tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-694973286025666572024-03-08T20:15:05.809+00:00New Zealand North Island ideas for your holidayNew Zealand or Aotearoa as the Maori's named it - one of the World's most beautiful countries and a superb holiday destination. In 1991 we had the priviledge of several weeks on the North Island.
Wellington, Auckland, Napier, Hastings, The Bay Of Plenty, Maoris, Kiwis, Rotorua and Sheep all these subjects and more will be covered.webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-19009399255491230781991-02-20T22:00:00.002+00:002010-04-22T17:42:22.385+01:00Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Adventure and Underwater World<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=23+Tamaki+Drive&sll=-36.845553,174.817082&sspn=0.001509,0.001666&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=23+Tamaki+Dr,+Orakei+1071,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-36.845626,174.817245&spn=0.000644,0.000805&z=19&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=23+Tamaki+Drive&sll=-36.845553,174.817082&sspn=0.001509,0.001666&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=23+Tamaki+Dr,+Orakei+1071,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-36.845626,174.817245&spn=0.000644,0.000805&z=19&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">At the time of our visit this was, quite simply, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. It has since been expanded with the <em>Antarctic Adventure</em> bringing penguins into the venue.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Obviously I can only comment on the Underwater World which was a fantastic experience and a great final event on our 1991 New Zealand trip.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The video below has some footage taken at the time. </span></small></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ADEnHZcHQrM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ADEnHZcHQrM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-31529043009916734081991-02-20T17:01:00.002+00:002010-04-22T17:19:35.584+01:00One Tree Hill for unbeatable views over Auckland<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=One+Tree+Hill+auckland&sll=53.292751,-2.373242&sspn=0.008965,0.013325&g=One+Tree+Hill&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=One+Tree+Hill,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-36.899989,174.783221&spn=0.000643,0.000805&z=19&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=One+Tree+Hill+auckland&sll=53.292751,-2.373242&sspn=0.008965,0.013325&g=One+Tree+Hill&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=One+Tree+Hill,+Auckland,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-36.899989,174.783221&spn=0.000643,0.000805&z=19&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4425487462/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="One Tree Hill Auckland New Zealand 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="One Tree Hill Auckland New Zealand 1991" border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4425487462_c5caf07bcd_m.jpg" width="173" /></a><small></small>Unsurprisingly it's called One Tree Hill because it only has one tree! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is also an important memorial for both Maoris and indeed all New Zealanders.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If Auckland is to be your gateway to going home then this is the place to take those last minute scenic shots from. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">edit: I have since discovered that One Tree Hill is now, in fact, No Tree Hill after several attacks on the tree including one with a chainsaw - how very sad.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The memorial of course still remains as do the beautiful views</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-71920391777955029351991-02-18T18:45:00.000+00:002010-04-22T16:52:28.461+01:00Historic Village Tauranga<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="240" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=tauranga+historic+village&sll=-37.759986,176.240541&sspn=0.005929,0.006663&ie=UTF8&hq=historic+village&hnear=Tauranga,+New+Zealand&t=h&layer=c&cbll=-37.704716,176.148439&panoid=5vQgrHMilIHDyy8WEJSyWQ&cbp=13,57.08,,0,2.9&ll=-37.690748,176.151695&spn=0,0.036478&z=14&output=svembed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=tauranga+historic+village&sll=-37.759986,176.240541&sspn=0.005929,0.006663&ie=UTF8&hq=historic+village&hnear=Tauranga,+New+Zealand&t=h&layer=c&cbll=-37.704716,176.148439&panoid=5vQgrHMilIHDyy8WEJSyWQ&cbp=13,57.08,,0,2.9&ll=-37.690748,176.151695&spn=0,0.036478&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4425488752/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tauranga New Zealand Historic Village quiet street view 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Tauranga New Zealand Historic Village quiet street view 1991" border="0" height="173" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4425488752_409991342c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;">This is a wonderful place.</span></small></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">If a piece of New Zealand nostalgia interests you then the Historic Village in Tauranga can offer you this by the bucket load.</span></small></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Old buildings, vintage vehicles, vintage goods and artifacts, steam trains, diesel trains and more. If you can spare the time this attraction could keep you occupied for hours</span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ZYSt0HIVJM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5ZYSt0HIVJM&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-13567114848511479511991-02-18T16:20:00.003+00:002010-04-22T16:57:29.968+01:00Kaiate Falls or Te Rerekawau Falls<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kaiate+Falls+Tauranga+&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.199598,27.290039&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Kaiate+Falls+Rd,+Tauranga+3175,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.759926,176.240948&spn=0.002545,0.003219&z=17&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Kaiate+Falls+Tauranga+&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.199598,27.290039&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Kaiate+Falls+Rd,+Tauranga+3175,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.759926,176.240948&spn=0.002545,0.003219&z=17" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4424721293/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kaiate Falls Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Kaiate Falls Tauranga Bay of Plenty New Zealand" border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4424721293_08525010f6_m.jpg" width="181" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;">These falls are also known as Te Rerekawau Falls. The Kaiate Falls are located in a a forest reserve near Tauranga. </span></small></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can walk to where the Kaiate Stream drops over ignimbrite bluffs in a series of nine stunning cascades. </span></div></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just above the car park is a picnic area. Here you can enjoy fabulous views of Mount Maunganui and the Tauranga's harbour.</span></div></div></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Kaiate Falls, New Zealand-37.760472 176.23605-37.7944 176.177685 -37.726544 176.29441500000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-91755203122230412501991-02-17T19:00:00.006+00:002010-04-21T21:09:28.139+01:00Mount Maunganui - the big hill that needs to be climbed<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mount+Maunganui+Bay+Of+Plenty+New+Zealand&sll=-37.770715,176.717834&sspn=1.463296,1.708374&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mount+Maunganui,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.629935,176.171308&spn=0.010196,0.012875&z=15&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mount+Maunganui+Bay+Of+Plenty+New+Zealand&sll=-37.770715,176.717834&sspn=1.463296,1.708374&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mount+Maunganui,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.629935,176.171308&spn=0.010196,0.012875&z=15" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<small><span style="font-size: small;">Its 232 metres (761 feet) in height and it offers spectacular views of Tauranga and The Bay Of Plenty.</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">It stands out so much from the surrounding landscape you almost feel it is yelling out to you "climb me!"</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">"It" is Mount Maunganui !</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">232 metres doesn't sound like a long walk does it? After all an olympic athlete, in theory, could run that distance on the flat in under 30 seconds.</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">But as you can see (above) the path to the top is far from straight. Instead it winds around the mount, in a gradual, but deceptively steep climb.</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">An adult of normal fitness would get to the top in about 45 minutes. Anybody with any sort of walking impediment will probably take far longer. Wear comfortable footwear that are suitable for climbing on a stony surface. If it has been raining areas may be muddy too.Sandals are not the ideal shoes for this climb (I'd opt for comfy trainers). Oh and if it's a hot day go prepared with sunscreen and water!</span></small><br />
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<small><span style="font-size: small;">The reward at the top however will be worth it, and hopefully you will remember to take your camera with you (you probably won't want to go back down to get it).</span></small><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The good news is that the descent is far easier than the ascent was - I can almost guarantee your legs will feel that they have climbed far more than 232 metres.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4425494420/" title="View from Mount Maunganui Bay Of Plenty New Zealand 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="View from Mount Maunganui Bay Of Plenty New Zealand 1991" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4425494420_ce65983c81.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-76533613896918095201991-02-17T14:00:00.008+00:002010-04-21T20:27:09.928+01:00Kiwi 360 Rangiuru Fruit orchard and tours<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="240" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=kiwi+fruit+orchard+bay+of+plenty&sll=-37.961997,176.980991&sspn=0.047302,0.053387&ie=UTF8&hq=kiwi+fruit+orchard+bay+of+plenty&hnear=&t=h&layer=c&cbll=-37.791815,176.388361&panoid=dA3zndw8Dyv-yva8j69rLg&cbp=13,73.62,,0,-6.6&ll=-37.873974,176.654028&spn=0,0.77179&z=10&output=svembed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=kiwi+fruit+orchard+bay+of+plenty&sll=-37.961997,176.980991&sspn=0.047302,0.053387&ie=UTF8&hq=kiwi+fruit+orchard+bay+of+plenty&hnear=&t=h&layer=c&cbll=-37.791815,176.388361&panoid=dA3zndw8Dyv-yva8j69rLg&cbp=13,73.62,,0,-6.6&ll=-37.873974,176.654028&spn=0,0.77179&z=10" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Kiwi 360 offers you the most comprehensive "kiwifruit experience" you will get in New Zealand. The large piece of kiwifruit you see outside the attraction is actually a viewing point. You can climb up the stairs inside the structure to view not only the orchards but also the beautiful surrounding countryside in the Bay Of Plenty.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Your kiwifruit "train" takes you around the massive orchards and an informative guide tells you all about the history of this unusual oval shaped fruit.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Samples were available after the tour and we could tell how much attention one large American woman had been paying to the guide when she said "Gee.... what do you do with it...... can you eat it?". You had the feeling that if this was a "French fries farm," if such a place existed, she would know exactly what to do with the end product !</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">With the Bay Of Plenty providing the perfect combination of sunshine and rain the area is not exclusive to kiwifruit. The more familiar orchard fruits are also grown locally in abundance.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">A store is available selling kiwifruit food products, soft toys etc. to give you a piece of memorabilia to take home.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Google's Street View images (above) were taken on a stunning New Zealand day. Hopefully you will visit on a similar day. We were not quite so lucky, as you can see below. We had practically no rain during our stay in New Zealand until today, 17th February 1991, when the precipitation decided it was going to make up for lost time! It was one of the heaviest downpours I have seen in my life. Fortunately the kiwifruit tour train was covered.</span></small></div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4425490962/" title="Kiwi fruit orchard attratction New Zealand Bay Of Plenty 1991 RAIN by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Kiwi fruit orchard attraction New Zealand Bay Of Plenty 1991 Kiwi 360" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4425490962_67b8429aac.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-35563262743227919331991-02-16T23:46:00.002+00:002010-04-21T19:09:58.468+01:00Jet Boating on the Rangitaiki River<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4425488490/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="power boating Matahina Dam Bay of Plenty New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="power boating Matahina Dam Bay of Plenty New Zealand" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4425488490_4d49fdbcd1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Whakatane is your perfect base for getting to the Rangitaiki River and the white-water activities that are available.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Reaching speeds of up to 70mph we had a great jetboat ride. There's nothing like heading towards a rock face head-on and jetting off in another direction only at the final second. Other water activities like white water rafting and kayaking are also there for the adrenaline junkies.</div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-12296973100552819941991-02-16T22:15:00.000+00:002010-04-21T17:21:27.350+01:00Whakatane<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=ohope+beach&sll=-37.953741,176.988373&sspn=0.047307,0.053387&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ohope+Beach,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.965177,176.981506&spn=0.040601,0.051498&z=13&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=ohope+beach&sll=-37.953741,176.988373&sspn=0.047307,0.053387&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ohope+Beach,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.965177,176.981506&spn=0.040601,0.051498&z=13&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Just a little north of Ohope beach ,still in the Bay Of Plenty, lies Whakatane. From here you can take a White Island live volcano tour. Or you may fancy whale watching and dolphin swimming? Go running on a bush track, watch rare sea birds or try mountain biking. Jet boating is nearby too. Whakatane is a great base for an activity holiday.</span></small></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The narrow harbour to Whakatane is picturesque and provides great photographic opportunites. The rocky formations providing a challenge to boats navigating the channel and quite a contrast to neaby Ohope's sands.</span></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4424723679/" title="Whakatane New Zealand Bay Of Plenty narrow harbour 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Whakatane New Zealand Bay Of Plenty narrow harbour 1991" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4424723679_a6193c4cb6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-67473544168081682761991-02-16T20:15:00.002+00:002010-04-21T16:43:17.129+01:00Ohope Beach for a stunning beach and incredible views<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=waingarara&sll=-38.044171,177.08313&sspn=0.094498,0.106773&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Waingarara,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.976883,177.074976&spn=0.020297,0.025749&z=14&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=waingarara&sll=-38.044171,177.08313&sspn=0.094498,0.106773&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Waingarara,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-37.976883,177.074976&spn=0.020297,0.025749&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Whether you enjoy lazing on a beach, just watching the birds, or enjoying beautiful views Ohope beach will be hard to beat.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">As regards to the views you can just enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Plenty or gaze out at New Zealand's active volcanic island, White Island.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">If this is towards the end of your holiday as you approach Auckland for the airport this would be a great place to relax and just enjoy your surroundings.</span></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4425492736_fcee9e8e93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Bay Of Plenty and Ohope Beach, New Zealand" border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4425492736_fcee9e8e93.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-3275806962215520951991-02-15T19:35:00.003+00:002010-04-21T16:14:23.807+01:00Hells Gate Thermal Area Rotorua<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=hells+gate+rotorua&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.199598,27.333984&ie=UTF8&hq=hells+gate&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.064573,176.360757&spn=0.002534,0.003219&z=17&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=hells+gate+rotorua&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.199598,27.333984&ie=UTF8&hq=hells+gate&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.064573,176.360757&spn=0.002534,0.003219&z=17" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<small><span style="font-size: small;">More fascinating steam vents, large craters, colourful rocks, boiling mud, hot waterfalls and more. Welcome to Hells Gate.</span></small><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4429733426_5307dd34d6_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hells Gate Rotorua" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4429733426_5307dd34d6_m.jpg" wt="true" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;">I won't add to much to this post as I have, by now, covered so many thermal areas I think you get the picture as to what to expect.</span></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Once again if , like me, you find geology and thermal activity interesting you'll love this place. If however you've seen the other thermal areas I've mentioned you may consider you have inhaled enough sulphur fumes for now and decide to do something else instead.</span></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Personally I like the fact that the Earth is more powerful than any human and New Zealand is one country where we can get up close and personal with the raw power of our planet.</span></small></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4429732858_a1c7197c54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hells Gate" border="0" height="227" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4429732858_a1c7197c54.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-43653823803400594601991-02-14T18:13:00.004+00:002010-04-02T16:22:57.097+01:00Boat Plane Ride over Rotorua and Mount Tarawera<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=tarawera&sll=-38.219436,176.485748&sspn=0.092248,0.154324&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lake+Tarawera,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.228337,176.504717&spn=0.020227,0.025749&z=14&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=tarawera&sll=-38.219436,176.485748&sspn=0.092248,0.154324&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Lake+Tarawera,+Bay+Of+Plenty,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.228337,176.504717&spn=0.020227,0.025749&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423061126/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Above Rotorua New Zealand crater formed by meteorite 1991 image by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Above Rotorua New Zealand crater formed by meteorite 1991 image" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4423061126_5cf46b177f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Looking at Mount Tarawera and the amazing surroundings of Rotorua and beyond from above is an experience you will never forget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">You may therefore wonder why I am NOT going to recommend it? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Well I am and I am not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I thoroughly recommend doing it but NOT in a boat plane or any small fixed wing aircraft.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Instead use a helicopter option, perhaps the one now available at the Agrodome? <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://new-zealand-north-island.blogspot.com/1991/02/agrodome-rotorua.html"> http://new-zealand-north-island.blogspot.com/1991/02/agrodome-rotorua.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423062484/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Above Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 view from boat plane by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Above Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 view from boat plane" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4423062484_f879a73bc9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Because the turbulence in such an aircraft can make you feel so incredibly sick it detracts from the enjoyment of the flight. I know this may not affect everybody in the same way but there were 4 of us on the flight and it made us all feel really ill. Although funnily enough we all tried to be heroes during the flight saying we were having a wonderful time. It was long after we landed before everyone confessed how sick we had felt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423061908/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Above Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 view from boat plane by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Above Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 view from boat plane" border="0" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4423061908_7a8b197bb3_m.jpg" width="172" /></a>There's another good reason to opt for a helicopter over an aircraft and that is the fact that a helicopter usually gives you better visibility for photographing the ground and a wider panoramic view.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From memory I think the only reason my father did not opt for the helicopter was that, with his long engineering background, he always insisted that according to the laws of physics a helicopter should be unable to fly and was therefore unsafe. He swore he would never fly in one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Being somebody who has enjoyed a helicopter flight, although not over New Zealand, I know which gave me the smoother ride. When we next return to Rotorua a helicopter would be first choice.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423061640/" title="Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 Mount Tarawera Volcano seen from the air by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img 1991="" air="" border="0 alt=" from="" height="400" in="" mount="" new="" rotorua="" seen="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4423061640_17ffaf9001.jpg" tarawera="" the="" volcano="" width="500" zealand="" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-91377439532543975721991-02-14T17:25:00.002+00:002010-03-27T17:52:00.798+00:00Maori Culture, Dance and Haka, Rotorua<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=maori+dance&sll=-38.164447,176.250755&sspn=0.00139,0.002411&ie=UTF8&split=1&filter=0&rq=1&ev=zo&radius=0.07&hq=maori+dance&hnear=&t=h&ll=-38.164319,176.250658&spn=0.001265,0.001609&z=18&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&q=maori+dance&sll=-38.164447,176.250755&sspn=0.00139,0.002411&ie=UTF8&split=1&filter=0&rq=1&ev=zo&radius=0.07&hq=maori+dance&hnear=&t=h&ll=-38.164319,176.250658&spn=0.001265,0.001609&z=18&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423058038/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Maori Sculptures Meeting House 1991 Rotorua New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Maori Sculptures Meeting House 1991 Rotorua New Zealand" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4423058038_150c4652b4_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Maori culture, it's wonderful people and it's history simply has to play a part in a tourist's visit to New Zealand.<br />
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Watching the Maoris sing, do the poi dance and performing the traditional Haka is an event not to be missed. Audience members who wish to can also join in with some of the dancing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4423060270/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Maori Dance and Haka Rotorua 1991 New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Maori Dance and Haka Rotorua 1991 New Zealand" border="0" height="192" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4423060270_fb8df4dd11_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>The Maori achitecture and carvings are beautiful and I am sure many a tourist like us returns home with a small piece of Maori culture such as a small carving memento or piece of jewellry.<br />
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The pictures on this post are my own. I do have video which I hope to embed in due course but in the meantime enjoy this Haka from You Tube<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESWRRw_Bddk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ESWRRw_Bddk&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Rotorua, New Zealand-38.139826 176.247073-38.1567025 176.2178905 -38.1229495 176.2762555tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-88872078447570916381991-02-14T17:03:00.003+00:002010-03-27T17:10:33.789+00:00Fairbank Green Hedge Maze, Rotorua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4422951184/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Green Hedge Maze, Rotorua, New Zealand, 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Green Hedge Maze, Rotorua, New Zealand, 1991" border="0" height="170" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4422951184_192794ef0a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The Fairbank maze is another attraction that I could do with clarification, by way of a comment to this post, as to whether it still exists or not.<br />
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Back in 1991 we thoroughly enjoyed our a-maze-ing experience but despite reading that it is/was very close to Rotorua airport I have been unable to loacte it anywhere on Google Earth's satellite view. There is also so little information on the internet it makes me wonder if this attraction has had to make way for something else?webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-58145111065155376941991-02-14T15:46:00.014+00:002010-03-27T16:45:43.037+00:00The Agrodome, Rotorua<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotongata&sll=-38.071403,176.285784&sspn=0.192168,0.308647&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Rotongata,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.086384,176.193173&spn=0.010133,0.012875&z=15&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotongata&sll=-38.071403,176.285784&sspn=0.192168,0.308647&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Rotongata,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.086384,176.193173&spn=0.010133,0.012875&z=15" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
Boy a lot has changed since we visited the Agrodome in 1991. I thought it was great then but this is one popular tourist attraction that seems to be a whole lot better.<br />
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I'll deal with the traditional part of the Agrodome first and that is the chance for ewe to learn more, much more, about the sheep of New Zealand (awful pun, I know, sorry).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4422946898/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="The Agrodome 1991 Rotorua New Zealand Sheep Shearing by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="The Agrodome 1991 Rotorua New Zealand Sheep Shearing" border="0" height="192" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4422946898_3094cfdde1_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Within a purpose built auditorium all the breeds are demonstrated to you with a very informative talk. Demonstrations of speedy sheep shearing follow and even the sheepdogs play a part too, running across the backs of their woolly friends.<br />
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Audience participation plays a big part too. Visitors can get up close and personal with the sheep, kids can help feed the lambs and there's great photo opportunities with all the animals including the dogs.<br />
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And that alone, for us, at the time was an extrememly enjoyable experience.<br />
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But now, after your demonstrations you can go on a tractor driven tour of the farmland where you can literally mingle with and hand feed sheep, deer, cattle, emus and ostriches and alpaca. You will continue on your tour in your 55 seater trailer enjoying<span class="HotPres" id="P1"> spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Rotorua with many photo opportunities. Also included is a visit to the pure organic New Zealand orchard which produces kiwifruit, olives, appleas and feijoas. Apparently this stop also includes free samples of New Zealand's wine and honey.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4422950830/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Model Railway 1991 England In Miniature New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Model Railway 1991 England In Miniature New Zealand" border="0" height="171" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4422950830_671d5c563b_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="HotPres" id="P1">That tour is a huge addition in itself but there are now loads of other activities you can undertake based in the Agrodome complex. Fancy having a helicopter ride and landing on the edge of a volcano crater? A spot of bungy jumping? How about rolling down a hill sealed in a plastic ball? A free fall diving experience? All these adrenalin pumping activites are available and that's just a few of them!</span><br />
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Take a look at the Agrodome Website <a href="http://www.agrodome.co.nz/">http://www.agrodome.co.nz</a> it looks like you'll be spoilt for choice!<br />
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New Zealand's Agrodome has now become a full day experience if you wish to fit as many activities as possible into your day. <br />
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An amazing experience and all available in the one place.<br />
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As regards to the large model railway "England in miniature" I have pictured above I am pretty sure this was housed within the Agrodome complex at the time of our visit. I am not sure if it is still there or elsewhere in Rotorua now. Perhaps somebody could comment to let me know. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dagrodome%2Bsheep%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dagrodome%2Bsheep%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=agrodome+sheep&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dagrodome%2Bsheep%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dagrodome%2Bsheep%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=agrodome+sheep&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Rotorua, New Zealand-38.139826 176.247073-38.1567025 176.2178905 -38.1229495 176.2762555tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-40499966032826410751991-02-13T23:50:00.003+00:002010-03-27T14:14:22.822+00:00Cherry Island , Taupo<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=spa+road+taupo&sll=-38.678529,176.08368&sspn=0.002994,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Spa+Rd,+Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.677872,176.083052&spn=0.002513,0.003219&z=17&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=spa+road+taupo&sll=-38.678529,176.08368&sspn=0.002994,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Spa+Rd,+Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.677872,176.083052&spn=0.002513,0.003219&z=17" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421646891/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Animals and Birds by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Animals and Birds" border="0" height="192" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4421646891_16bd1097ec_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>For anybody who love animals, birds in particular, Cherry Island must be on your North Island visit list.<br />
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This small island is located at the northern end of Lake Taupo on the river that runs between Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. <br />
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This is a lovely wildlife reserve. Yes many of the native New Zealand birds are in aviaries for you to admire but there are also hundreds of birds of all shapes and sizes, all totally tame, free to fly and roam all over the island.<br />
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But those that fly don't fly off the island and those that can walk don't cross the short bridge to the "mainland".<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421760315/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, feeding lots of tame birds by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, feeding lots of tame birds" border="0" height="192" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4421760315_1a99bd2c8a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Why?<br />
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Well would you if you had a loyal influx of gullible humans all bringing you an unlimited supply of bird seed?<br />
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No these birds aren't stupid and they will keep you company every step you take around the island. They will literally flock at your feet, sit on your shoulder and perch on your head.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421760071/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Chicken with new chicks by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Chicken with new chicks" border="0" height="192" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4421760071_b7c40a1db8_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>It really is a MUST that you do give in on entry and buy some seed because if you don't you get the feeling these birds will not let you leave the island. Believe me they run this place not humans. You can almost believe that behind this deceptively cute, tame and friendly exterior lies a sinister desire to create a scene reminiscent of Hitchcok's "The Birds" if you depart without paying your dues. I am sure "choked by chook", "dead by dove" or "murdered by mallard" is not a nice way to go!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">By the way whilst there are a lot of birds there are many other small creatures to see and to go "ahhhhhh" over as demonstratted by my final picture on this post. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421758485/" title="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Animals, Cute Rabbits by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Island, Taupo, New Zealand, Animals, Cute Rabbits" border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4421758485_7577a8402a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Tihoi, New Zealand-38.79029 175.8895551-38.924299 175.6560956 -38.656281 176.1230146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-63918764367404139751991-02-13T23:44:00.001+00:002010-03-26T17:42:17.463+00:00Steam Bore Valley Geothermal Power Station Wairakei<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="240" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=wairakei&sll=-38.135601,176.259794&sspn=0.0015,0.002411&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Wairakei,+Waikato,+New+Zealand&t=k&layer=c&cbll=-38.624862,176.092393&panoid=DehAryrRv0LQrOxn2h95eg&cbp=13,319.38,,0,14.11&ll=-38.626185,176.08904&spn=0,359.996985&z=18&iwloc=A&output=svembed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=wairakei&sll=-38.135601,176.259794&sspn=0.0015,0.002411&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Wairakei,+Waikato,+New+Zealand&t=k&layer=c&cbll=-38.624862,176.092393&panoid=DehAryrRv0LQrOxn2h95eg&cbp=13,319.38,,0,14.11&ll=-38.626185,176.08904&spn=0,359.996985&z=18&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
Looking at a power station may not be on everybody's list of primary things to do on holiday. In fact in terms of interstingness my wife would have given this a negative rating!<br />
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However if, like me, you like technological things then you may like to drive down to to Wairakei to look at the geothermal power generation plant there. It is an enormous complex.<br />
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You have to admire New Zealand for their achievement in being one of the greenest power generating countries in the world. The vast majority of Kiwi Power is from hydro-electric power stations. Wind and other natural sources like this add to the green power generation. In fact by 2025 it is New Zealand's ambition to have 90% of it's power from renewable sources.<br />
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I thought it a better advert for green power to publish my photo of the Steam Bore Valley plant below as the alternative was a photo of my good lady leaning on a railing overlooking the plant looking bored stiff (which she was).<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4422412072/" title="Steam Bore Valley Wairakei New Zealand in 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Steam Bore Valley Wairakei New Zealand in 1991" border="0" height="357" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4422412072_fd7f8d7caa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Wairakei, New Zealand-38.626185 176.08904-38.6282805 176.085392 -38.6240895 176.092688tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-56384699696939608731991-02-13T23:42:00.001+00:002010-03-26T17:59:22.141+00:00Rotorua Museum Of Art and History, The Bath House<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=bath+house+rotorua&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=bath+house&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.135687,176.258308&spn=0.001477,0.00228&z=18&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=bath+house+rotorua&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=bath+house&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.135687,176.258308&spn=0.001477,0.00228&z=18" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
It is now the Rotorua Museum of Art and History but to most people who have seen this beautiful building it will always be known as The Bath House. The surrounding grounds and gardens are well kept and beautiful.<br />
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This building is probably one of the most pictured in New Zealand. However it should look a little different soon. Same beautiful appearance, just bigger.<br />
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When it was originally built construction funds ran out and therefore certain sections of the building were not completed. Now sufficient funds have been raised those missing parts are to be constructed to the original specifications. This will also provide valuable extra space for the museum's artefacts.<br />
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So if you are able to visit Rotorua's Bath House, sorry museum of art and history, again you can still take a great picture. But you will just need to stand further back or use a wide angle lens!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421645803/" title="Rotorua, Bathhouse and bowling greens 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Rotorua, Bathhouse and bowling greens 1991" border="0" height="355" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4421645803_4b352e8351.jpg" width="500" /></a>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Rotorua, New Zealand-38.139826 176.247073-38.140881 176.245249 -38.138771 176.248897tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-18577031762519952441991-02-13T23:40:00.002+00:002010-03-25T21:30:55.355+00:00Whakarewarewa. Rotorua and more thermal activity<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&sll=-38.162678,176.254574&sspn=0.00278,0.004823&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=-38.162965,176.25444&spn=0.001265,0.001609&z=18&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&sll=-38.162678,176.254574&sspn=0.00278,0.004823&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=-38.162965,176.25444&spn=0.001265,0.001609&z=18" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
I have to admit that if you are really not into thermal areas by this stage you may think this is one thermal area too many?<br />
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However every thermal area in New Zealand seems to have it's own unique "headline feature" which you really should not miss.<br />
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Whakarewarewa is no exception. Yes it has the colourful pools, the boiling mud, ponds so hot you could cook your boil-in-the-bag fish in them and smelly steam eminating from every crevice in the ground. But it also has in lead role - The Prince Of Wales Feathers - twin geysers. Wow! It doesn't matter where you stand in this thermal park you can get great photos from almost every angle.<br />
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Go on go and see them you know you want to.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dprince%2Bof%2Bwales%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dprince%2Bof%2Bwales%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=prince+of+wales&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dprince%2Bof%2Bwales%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dprince%2Bof%2Bwales%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=prince+of+wales&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-29430492360867081731991-02-13T23:35:00.032+00:002010-03-25T17:01:57.597+00:00Rotorua Luge<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotorua+luge&sll=-38.108915,176.221079&sspn=0.002896,0.004823&ie=UTF8&split=1&filter=0&rq=2&ev=zo&hq=rotorua+luge&hnear=&t=k&ll=-38.112528,176.216691&spn=0.005909,0.00912&z=16&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotorua+luge&sll=-38.108915,176.221079&sspn=0.002896,0.004823&ie=UTF8&split=1&filter=0&rq=2&ev=zo&hq=rotorua+luge&hnear=&t=k&ll=-38.112528,176.216691&spn=0.005909,0.00912&z=16" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
OK once you've enjoyed climbing the hills of Rotorua why not consider descending it by luge?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4429115191/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Skyline Gondola Luge Cable chairlift Rotorua New Zealand 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Skyline Gondola Luge Cable chairlift Rotorua New Zealand 1991" border="0" height="171" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4429115191_0d52be8fb9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>This is fun for old and young alike. Decend the hills of Rotorua on a long, winding course. Each luge has 3 wheels and speed is easily controlled.<br />
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There are now 3 courses to choose from. When we went there was only the longer 2km course and that was superb fun.<br />
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Now there are 2 shorter courses which still enjoy superb views but provide more for those who enjoy tight bends/tunnels etc.<br />
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Don't worry you don't have to climb the hill on foot to meet up with the rest of your family. Instead you and your luge ascend the hill on a chairlift which is an enjoyable event itself.<br />
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If you are elderly don't let this put you off having a go. We saw people well over retirement age having great fun on the Rotorua luge.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4429114821/" title="Skyline Gondola Luge Track Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Skyline Gondola Luge Track Rotorua New Zealand in 1991" border="0"" height="355" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4429114821_41b59f2b04.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Rotorua, New Zealand-38.139826 176.247073-38.1567025 176.2178905 -38.1229495 176.2762555tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-53029948021835094321991-02-13T23:30:00.002+00:002010-03-25T17:02:27.834+00:00Skyline Skyrides Rotorua<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotorua+skyline+cable+car&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=skyline+cable+car&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.108932,176.221519&spn=0.01013,0.012875&z=15&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=rotorua+skyline+cable+car&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=skyline+cable+car&hnear=Rotorua,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.108932,176.221519&spn=0.01013,0.012875&z=15" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
For incredible views across the Rotoruan landscape a two-way journey on the Skyline Skyrides cable car has to be a must.<br />
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Enjoy a leisurely journey up to the top of the Rotoruan Hills in the comfort of your car. Spectacular landscape photos can be taken at the top of the hill.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4429881814/" title="Skyline cable cars Rotorua New Zealand 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Skyline cable cars Rotorua New Zealand 1991" border="0" height="354" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4429881814_cb6302f0e5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Rotorua, New Zealand-38.139826 176.247073-38.1567025 176.2178905 -38.1229495 176.2762555tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-68994854549349261491991-02-13T10:15:00.003+00:002010-03-25T21:45:43.405+00:00Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=wai-o-tapu+geothermal+wonderland&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=wai-o-tapu+geothermal+wonderland&hnear=&radius=15000&t=k&ll=-38.360907,176.373053&spn=0.02019,0.025749&z=14&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=wai-o-tapu+geothermal+wonderland&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&cd=1&hq=wai-o-tapu+geothermal+wonderland&hnear=&radius=15000&t=k&ll=-38.360907,176.373053&spn=0.02019,0.025749&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </div><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4428968639/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 hot thermal sulphur pool by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Rotorua New Zealand in 1991 hot thermal sulphur pool" border="0" height="171" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/4428968639_5ec7db2660_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Of all the geothermal areas in New Zealand the most famous and well known is probably the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4421645359/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Whaka Warewa New Zealand boiling mud pool from 1991 by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Whaka Warewa New Zealand boiling mud pool from 1991" border="0" height="170" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4421645359_06075d73ab_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>It really has got just about every type of thermal activity you could imagine. Volcanic Craters, steaming ground, bubbling mud pools, the famous champagne pool, other naturally coloured pools and the world famous Lady Knox geyser. This geyser with a helping hand from a human with a piece of soap erupts every day at 10.15 am<br />
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New Zealand claims to be the youngest country on the planet. Wai-O-Tapu is living proof that in the "baking" of this fledgling country this place is a long way from coming out of the oven.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dlady%2Bknox%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dlady%2Bknox%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=lady+knox&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dlady%2Bknox%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dlady%2Bknox%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=lady+knox&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Waiotapu, New Zealand-38.339879 176.363574-38.348294 176.348983 -38.331464000000004 176.378165tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-65802996081267808371991-02-12T23:25:00.000+00:002010-03-24T19:19:04.806+00:00The Huka Falls, Waikato River, Near Taupo, New Zealand<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=huka+falls+road&sll=-38.648065,176.090525&sspn=0.002996,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Huka+Falls+Rd,+Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.648052,176.090503&spn=0.001466,0.00228&z=18&output=embed" width="425"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=huka+falls+road&sll=-38.648065,176.090525&sspn=0.002996,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Huka+Falls+Rd,+Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.648052,176.090503&spn=0.001466,0.00228&z=18" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
Wow! The Huka Falls using the technology of Google you can see that the Huka Falls are just as beautiful from above as they are from an on land viewpoint. In fact using your mouse scroll the ebove map out using your mouse wheel. It is quite surprising just how much altitude you can gain yet still clearly identify this amazing natural thundering waterfall.<br />
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But it is not surprising that this is the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand!<br />
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The Waikato river is one of New Zealand's longest rivers. It drains Lake Taupo which is the largest freshwater lake in all of Australasia.<br />
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Located only about 5 miles North of Taupo the falls can be easily found by simply following the aptly named Huka Falls Road. It's a photographer's dream!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dhuka%2Bfalls%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dhuka%2Bfalls%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=huka+falls&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fsearch%2Fshow%2F%3Fq%3Dhuka%2Bfalls%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&page_show_back_url=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3Dhuka%2Bfalls%26w%3D47951167%2540N04&method=flickr.photos.search&api_params_str=&api_text=huka+falls&api_tag_mode=bool&api_user_id=47951167%40N04&api_safe_search=3&api_content_type=7&api_media=all&api_sort=relevance&jump_to=&start_index=0" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Huka Falls Rd, Taupo, New Zealand-38.65766 176.084128-38.674416 176.0549455 -38.640904 176.11331049999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-88989280198165119481991-02-12T23:20:00.009+00:002010-03-24T19:20:34.178+00:00Craters Of The Moon, Thermal Park Area, Taupo<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=craters+of+the+moon+taupo&sll=-38.637527,176.09008&sspn=0.002866,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=craters+of+the+moon&hnear=Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.646908,176.06874&spn=0.010055,0.012875&z=15&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=craters+of+the+moon+taupo&sll=-38.637527,176.09008&sspn=0.002866,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=craters+of+the+moon&hnear=Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-38.646908,176.06874&spn=0.010055,0.012875&z=15" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
Any vacation in New Zealand will not be complete without experiencing the smell of rotten eggs, holes in the ground, steam creeping out of the earth, yellow lakes, boling mud, hot streams, pools and waterfalls, geysers, volcano craters and perhaps even the odd earthquake (There was a minor but feelable tremor during our arrival in Wellington, however we slept for so long due to jet-lag we snoozed right through it!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4420790940/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Craters of The Moon, Taupo, New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Craters of The Moon, Taupo, New Zealand" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4420790940_d525a0b2b0_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Anyway back to Craters of the Moon. A small admission fee is payable for vehicles and for individuals who are on foot but it is well worth the charge.<br />
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New Zealand's geothermal areas show the raw power that lies beneath our planet and make you realise that man may claim to be powerful but the Earth is far stronger.<br />
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What is interesting about this area is that it apparently first materialized in the 1950s after a nearby power station lowered water levels. As somebody who has in interest in earthquakes I'd be interested to know if this subsequently increased earthquakes in the area. In areas of oil drilling earthquakes occur regularly due to mans' actions - I wonder if this is the same? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well laid out tourist walkways and a loop road for vehicles ensure that there is little chance of an accident in such an active area.<br />
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I'm biased because I love these thermal areas but you really have to experience these regions as part of your New Zealand vacation. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4420795534/" title="Craters of The Moon, Taupo, New Zealand by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Craters of The Moon, Taupo, New Zealand" border="0" height="357" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4420795534_c5104be93d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Craters of the Moon, Waikato 3377, New Zealand-38.6466667 176.0683333-38.6634252 176.03915080000002 -38.629908199999996 176.0975158tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-19179682311815390491991-02-12T23:15:00.024+00:002010-03-24T15:55:52.275+00:00Honey Hive Taupo, formerly honey village<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=honey+village+taupo&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=honey&hnear=Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.637724,176.089768&spn=0.010056,0.012875&z=15&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=honey+village+taupo&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.514185,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=honey&hnear=Taupo,+New+Zealand&t=h&ll=-38.637724,176.089768&spn=0.010056,0.012875&z=15" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
Honey in New Zealand is big business. Honey Hive, known as Honey Village when we went, is just one of many well stocked stores where you can buy various honey products.<br />
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Pure 'active' <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">Manuka</span> honey is said to have health benefits and that it can assist with some ailments and conditions. It is therefore extremely popular and comes in two 'grades' according to the purity and anti-bacterial content level. It is available to be shipped worldwide, however it should be noted that many countries have strict limits on the amount of honey that can be imported by an individual. In a few countries it is forbidden altogether.Whilst New Zealand honey is delicious anybody not living in the country has to think carefully before buying. Is is really worth buying it fresh direct from the supplier and having to cover the postage cost? Alternatively with honey having a long shelf life you may think it simpler just to buy direct in your own country.<br />
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Incidentally about shelf life on honey: Honey stored in properly sealed containers can remain suitable for eating for decades and even centuries (although I don't think I'd eat a jar hundreds of years old)! For practical purposes, a shelf-life of two years is often recorded on jars in stores. Hygienically and well processed, packaged and stored honey retains its quality for an extremely long time.<br />
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<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">Manuka</span> honey isn't the only honey available though. Lavender honey, clover, blue <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">borage</span> and others are available as are specialized 'gourmet' and fruit honeys. There's even a huge selection of honey-based skincare products. Honey based sweets for the kids. Honey Hive also sells novelty honey/bee products.<br />
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It's quite amazing that one simple, natural, product can be used in so many different products and stock a whole store.<br />
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An interesting place to visit, even if you don't particular like honey you may like to try out the skincare range.<br />
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<iframe src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=newzealand-21&o=2&p=13&l=st1&mode=garden-uk&search=manuka%20honey&fc1=000000<1=&lc1=3366FF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" width="468" height="60" border="0" frameborder="0" style="border:none;" scrolling="no"></iframe>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0Taupo, New Zealand-38.686594 176.069694-38.7033435 176.0405115 -38.669844499999996 176.0988765tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69497328602566657.post-61860638710753026271991-02-12T19:57:00.040+00:002010-03-26T17:14:42.717+00:00Centennial Gardens , Napier<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=centennial+garden+napier&sll=-39.501226,176.918292&sspn=0.00296,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=centennial+garden&hnear=Napier,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-39.482945,176.919665&spn=0.001242,0.001609&z=18&output=embed" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=centennial+garden+napier&sll=-39.501226,176.918292&sspn=0.00296,0.004823&ie=UTF8&hq=centennial+garden&hnear=Napier,+New+Zealand&t=k&ll=-39.482945,176.919665&spn=0.001242,0.001609&z=18" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></div><br />
The Centennnial Gardens, Napier. Who would have thought that these beautiful gardens were once a quarry, manned by prison labourers?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4420794102/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Napier, New Zealand, Centennial Garden, Waterfall by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Napier, New Zealand, Centennial Garden, Waterfall" border="0" height="172" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4420794102_f658816cfb_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> The gardens were established in 1974 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Napier being established as a city and borough.<br />
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Every crumb of soil had to be moved onto the site. The waterfall looks like a piece of natural history. It is however a man made creation with water in a lower pool being pumped to a higher pool to feed the falls (the rock face is 40 metres in height).<br />
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If you have the time the aquarium, Marineland and the Centennial Gardens can all be visited in the same day as they are all on the same stretch of road.<br />
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If you start out early in the day you can enjoy all 3 attractions fully and still have time to stroll around Napier later.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daves_portfolio/4420795068/" title="Napier, New Zealand, Centennial Garden, Flowers and rocks by Daves Portfolio, on Flickr"><img alt="Napier, New Zealand, Centennial Garden, Flowers and rocks" border="0" height="357" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4420795068_d8f0ee5ce1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>webmasterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05220136644169161767noreply@blogger.com0