Oh dear...definatly behind schedule now. We came across the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands and not knowing quite what it was all about decided to stop. Well, it was a place not to be ignored and most of the morning and well into the afternoon was spent reading about the Maori history, walking around the grounds and watching a culture performance.
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| Woodcarver |
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| A giant Kauri tree stump |
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| Ceremonial War Canoes |
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| Treaty House and flag pole |
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| Meeting House |
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| Huka greeting |
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| A chief was chosen from the audience who then had to accept the gift thrown on the ground. |
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| Then came the culture performance |
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| our poor attempt at looking scary! |
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| The treaty |
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| Treaty House |
During our visit, we had a brilliant view of the Tall ship race. Not sure if the boats can all be claimed as tall ships but were very entertaining to see the start.
Having left well after 3 pm it was a mad dash to the west coast. First was a stop at the 'dump site'. All the vans have grey water holding tanks and the contents discharged only in designated areas. Not all the sites have this facility but along the tourist routes one can usually be found, Kawakawa being one of them. And blow me down if it was also the town where a steam train runs straight down the centre of the street! How lucky were we to be there just as it trundled past the dump site!
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| Wasn't quite quick enough with the camera |
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| Stopped at the station for a look |
An email by Sandra
(Are and Are) recommended a trip to Hokianga Harbour. A place called Opononi. Very glad we went as what a fabulous place and one where we decided to stay for the night.
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| Not a bad place to stay don't you think? |
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7 comments:
I'm not sure what your travelling plans are but if travelling south of Auckland you might want to consider the following unique locations
Hot Springs Beach - http://www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/hot-water-beach/
Waitomo Caves - http://www.waitomo.com/#section1
Rotorua - http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/home.aspx
You're making us homesick!
Hi Irene and Ian, Glad to see you are getting the whole experience - the haka is pretty impressive, isn't it - and probably familiar to you if you are rugby fans from the opening of the All Blacks' games.
Glad to see you've had some good weather up north and I hope it continues as you make your way down the island.
See you sooner or later here in Waikanae!
Cheers, Marilyn
Hi Tom and Jan, Sandra from AreandAre suggested Coromandel and we have just arrived. Hoping to do the Creek Railway as well as the drive across country on the 309 dirt track. Hot Springs was also on the agenda as was Rotorua. Not sure about the Caves. Keep the suggestions coming as we would love to do some of 'the out of the way' places.
Hi Marilyn, We are having a ball and loving your country. Just so much to do. So hope to get to you before you have to disappear for a few days. Will let you know nearer to the time. X
Hello you two. Been following you adventures and know you've been in touch with Marilyn over on the Kapiti coast. How long are you in NZ?
We arrive on 22nd. Fear you may have gone by then though.
Roger & Pat
The Cat's Whiskers
Hi Roger, We have three weeks here on North Island before taking the ferry across to the South Island. If you arrive on the 22nd we may still be here. Will try to let you know nearer the time.
My hope is that you two and Roger and Pat can all get together at our place in Waikanae, Irene and Ian.
I'm at home in Waikanae from Saturday 14 Jan to Monday 23 Jan inclusive. After that I am in Hokitika for a few days, then we're visiting friends in Carterton for the weekend 28 and 29 Jan) and then have another couple of friends staying from 30 Jan to 2 Feb.
Let's see what can be arranged!
Cheers, Marilyn
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