Know for being the most Easterly point, Gisbourne is first to see the sunrise every day, and also the place where Europeans first landed in NZ. At the top of Kaiti Hill is an old observatory, such a shame this is now closed as it no longer meets earthquake standards. The coastline here is rugged and beautiful.もっと詳しく
From Gisborne had a beautiful drive through the gorge to reach Whakatane. This was a planned stop to break the journey, but turned out to be a bit of a gem. Lovely wild beaches and a stylish town with great cafes and restaurants. In the centre of the town is a large rockface of spiritual significance.もっと詳しく
On to Rotorua, a hotbed of geothermal activity. The thermal parks were incredible to see, and close by there is a Redwood forest and tree top walk. The forest is realtively young, planted in 1909 after almost all of NZ native trees, the Kauri, were logged. Only a few examples of the native trees now remain. The highlight of the trip was a dip in Kerosene Creek - a hot river and waterfall - Bliss !もっと詳しく
From rotorua to Lake Taupo, a large lake and a very trendy town. A good place to shop, but also some great sights to see. Visited The Craters of the moon, an eery, steaming thermal landscape, and the powerful, icy blue Huka Falls. Everywhere in NZ its possible to experience the power of nature and the Earth in a very authentic and connecting way.もっと詳しく
The beautiful Art Deco town of Napier. With the town completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, it was rebuilt in the art deco style, with much thoiugh put in to future earthqauke safety. It is an immaculately well maintained town, working for world herititage status. Lovely just to browse around the beautiful buildings and walk by the sea. The old prison was chilling, and too spooky for me to visit.I saw aw my first Kiwi, although in captivity, they are still a rare sight as they are nocturnal.From here the flight home to Christchurch after an awesome trip.もっと詳しく
Joan Pettingill Awesome xx
Joan Pettingill Who's the gent in the hat? Xx