While we were away, the new sectional couch we ordered last year finally arrived. Jeanine and I are both pleased with the new piece and believe it will address the key issue raised by the kids (the ability to sprawl out the way they did on the sectional we owned during their childhood. Nico has already tested it and issued a thumbs-up. Hopefully, Kyle and Maya will reach the same verdict.
Now we need to sell the 1-year-old sofa it is replacing (pictured in the foreground). For reasons that I am unable to ascertain, my Facebook Marketplace account has been suspended for something like the 6th time with no reason provided and a cumbersome process to reinstate. I have listed the sofa on Craigslist and will ask Jeanine to post it on her FB account as well. Reach out if you know someone looking for a like-new modern sofa for half the original price.
Our return to the US took 32 hours from start to finish. We flew from Sydney to Auckland to Houston to Boston. A proper neck pillow and compression socks helped make the journey more relaxing but strong turbulence on all three flights had the opposite effect. We were expecting to return to spring-like weather rather than near-freezing conditions when we touched down. Despite the cold weather, it was wonderful to sleep in our bed for the first time in 5 weeks.
Danish architect Jørn Utzon won the design competition for the Sydney Opera House in 1957 with his innovative concept inspired by spherical geometry and natural forms such as bird wings, clouds, and shells. Construction began in 1959 but faced numerous challenges, including cost overruns and engineering complexities, leading to Utzon’s being forced to resign in 1966 amid political disputes. The project was completed in 1973 by other architects, transforming Utzon’s vision into a global architectural icon and UNESCO World Heritage site. Utzon never returned to see his completed work in person but did receive significant global recognition for his design. Australian architect Peter Hall completed the project resolving complex issues related to seating, acoustics, and glass walls. His significant contribution is often overlooked.
Since arriving in Sydney, I have photographed the Opera House at different times of day and from different angles.
Today, Jeanine and I took a tour and got to see all six of the performance spaces inside and to learn about the architectural features and engineering mastery that went into the building. I think I can safely say that this is the most magnificent and beautiful modern structure I have ever seen.
Manly Beach is located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, stretching 1.2 miles and offering excellent surfing conditions. It got its name from Governor Arthur Phillip, who was impressed by the “confidence and manly behavior” of the indigenous men he encountered there in 1788. Phillip’s observation led him to name the area “Manly Cove,” which eventually became known as Manly Beach. Intermittent rain and high winds made for an adventurous ferry crossing from Sydney. We arrived mid-morning and walked up and down the full length of the beach before Jeanine found herself a manly man.
Norma’s Deli is not to be missed if you ever find yourself in the area. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch here, and it was all I could do to prevent Jeanine from buying our dinner for take-away as well.
Once fortified with food, we set out for Shelly Beach, a much smaller and intimate one south of Manly. Here, we made a short climb to the top of the pictured cliffs, where we got a birds-eye view of the surfers numbering in the dozens.
Some of the biggest waves broke close to shore and some of the best surfers risked everything for a sweet ride. Notice the proximity of the rocky shore to the dismounted surfer in the photo below.
On the path between beaches, there was an abundance of birds, and I felt lucky to capture the one below. It was my favorite photo of the day.
After hours of walking, we decided to reward our efforts with gelato, and Jeanine, as is her superpower, sussed out the best place. We shared a serving of chocolate almond with nut-infused caramel sauce. Kill me now.
We returned to Sydney by fast ferry (considerably smoother ride than the regular ferry we took earlier in the day) and relaxed at the Customs House Library until our 6 pm walking tour of the “Rocks” began. Originally known as Tallawoladah by the Cadigal people, the Rocks was established in 1788 as the site of Australia’s first colonial settlement. Initially a hub for convicts, sailors, and merchants, it evolved from a rough and tumble, overcrowded area into a historic precinct. Our guide shared stories of robbery, murder, kidnapping and general mayhem painting a vivid picture of life in the area during its early days. It was quite entertaining and led us to some nice vantage points for photography. By the end of the day we covered more than 10 miles on foot.
This morning, I received a link to an article in our hometown newspaper about Concord United, the soccer team I have played with for the past 22 years. Good thing I will be missing our preseason tune-up match today. Otherwise, I would have had to endure some serious ribbing. The full article can be found here.
On the Australian front, Jeanine and I spent 5 hours at the Taronga Zoo. We ran out of energy before animals to see. The award for the cutest resident was a four-way tie between the baby koala, baby platypus (not pictured due to its nocturnal habitat), the blue penguin (not pictured because it was behind glass), and the baby pygmy hippopotamus.
As you enter the zoo, you will see what I interpret as a statue of King Kong with an open hand for Ann Darrow. It took zero encouragement for Jeanine to assume the role. She did a few poses feigning fear but I liked this one of her giggling the most.
As you would expect, koala bears are prominently featured at an Australian zoo. I photographed nearly a dozen, but this alert youngster was my favorite.
The greater bilby is a long-eared, rabbit-like marsupial native to Australia. It lives in burrows and is active at night, feeding on insects, fruit, or fungi. It was a runner-up in the cutest animal category.
Compared to a kangaroo, rock wallabies are smaller, more agile marsupials adapted to rocky habitats with shorter legs and more vibrant coloration. Kangaroos are larger, faster, and inhabit open plains with longer legs and more uniform coats.
This image is exactly what it looks like. A mother red kangaroo and her joey hugging. I am not anthropomorphizing here. I did not believe it at first, but after watching closely through my telephoto lens, the embrace was unmistakable.
These spiders were not on display. I spotted them on one of the walking paths to the consternation of Jeanine who has been studying up on all the poisonous snakes and spiders native to the country.
If not for the log blocking my view, this might have been one of my all-time favorite animal photos.
When Jeanine and I were in South Africa, I photographed giraffes in the wild with the kinds of African savanna backgrounds you would expect. I like this photo because I was able to isolate the giraffe against the limestone back wall of his enclosure for a composition you would be unlikely to find elsewhere. Whenever I photograph animals at a zoo, I try to do so in a way that does not reveal their captivity.
Born in January, baby pygmy hippopotamus Lololi is every bit as cute as internet celebrity Moo Deng. I shot and saved dozens of photos of this cutie.
The royal spoonbill, also known as the black-billed spoonbill, occurs in intertidal flats and shallows of fresh and saltwater wetlands feeding on crustaceans, fish, and small insects by sweeping its bill from side to side.
I was about 2 feet from this massive silverback gorilla when I took this photo (through the plate glass front of his habitat).
The smallest of all penguins, the blue penguin stands about 12 inches tall. The photo below of one swimming underwater is heavily distorted by the wide-angle lens used to make the image.
It rained nearly the entire day, so we spent it primarily indoors at the Australian Museum. I was particularly captivated by the world-class collection of minerals and spent hours in this section alone. I also enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit and the taxidermy collection of all the birds of Australia. Later, we dined at a very nice Japanese restaurant before starting a search for gelato. Fortunately, the rain had subsided by then.
When we found the perfect gelateria, we learned that the once-monthly fireworks over Darling Harbor would happen in an hour, so we decided to wait for the show. We found an ideally situated bench seat and people-watched as waves of spectators showed up for the event. The fireworks were well worth the wait and felt like a serendipitous gift.
Darling Harbor is aptly named, not for the former New South Wales Governor who attached his name to it, but for its delightful charm and eccentric mix of the old and new. It is a short walk from our apartment and was our destination for the day.
In front of the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor is a fountain designed by Robert Woodward. The fountain is saucer-shaped, with ten spiraling paths for water and two spirals serving as walking paths leading to the center. The flow of water creates mesmerizing crisscross wave patterns through its unique hydraulic design. It is one of the most beautiful water features I have ever seen.
We arrived at the Australian National Maritime Museum as it opened and spent hours there. Of particular interest was the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibit, which was exceptional and tours of Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour Replica and the HMAS Onslow submarine.
HMAS Onslow was an Oberon-class submarine that served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1969 to 1999. She is 295 ft long and 26 feet wide, capable of 12 knots surfaced and 17 knots submerged, powered by two supercharged V-16 diesel engines, each driving a 1.28 mega-watt generator connected to a 3,000 horsepower electric propeller motor. As much as I romanticize submarines, our on-board tour made it clear to me this is not a place I would ever want to work.
Today was a travel day from Christchurch to Sydney, Australia, where we will be spending the next week. I was very happy to return our rental car after logging 3300 miles, the equivalent of driving from Bangor, Maine to San Diego, California. Although I adapted fairly well to driving on the other side of the road, it required much more concentration. I am happy to report that I did not hit anything and only received one speeding ticket. In Sydney, we are staying in an 11th-story downtown apartment situated a short walk from the transit system which we will rely on for our stay.. Getting here from the airport was a breeze. The view from our window is a stark contrast to the natural scenery we have enjoyed for the last month but quite interesting just the same. Tomorrow, we will begin our exploration of the city and environs.
Christchurch experienced a series of devastating earthquakes from September 2010, with the most destructive occurring on February 22 2011, resulting in 185 fatalities and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The city has since been undergoing extensive rebuilding and recovery efforts, the evidence of which can be seen everywhere.
We took a city tour by tram, giving us an excellent overview of the area. We then dismounted and explored on foot, arriving at the 52-acre Botanical Gardens where we again enjoyed a guided tour of the grounds before returning on foot for more investigation. During the day we walked a total of 8.3 miles and visited several museums, art galleries, the public library (a highlight), and churches. All the exercise justified a generous sampling of the food which included lamb shwarma, chicken kababos, anzac cookies, cheese scones, Thai salad, eggs over sourdough toast, a donut and chocolate chip cookie.
Jeanine is pictured below at the Kate Sheppard National Memorial, which commemorates the country’s women’s suffrage movement. Driven by her efforts, New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.
Last night, we dined at a rooftop bar and restaurant, affording us a birdseye view of the city. The view inside was equally impressive. This evening, we took in the movie Tinā, a poignant story set in Christchurch following the earthquakes.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a small, picturesque stone church located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. It is renowned for its stunning natural setting and is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. Built in 1935 as a memorial to the early settlers of the Mackenzie Basin, it was constructed using local stones gathered within a five-mile radius and blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
Pictured below is a recently constructed footbridge across the Tekapo River. Completed in 2015, the bridge spans 410 feet and stands 410 feet above the water. We have seen many bridges in New Zealand, and I would have to say this is probably my favorite.
In the news on the home front, the product that Maya has been working on at Formlabs was just announced. See the video below. Kyle has taken up Salsa and Bachata dancing, and Nicolai will be playing amputee soccer at Gillette Stadium on April 19th.
Aoraki / Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain at 12,218 feet. When we arrived at the Mount Cook Village last night, clouds obscured all of the mountains. This morning, I chose to hike the Hooker Valley Track while Jeanine opted to relax with a book at the Hermitage Hotel since the skies were heavily overcast and threatening rain. I really enjoyed the 6.8 mile hike out to Hooker Lake even though it remained cloudy all morning. Fortunately, I did get a 5 minute window where the clouds opened up in front of Mount Cook. The same thing happened again when we were driving out of the park.
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical concretions formed from mudstone, a type of sedimentary rock, approximately 60 million years ago during the Paleocene era. These boulders, which can reach up to 3 meters in diameter and 7 tons in weight, were created through a process of sedimentation and mineralization on the seafloor, and were later exposed by coastal erosion along Koekohe Beach. Optimal time for photography is during mid-tide which required an early departure from Dunedin. We drove through rain for much of the way but it stopped as we arrived in Moeraki only to start again after I captured my final images. This good fortune did not persist, however, as rain and low clouds greeted us as when we arrived at Aoraki / Mount Cook later in the day.
Nugget Point Lighthouse, located near the mouth of the Clutha River is a historic lighthouse built from locally quarried stone between 1869 and 1870. It is situated high above a collection of massive rocks jutting up from the sea. We stopped here for the views and to breakup the 6 hour drive from Milford Sound to Dunedin.
Along the drive, we encounter some pretty impressive sheep farms. Click on the image below and just try to count the sheep.
We arrived in Dunedin by late afternoon and stopped to explore the Dunedin Railway Station, a prominent architectural landmark of the city, known for its Flemish Renaissance style designed by George Troup, who earned the nickname “Gingerbread George” for his work on the building. Opened in 1906, it was once New Zealand’s busiest station but now primarily serves as a tourist hub, hosting and housing attractions such as the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame and the Otago Art Society.
We then made a brief visit to Baldwin Street, deemed to be the steepest residential street in the world. We did not dare drive to the top and I only walked a short distance to take this photo on the shallowest part of the drive.
Arguably, the pinnacle of our vacation was an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. Milford Sound is actually a fjord renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring sheer rock faces, powerful waterfalls like Lady Bowen and Stirling Falls, and a unique ecosystem supported by its high rainfall, which creates a freshwater layer on the surface of the fjord, allowing for diverse marine life to thrive. Our home for the next 18 hours is the Discovery Jewel, a state-of-the-art cruiser that sleeps 18 guests and 4 crew.
During our tour of the fjord, we encountered a pod of bottlenose dolphins. At one point, they were swimming underneath the bow of the ship. As I looked over the railing, I saw one of the dolphins swimming on its side, looking up directly at me with one eye. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I was making eye contact with a sentient being.
We also encountered several seals as we traveled close to the large boulders where they like to sun themselves.
I joined a handful of other passengers who elected to stay on the foredeck as the captain pushed the nose of the boat underneath Stirling Falls. My top stayed dry due to my waterproof shell, but my pants got soaked through and through. Fortunately, they lived up to their billing as being fast drying. In the evening, we enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by the ships chef followed by a video presentation narrated by the captain. His grandfather had assisted oceanographer Jacques Cousteau with some of his research and his father had invested in an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle) to survey the bottom of the fjord. He was responsible for the discovery of several new species of sealife. The video included underwater ROV footage and aerial drone photography of the sound.
The drive to Milford Sound was as dramatic as the cruise that followed. It is sprinkled with stunning views, including this one of Christie Falls.
Doubtful Sound got its name from Captain James Cook during his voyage in 1770. Initially, he named it “Doubtful Harbour” because he was uncertain whether it was navigable under sail due to the prevailing westerly winds, which made it doubtful that a ship could sail back out once entered. Later, the name was changed to “Doubtful Sound” by whalers and sealers in the 19th century. The Māori name for the fiord is “Patea,” meaning “place of silence,” which reflects its serene and tranquil environment. Today, we experienced it from the water. At 7 AM we boarded a water taxi to cross Lake Manapouri arriving at West Arm where we boarded a bus to take us over Wilmot Pass. We then boarded a cruise which took us up the sound and out into the Tasman Sea before returning 3 hours later.
During the voyage, we encountered waterfalls, short-tailed albatross, seals, and a man in a wet suit poised precariously on the side of a cliff.
This guy was a total mystery, even to the crew. (1) How did he get there? There is no access by car, no place to land a helicopter, no sign of a boat, and it would take days to reach on foot. (2) How did he get onto the face of that rock? (3) What was he there for? Presumably, to dive into the water. Then what? There is no conceivable way of climbing back on shore.
When we reached the Tasman Sea, the smooth ride we had enjoyed turned into a very choppy affair. It became doubtful I would keep my lunch down but my stomach calmed when we returned to the sound.
Te Anau is a picturesque town in Fiordland National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and as a gateway to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. It will be our hub of operations for the next two nights. After driving here from Queenstown we hiked a section of the Kepler Track along the shore of Lake Te Anau. We had hoped to see more birdlife but the only flying object I captured is the butterfly below.
Our next stop was the Punanga Manu Bird Sanctuary, where our birding options improved. Pictured below is one of 10 Antipodes Island Parakeets remaining on mainland New Zealand. There are thought to be less than 2000 in the world. Ducks on the other hand, are everywhere.
Next, we traveled to the Rainbow Reach Bridge to sample a different section of the Kepler Track.
Finally, based on a map view of the Waiau River, I decided that a section called the Baloon Loop would make for a great aerial photo. We located a gravel road that took us to the edge of the river within drone range, and I was able to get the shot. A higher angle would have been even better, but I wanted to keep my altitude low because of the proximity to a nearby airport.
If you are looking for a hub to book adventure activities or where you can find a wide range of really fine food and shopping options, Queenstown is the place. We gravitated to the Queenstown Gardens, which offered a nice respite from the commercialism of the city.
In the afternoon, we drove out to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, where a bungee jumping company operates. Click on the image below and see if you can find Waldo. I was tempted to take a leap but the last time I bungee jumped, I had a headache for several days. This operation recovered the jumper with a boat, which was much faster than hoisting back to the top (the method used when I jumped, leaving me inverted for more than 10 minutes.)
After watching the adrenaline junkies for a while, we drove to Lake Hayes and did the 5-mile hike around it bringing our total distance covered for the day to 8.5 miles.
Glenorchy is a picturesque settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand’s Otago region, known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. The area has been featured in several films, including The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. We arrived shortly before noon with intermittent rain and high winds to hike the Glenorchy Scenic Lagoon Track. Low clouds diminished the views of Mont Bonpland but did not detract form the plentiful birdlife in the area.
The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, established during the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, was a small community of Chinese miners and merchants living on the fringes of Arrowtown. By 1885, it had grown to include about 10 huts, a large social hall, at least two stores, and extensive gardens, serving as a hub for Chinese immigrants who faced discrimination and lived separately from the European settlers. We stopped here to tour the settlement during the morning. You could argue that the tiny huts built into the sides of a mountain were the inspiration for Hobbit Holes.
The photo below was taken from the roadside on our drive to Glenorchy. Even with the sunlight muted by clouds, I loved the color and composition and am happy I stopped for it (not always easy when traffic is moving along at 100km per hour.)
We arrived in Wanaka last night, where, for the first time, we are staying in a tiny house. Of our accommodations thus far, it is our favorite. It is nestled on a hillside overlooking Lake Wanaka with a small pond below the porch. I got up before sunrise to capture the famous Wanaka Tree. The tree started its life over 80 years ago as a willow branch used as a fence post in Lake Wanaka to keep livestock from wandering. Over time, it took root and grew into the solitary tree seen today. In 2014, a photograph of the tree by Dennis Radermacher won the New Zealand Geographic photo of the year award. The image, taken on a misty day, captured the tree’s unique appearance and set it on the path to fame as #ThatWanakaTree spread rapidly on social media.
Mou Waho is an “island in a lake, on an island in a lake, on an island in the ocean.” It contains Arethusa Pool, a small lake near its peak that itself has a tiny island, creating a rare recursive landform. It was our destination this morning via speedboat (the 25 minute ride each way was an experience in and of itself). The island is predator-free and serves as a sanctuary for native wildlife, including the endangered Buff Weka, pictured below.
In the afternoon, we visited a Lavender Farm, which was as picturesque as it was fragrant. The working farm was also home to a couple of alpaca who were kind enough to pose for me.
Today, we drove from Franz Josef to Wanaka via the Haast Pass, exploring almost every trailhead we encountered. The day started with drizzle and overcast skies and ended with bright sunshine. Our original plan was to hike to Matheson Lake for views of the Fox Glacier, but low clouds put us off that agenda, and we are thankful it did.
Haast Beach
On the path to Roaring Billy Falls.
Thunder Creek Falls
Rock cairns across from Fantail Falls (must click for higher resolution to fully appreciate)
Jeanine and I opted for different activities today. She was interested in a little downtime, and I was looking forward to some up time. I signed on to a heli-hike tour of the Franz Josef Glacier, the fourth largest of over 2000 in New Zealand. A helicopter transported us to the glacier where a guide led us on a 2-hour hike through crevasses, tunnels and over the surface of the glacier. The weather started out perfect but gradually clouds began to develop and we had to finish the last quarter of our hike rather quickly so as to avoid spending the night on the glacier. The helicopters use visual navigation and cannot land if the single landing spot becomes obscured by clouds. When this happens, the group spends the night on the glacier in provided tents and sleeping bags until the weather has cleared. Suffice it to say, I was please that our group made it out ahead of the clouds.
We continued our journey southward, stopping at the Hokitika Gorge for a relatively short hike. The glacial fed river is a brilliant turquoise, fringed by stark white limestone cliffs and lush green rainforest. My photographs do not do justice to the glorious color palette. As is typical in New Zealand, the trails are beautifully maintained and often include swinging bridges that are as fun to traverse as they are to photograph.
With so much candy for the eye in front of you, it is easy to miss what is underfoot even though it is just as exciting. Entoloma hochstetteri, also known as the blue pinkgill, is a species of mushroom that is endemic to New Zealand. It is the only mushroom to ever be featured on a bank note and it has yet to be determined if it is poisonous or not.
Today was ostensibly a travel day during which we stopped several times en route to Punakaiki. Our first stop was at Split Apple Rock whose name says it all. We continued to the Nelson Lakes National Park where we paused for a 1-hour hike at Lake Rotoiti and lunch. Lunch did not include the 4-foot-long freshwater eels which abound here.
Finally, we made our way to the west coast and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Click on the image below to fully understand where the name comes from.
This evening we are staying in a cabin by the ocean. It will not be remembered as one of our better accommodations, but the view from the beach at sunset was pretty hard to beat.
Jeanine and I spent the day on a kayak tour of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. The highlight of the day was our encounter with several seal pups playing around in a grouping of rocks, protecting them from potential predators. They were adorable and reminded me of how our kids would play rough and tumble on the couch in our living room.
Jeanine displays a recovered sea urchin.
Here we are at the Tonga Arches. Unfortunately, our guide who took the picture was some distance away and did not know how to zoom the lens.
Dr. Suess Trees, as described by our guide.
Between yesterday’s hike and today’s paddling, I am ready for a less physically exhausting day. Tomorrow we will begin heading south and most of the day will be spent driving.
Today, Jeanine and I hiked an 8-mile section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s great tracks. We boarded a water taxi that deposited us at Bark Bay, and then we made the 4-hour hike to Anchorage Bay, where we returned to our home base at Kaiteriteri again by water taxi. Most of the trek is in tropical vegetation leaving you unaware of the shear cliff on the ocean side of the path. Occasional, there is a gap in the trees affording views of the ridiculously beautiful beaches.
Bridges are encountered frequently as you traverse the many streams that feed the bays. The suspension bridges were my favorite, reminding me of the hiking I did in the Himalaya.
Bark Bay
Sandfly Bay
Jeanine soothed her feet in Anchorage Bay while we waited for our water taxi.
We bid the North Island farewell this morning as we departed for the South Island by ferry. I spent the entire 3-hour voyage on deck and was rewarded for enduring the chilly wind when a pod of about 100 dolphins seemingly came out to investigate the ferry. During their brief visit, I got several great images.
The ferry route to Picton concludes with a narrow corridor formed between a massive peninsula and the island of Onauku pictured below.
After docking, we drove 2 hours to Kaiteriteri, where we are staying for three nights, steps from the lovely beach.
Our rental car spent most of the day in a downtown Wellington parking garage, a welcome respite from driving for me. We visited the Wellington Museum in the morning. There, I learned about the Wahine ferry disaster. Wellington is the windiest city in the world, and on April 10, 1968, 125 mph gusts in a severe storm blew the Wahine onto the Barrrett Reef causing it to eventually capsize and sink. 53 souls lost their lives in the worst maritime disaster in the countries modern history. Wellington is also well know for early developments in steam power (see model below).
After lunch, we took a 3-hour small bus tour of the entire bay area with a very knowledgeable and funny guide.
A side thruster propeller from the ill-fated Wahine located at a memorial to those who lost their lives.
The final stop was at the base of the famous Wellington Cable Car. We rode up, passing through the colorfully lit tunnels and arriving at the top for a brief tour of the Cable Car Museum and the Carter Observatory.
After the tour, Jeanine visited the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa while I opted to photograph a Pride Day parade happening in the city.
Castlepoint was our destination for this morning. Jeanine hiked up to the lighthouse and took the photo below. I climbed up the central spine of Castlepoint Reef and put my drone to good use. On my way down, I almost tripped over a dozing seal. I am not sure who was more surprised, but I know who ran in the opposite direction as fast as he could. The seal was quite territorial and I was not able to descend past him without risk of being attacked. It took quite a bit of effort but I managed to scale my way down in a different area.
Next, we set out for Wellington, stopping only for the aerial photo below of a typical New Zealand farm and lunch.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a one-square-mile urban ecosanctuary set around a picturesque reservoir. It is home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife. A perimeter fence keeps all the ground animals inside the park while birds stay for the food they find among the native trees. We toured the sanctuary for several hours before checking in at our AirBnb.
This morning, we drove for 2 hours to the Tongariro National Park, where we spent an equal amount of time hiking to the Taranaki Falls. The weather was perfect, and the 65-foot falls were full with yesterday’s rain. Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park, a dual World Heritage area, and home to three active volcanic mountains, two of which are pictured below. After visiting the park, we drove 4 hours to Masterton. Despite my earlier claims about the lack of straight and flat roads in New Zealand, a good portion of our journey today had such stretches and a speed limit of 62mph which made the trip much less arduous.
Our primary destination this morning was Mount Taranaki in the Egmont National Park. Unfortunately, our good weather luck ran out and we faced high winds and driven rain. We had planned to hike to the Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls but decided to forgo the former in the interest of safety. The falls were spectacular and more than justified the drive. I had hoped to photograph the three volcanoes in the park but they were covered in clouds while we were there. With a few extra hours on our hands, we decided to stop at Waihi Beach and were greatly rewarded for the detour. The beach is strewn with huge pieces of driftwood and rocks shaped by the waves and wind. During our visit, the wind speed rarely dipped below 20 mph.
Our final destination for the day was the city of Whanganui, where we visited the Durie Hill Memorial Tower before checking into our quaint AirBnb. Once settled we ventured into the downtown arts district where Jeanine purchased a pair of earrings and we enjoyed a Japanese dinner for a change of pace.
The Waitomo area features several limestone caves that are inhabited by glow worms. Only the Ruakuri Cave permits photography inside. It also contains stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, popcorn, and limestone formations of all manner. Access to the cave is by a spiral staircase that is beautiful in its own right. It also makes this the only wheelchair accessible cave in the southern hemisphere. Our guide allowed me to use my tripod for the glow worm photo which would have been impossible otherwise. Even so, the photo is not that great. You really have to see these in person to appreciate them.
After our visit to the cave, we had hoped to hike to the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock. Unfortunately, it started to rain so heavily that we opted to drive directly to our bed and and breakfast in New Plymouth.
This website is dedicated to sharing, with family and friends, the day-to-day adventures of the Calabria family.
