Saturday, January 26, 2008

Kawhia to Whanganui

The first stop on our jaunt was Kawhia, a costal settlement famed for its hotwater pools that can be dug out at low tide.
We could only spend a few minutes at a time in the boiling pools before having to cool down in the surf.

Next up was an unscheduled stop at Waitamo, where we set out for a walk at dusk along the river, taking in some caves and glow worms along the way.


The following day we took the leisurely Surf Highway around Mount Taranaki. Not many people, but plenty of cows!




For a bit of refreshment we called in at the CAMRA approved White Cliffs Brewery for a sip of Mike's Mild Ale.



The journey along the Whanganui River road was full of interesting curiousities.








We thought Greek relatives may appreciate these signs!




Friday, January 25, 2008

The Big River

Two tremendous days were spent in the Whanganui National Park, home of the emerald-green waters of the 329km long Whanganui river...

A rainy start to the trip did not spoil this wonderous view from the tranquil river lodge we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves...

breakfast time at the lodge...

Mike on the famous Bridge to Nowhere...




curly koru in the bush...






getting weary on our 4hr canoe down stream we did go through rapids!!! and we did capsize!!! all very traumatic but very exhilerating....












Mountains

The pinnacle of our holiday was climbing Mount Ruapehu (2797m) in the Tongariro National Park...

staying at the luxurious Chateau Hotel nestled at the foot of the monutain...




watching out for eruptions on the volcano, last one being only in Sept last year...


Were following in the footsteps of the ledgendary Sir Ed scaling the mountain tops...




Mike making snow angels and hitting me with snow balls...















Jo the intrepid one steps out onto a rocky outcrop about 2300m up..ahhhhh!!!!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

KareKare

Today we went out to Jo's favourite place KareKare (meaning boisterous waters) on the West coast, these are some of things we did and saw...



We swim in the waterfall pool...



















Mike got battered body boarding in the sea...





wonderous west coast cliffs...



silky, swirly seaweed...



whopping wavey waves....






crusty crabs and startling starfish





Friday, January 4, 2008

New Year sunny days

Most of the new year has been spent on the west coast hanging out on the beach...





Mike hitting the surf...



Checking out the bird life...




exercising Zoe the dog...

evening picnics with mates watching the sun go down...



certainly starting the year as we mean to go on...