Blog Archives

Horseback riding on Auckland's west coast

5/21/2014

On May 21, 2014, Jody and I went horseback riding for two hours on Auckland's west coast. There was much variety in our ride as we rode along the black sand beach, as well as into the dunes and forest surrounding the coast. I even got to trot AND canter (scary). Jody was positively thrilled as she has missed riding and misses her horse, Magic. This was a great end to my trip north as this afternoon I was on a plane heading back for Wellington while Jody remained in Auckland continuing her refugee research at local schools.

Me on a horse.

Journey's happy end.

1 Comment

Auckland

5/19/2014

0 Comments

Jody and I had fun walking around Auckland. Finally, some pictures of civilization for a change.

The famous Sky Tower at night as seen from our hotel room.

0 Comments

Trip to the Waitakere Ranges and then on to Auckland.

5/18/2014

0 Comments

On May 18, 2014, Jody and I left our chalet in Thames and traveled to our next stop, Auckland. On the way, we made a side trip to the Waitakere Ranges, the site of dramatic seaside cliffs and black, volcanic sand.

As we leave the chalet, Jody takes a picture of Fall leaves on the parking lot. We haven't been used to this in a long time.

We arrive at the Waitakere Ranges and have a picnic lunch on a beautiful green sward. To the left is the hidden beach and the Pacific.

Jody and I encounter a beautiful waterfall and hike up and around a mountain before venturing out to the beach and cliff area.

Where's Waldo? (Jody)

Sometimes I feel so so small.

Black, deep, volcanic sand.

0 Comments

Trip to the Hot Water Beach and to Cathedral Cove

5/17/2014

0 Comments

On May 17, 2014, Jody and I took a day trip to the Hot Water Beach and to Cathedral Cove, all along the Coromandel Pennisula. Again, beautiful weather and scenery.

As we leave, Jody gets a good shot of our chalet, second building on the right.

Where do these "nubby" mountains come from?

"On the Road Again!" Jody took a picture of me waving from the rental car. Note the steering wheel on the right.

We arrive at Hot Water Beach.

For two hours before low tide and two hours after, beach enthusiasts descend upon Hot Water Beach, dig out little spas for themselves in the sand, and plop down to enjoy water that, if you're not careful, will scald you.

Believe us, this is some HOT water that Jody and I are standing in.

A great little cave I found along the beach.

Starting the hike down to Cathedral Cove.

The old man and the sea.

Cathedral Cove!

I was moved.

Jody was so moved she began speaking in tongues :-).

0 Comments

Trip to Coromandel Peninsula.

5/16/2014

0 Comments

On May 16, 2014, Jody and I "bid adieu" to Hamilton for our 90 minute road trip to our waiting chalet in the town of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula. What a fabulous chalet. I thought we were on our honeymoon. The chalet was located high atop a hill overlooking the peninsula with an entire glass wall overlooking the water. A simply breathtaking view.

I swear, I don't know where they get these mountains - "Here come old flatop, he come groovin' up slowly...... Come Together - The Beatles

The view from our chalet room.

Our own private balcony overlooking the peninsula.

On our last night at the chalet, a cold one temperature-wise, we went out to the hot tub under the Milky Way that was clearly visible and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing, HOT, soak. Despite the chalet being filled with guests, we were the only ones enjoying the hot tub. Really nice!

After settling in at the chalet, Jody and I took a road trip to nowhere along the peninsula just to see what we could see. Not exactly a place to sunbathe on the beach, that is, unless you love rocks.

Sorry, but I just can't get enough of these green and blue colours.

0 Comments

Another Road Trip - First Stop - Hamilton

5/15/2014

0 Comments

On May 12, Jody flew to Hamilton on the North Island to conduct interviews at local schools. On May 14, I took a 9 hour bus trip to Hamilton to join her. It was a delightful trip through the bottom part of New Zealand's North Island, traveling north from Wellington to Hamilton. On the way I again passed many of the same sites we saw on our last road trip to Taupo. Our brief stay in Hamilton included a walk through their botanical gardens which were quite extensive and included areas devoted to different countries. The Fall colors were simply fantastic to these colour-starved eyes used to mostly nothing but green in Sarasota, Florida.

I love a country filled with whimsy and an appreciation for Lewis Carroll.

0 Comments

Dancing at Supreme Dance in Wellington

5/3/2014

0 Comments

Last night Jody and I danced for the first time since arriving in NZ at Supreme Dance in Wellington. A great group of people. Here is Jody walking toward me after winning the big prize - a HUGE Cadbury chocolate dairy milk bar.

0 Comments

Return to Zealandia - a night tour and citing of the elusive nocturnal Kiwi, the New Zealand National Bird.

5/2/2014

0 Comments

On Friday, May 2, Jody and I returned to Zealandia for a night tour. It was a great evening with a terrific nature guide. And, we finally got to see the Kiwi in their natural habitat. They can normally only be spotted at night and we used red flashlights to see them, hence the red-tinted picture.