoyed a lovely Valentine's Day dinner in the downtown, walked along the river, and listened to jazz in the gorgeous Hamilton Gardens (with roses and flowers in full bloom!).

The Waikato River running from Lake Taupo through Hamilton

The Hamilton Gardens

One of the many bridges crossing the river (and one of Sonja's favorites)

We then headed west to check out the black beaches of Raglan and watch surfers ride the waves alongside the volcanic rocks lining the shore. One paddle boarder even thought to drag his dog out into the waves with him in an attempt to wear him out for the day - though we thought the dog would be exhausted, we heard him come ashore with the comment, it won't be enough to tire him out.

Raglan Beaches at Manu Bay

We then drove back eastward to Pirongia, a small town south of Hamilton for a little taste of Austria hidden in the rural New Zealand landscape. We reconnected with friends after 20+ years, watched some olympic skiing, and tried on fun colorful hats before heading out for the east.

Hat Blocks! (most of which were made by Peter)

Hats with Monkia and Jennifer

For complete photo collection, visit the NZ ALBUM

happy valentine's day

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day from New Zealand!

Hearts on Hahei Beach

We kept heading south, checking out another funky pottery before leaving the peninsula and heading to Hamilton.

Views at the funky pottery

driving the coromandel

After a wonderful time in the northland, we stopped in Mairangi Bay and headed south of Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula to experience more breathtaking views. The road around the edge of Coromandel was very narrow and wound through arched trees and up and over mountains and around little inlets.

The walkway on Mairangi Bay

Surf School in Mairangi Bay looking in the direction of the Coromandel Peninsula

Heading south with another quick view of Auckland

Views on the Coromandel Peninsula

Manaia Harbor

After a beautiful drive to the north of the peninsula, we stopped in Coromandel Town and saw the Diving Creek Railway and Pottery, known for its little train that goes up into the mountain to get clay but is now primarily a tourist attraction. We arrived just before closing so we didn't ride on the train but enjoyed walking around the grounds of the pottery decorated in the eclectic haphazard style of an eccentric potter.

We then continued to the east side of the peninsula and spent the evening in Whitianga, cooking a lovely dinner on the barbecue and walking along the beach.

Whitianga - Mercury Bay

Sunset over Whitianga

Day two on the peninsula, we were excited to explore the area, join the crowds of tourists digging pools on hot water beach to enjoy the hot steamy water below the sand, and make the trek out to cathedral cove.

Hot Water Beach

The view in the direction of Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove

The trek to and from Cathedral Cove

For more photos, visit the NEW ZEALAND 2014 album

the northland

Yet another lovely day to explore the beautiful country side and see unique landscapes and treasures along the way! We started out at the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves not far from Kerikeri, where we saw a really neat cave with worms making it look like the night sky. The grounds surrounding the cave were filled with really neat rock formations, so we enjoyed walking around before heading off to find more exciting boulders halfway across the Northland.

Kawiti Caves (no photos were allowed inside)

Around the Caves

We found our way to the Waitere Boulders at the end of a 15km dirt road and were greeted by none other than, Rita, just as promised in the brochure (sadly Felix was nowhere to be seen). While our introduction to the area was a little less than orthodox, the boulders lining a tannin tinted river were an impressive site and great times were had.

Fluted Basalt Rocks

Crocodile Rock Step

Fun Wood

We continued westward and had a lovely lunch at the Boat Shed right on the Hokianga bay and drove to the tip of the bay to see the two contrasting sides, one lush green and the other bright sand dunes. We walked along the barnacle decorated beach, enjoyed looking at the colorful worlds within little pools, and collected far more rocks and drift wood pieces than a normal trio would want to lug around.

The view toward the sea from Hokianga Harbor

Seaside Pools

Hokianga

With one final site to see, we left the sunny beach and drove into the cool kauri forest to fine Tane Mahuta, the ~2000-year-old Lord of the Forest Kauri Tree. While not the tallest tree I've ever seen, it was certainly the widest (with a 13.8m (over 45 ft) circumference) and had nearly a whole forest growing in its canopy. Though only a short walk from the road, the forest transported us far from civilization.

Tane Mahuta - Lord of the Forest (this photo doesn't do it justice)

For all photos, view the ALBUM

bay of islands

We arrived to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands and had a lovely stay with Deb and Mike! We slept well with the pouring rain and awoke to a gorgeous day! We saw Rainbow Falls, Matauri Bay, walked to the Rainbow Warrior, enjoyed the lovely downtown and relaxed on the deck with a great view!

Rainbow Falls

Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay

The following day we got to take a day sailing the Bay of Islands on Mike's boat, Gungha II. The wind was blowing and the views were amazing! We sailed all morning, stopped mid-day on a gorgeous island, tried some snorkeling, and then returned to the boat, saw some beautiful Bay of Islands bottle-nosed dolphins jumping out of the water, and navigated our way back through the islands to Opito Bay before heading back to the house for a relaxing evening, delicious food, and great company!

The following day we explored further around the Bay and went a little further north to Matai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula. We saw more gorgeous sites, swam and relaxed in a perfect aqua bay (mom even got her calm waters for a swim) and found some funky sites along the road. 

kiwis growing on the vine

the oldest stone building in New Zealand

Matai Bay

Matai Bay

Karikari Beach, on the other side of the peninsula from Matai Bay

The Jandal Fence

For more pictures, visit the ALBUM