Category Archives: Mountains

Mt Tongariro

Apr252017

Posted in Geology • Geothermal • Mountains • Nature • North Island • NZ

Not one, but three volcanoes

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Anne here…

Wow my first “active” volcanos, with smoke coming out of a fumerole on Mt. Tongariro just to remind everyone that they aren’t dormant yet.

Mt. Ruapehu

Mt. Ruapehu

The views were genuinely amazing and stunning. On Mt. Ruapehu there was also a helicopter working very hard, moving building supplies in preparation for the winter ski season. The helicopter was particularly impressive when silhouetted against the blue skies.

Mt. Ngauruhoe

Mt. Ngauruhoe

Belinda and I had a very pleasant lunch half way up Mt Ruapehu. Paul, Chris and the kids caught two ski lifts and had lunch at the top.

The more classic volcano shaped mountain is Mt Ngauruhoe and the third volcano is Mt Tongariro. All of which are situated in the Tongariro National Park.

Click on any of the smaller photos for a bigger view.

Mt. Ruapehu

Mt. Ruapehu

 

Mt. Ruapehu

Mt. Ruapehu

British and NZ cousins

Apr202017

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

A Second Family Reunion

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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

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

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

Bay of Islands

Apr52017

Posted in Beaches • Geology • Mountains • North Island • NZ • Travel • Weather

Bay of Islands

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Anne here again…

Wednesday today.

And we have dodged heavy rain showers all day. But the scenery on State Highway One through Northland was absolutely spectacular. Far more hills and scoria cones (we think) – whatever a scoria cone is (I married a geologist) – than I expected.

And now we are sat in the loveliest apartment,  with the most spectacular views of the Bay of Islands, with balcony doors open listening to waves crashing gently on the beach.

And the best bit…We are here for three nights.

#betterthanworking