New Zealand Holiday Tour

Apr232017

Posted in Geology • Geothermal • Lord of the Rings • Nature • North Island • NZ

A very busy day around Taupo

Anne here…

Three of today’s four activities, Paul and I had done on our last visit. But we had loved them so much last time that we were happy to repeat them.

For me, the power of thousands of litres of frothing, whirling, ice blue water hurtling through Huka Falls was just as moving and surprisingly emotional the second time. I find the sheer power of the Falls totally mesmerising.

Craters of the Moon

Then the geothermal landscape around Taupo is spectacularly shown off in “The Craters of the Moon” boardwalk trail. You walk through a harsh steamy landscape, with the smell of sulphur in your nostrils, marvelling at huge craters and bubbling mud pools. The sun shone; it was very hot.

Aratiatia Rapids

Then a quick detour to watch the opening of the Aratiatia dam sluices. The water company open the sluices three times a day just to amaze tourists and help attract visitors to the area. A siren blasts four warnings which heightens the anticipation. There are several excellent viewing platforms. The dam gates open and a frothing torrent of water fills the empty ravine. It is awesome and generates gasps of amazement. It is also a Lord of the Rings film location.

Finally the adults finished the day with a very welcome relaxing soak in two huge warm/hot geothermal pools while Amelia and Ben played in an aqua-park and on aqua-slides. It’s a hard life being on holiday ?

Apr222017

Posted in Culture • North Island • NZ • Travel

The Goldfields Railway

By Paul Thomas

Anne here…

Friday today. Today was a day of travelling from the Coromandel to Taupo.

L&P bottle in Paeroa

During our road trips we have seen some interesting Kiwiana: including a ginormous L&P bottle and a giant sheepdog in Tirau. We have seen loads of stunningly beautiful countryside. And a few landslips “slips” caused by Cyclone Cook.

Today we broke our journey at the Goldfields railway station in Waihi and had a return journey in an open topped train carriage, pulled by an diesel train engine. The children particularly enjoyed it as whenever the railway line ran along side the road, all the cars and lorry drivers would toot and wave.

Apr222017

Posted in Beaches • Nature • North Island • NZ • Scenary

The Coromandel Peninsula

By Paul Thomas

Anne here…

Three years ago, it was a rushed visit to the Coromandel. This time we had a lot more time to explore a bit more and really appreciate its beauty.

We rented a house in Hahei with the most stunning views and slept, with the windows open, listening to the waves crashing gently on the beach.

The walk to Cathedral Cove is one of the most popular activities nearby. But the description on TripAdvisor underplayed the steepness, up and down, of the path. My FitBit calculated that we walked the equivalent of 53 flights of stairs.
But we made it. Just! And it was worth it. Looking through the gigantic stone arch into Cathedral Cove was a classic view and very beautiful. The whole bay with blue sea and islands dotted around, drew regular gasps of appreciation from all of us.

Hot Water Beach

Then in the evening we went to Hot Water Beach. It was both magical and very surreal. The sun was just starting to set, and bathed the beach in a lovely soft light. Most of the beach was empty apart from a few hardy surfers. But then in one fairly small area there were about 80 to 100 people – strangers – all clustered together, digging holes in the sand!

Hot geothermal water flows just under the surface, from cliffs at the back of one part of the beach. In the right places, you can dig into the sand at low tide and easily fill a pool in the sand with either pleasantly warm, or scaldingly hot geothermal water.

Hot Water Beach

There is lots of laughter and community spirit as friends and strangers share the very surreal experience of very hot water running down a beach into the sea. One of life’s memorable moments. I loved it.

Once the sun had set, Paul preferred the absolutely awesome view of the Milky Way and Jupiter in the inky black sky.

Apr202017

Posted in Mountains • Nature • North Island • NZ • Scenary

A Second Family Reunion

By Paul Thomas

Anne here…

After a lovely day on the beach with Chris, Belinda, Amelia and Ben, we then had a second really special reunion with Kate, Max, Zac and Ross. It was quite emotional to see them again. We are so blessed to have so many special people out here in New Zealand.

So obviously we celebrated… with all ten of us going to a restaurant in Raglan for good food and good wine. A truly memorable evening.

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Then all ten of us got together the next morning for coffee, before all heading off to the magnificent Bridal Veil Falls. After all the recent rain, it was really spectacular.

Then sadly Kate and family had to say goodbye to us all too quickly. But we will cherish our short time with them long after we return home.

But it wasn’t all bad news. We are so lucky to be able to spend the rest of the holiday with Chris, Belinda and the family.

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Apr202017

Posted in Beaches • North Island • NZ

“Holiday by the Beach” house – Raglan

By Paul Thomas

Anne here…

For the first two weeks, Paul and I were very much in “touring holiday” mode. Today was all about moving to “family beach holiday” mode!

The sun shone and shone and sparkled on the water. Our rented beach house was right on the waters edge. We scrambled around the estuary at low tide – Amelia and Ben investigating rock pools. Then Paul, Belinda and the kids went off kayaking at high tide. I curled up in a warm corner with a book.

Suddenly sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Hooray.