February 22-23, 2014

Holding "church" in front of Meg and Ian's. Notice the pew with a bottle opener on the end!

The view from "church."

Ian's boat which people charter for fishing or just for a tour around Lake Tarawera, stopping at various sites such as the hot pool below. 

Contents of one of the drawers in the galley.  My kind of kitchen!

I loved the painted boxes in this bee colony. Much more interesting than plain old white. 

New Zealand's finest.  

I am on the north island of New Zealand where most of the population resides. The largest city, Auckland, is located here.  I'm staying just outside of Rotura, a very active volcanic area.  The city of Rotorua has the essence of sulfur!

February 18 - 21, 2014

Our "bach" which is kiwi for a vacation home, cabin at the lake, etc. etc.  this is on Mahia Beach which is Southeast of Rotorua.  Pretty remote but beautiful. 

I doubt if this is "up to code."

A Maori fisherman Gave us this crayfish. We cooked and ate it for an appetizer.  Ian doesn't care for shellfish but meg and I  took care of his share quickly.

                        

They launch boats with this type of tractor.  

They launch BIG boats as noted below in the pic!

Struggling a bit with the blog program. It's different from the one I did while we were in Alaska!  Just need to persevere more!  

Ian and Meg at the Napier port overlook. Lumber is a major export for NZ, most of it going to China.  

February 16-17, 2014

Ian is a fishing guide on Lake Tarawera.  I had a wonderful adventure to "hot water beach" where hot water from the very active volcanic area reaches the lake.  You have to be careful while walking on the beach -- just don't stop for too long or your feet will get hot.  Very fun to swim because the water temp is really warm in some places. This beach is only reachable by boat.

Mt. Tarawera.  This is a volcano which had a large eruption in 1886, which killed about 170 people and devastated the landscape. Sort of like Mt. St. Helenas. 

Yesterday we drove down to Napier on Hawk's Bay, on the East coast of New Zealand, North Island. Rafted the Mohaka River. Very fun, and I didn't even fall out of the raft. Beautiful scenery.  On the way down we stopped at Huka falls.  

 

Te Mata peak. A bird's view of Napier and surroundings. There is a winery in the distance Craggy Range. 

  

 

My companions on the river. 

All for now. Moving on to the coastal town of Mahia and staying a couple of days. Probably no internet so next post will be when we return to Rotorua. 

February 16, 2014

Heading off to explore for 5 days. Might not have Internet access all of the time so am getting off some more pics.   This pic was after "church" at the lake. There is an old pew under a tree which is why they call it church. I didn't have my camera with me but will get a photo later.  These people live up the road. He completely restored this tractor with a lift on the back where two chairs reside.  That is not Meg. 

February 12-15

Missed my flight from Sydney to Rotorua.  But I'm here now!  I was only five hours late but the wine was waiting!  This is a rough blog. It decided to send anyway before I get too far into the trip. Going white water rafting on Monday. It's a grade 4-5 so should be hair-raising!  

Finally getting around to beginning my "blog" about my trip to New Zealand!  Arrived on 2/11. It is 2/15 today and I feel pretty normal as far as the time change. This is a beautiful place. Below is a picture of the original government bath house which is now a museum surrounded by gardens.  Sort of like the mud bath places in Calistoga.

Lots of volcanic activity around here. Reminds me of Yellowstone. I'm trying to Learn this new blogging program so will get this sent. Tell me how it looks at your end!

Mom