The Powerhorn Chateau was a treat, its Klondike-y-cum-Swiss appearance best suited to the depths of winter but its wood-cladded, snow lacking facade was still enchanting (in the rain).
We started our drive early taking in a slow decline through autumnal browns and greens south of Tongario, back into the Waikato region and further, taking in (finally) some scenic shots East across the Mokai Patea and Whanahuia Ranges.
There are many long straights through great empty parks, filled in with green turf and regimented pines set in neat rows. It all stretches for miles and we can drive for 10 minutes at a time without seeing another soul - just us and the big open sky, making our way across the isle of the white cloud - except it was big and grey as gun-metal, and it chased us all the way.
We paused briefing on the Tasman Sea at Otaki Beach, another out of town shore free of people, with only the squabbling seagulls to follow us back and forth.
At Waikanae we left Highway 1 and cut across the Maungakotuktuku scenic reserve, south of the lush Tararua Range. I wanted to a spot of Lord of the Rings sight seeing and just off Highway 2 we'd find one of the Rivendell scenes, except that the 42Km ride wound back and forth, a single track road trailing up and down the sides of Mt Barton of Kakanui - longer and windier that the Kirkstone Pass, and every just as much hair raising for forty very long minutes.
Rivendell, unfortunately was nothing to write home about - I think we'll skip the LOTR's tour idea and stick to our own plans.
Wellington wasn't as we'd imagined either: a sprawling metropolis built into the mountainside with its wide harbour to the east and the Cook Strait to the South. At times it seems like an industralised (and much shorted New York) at others, where are hotel is located, San Fransisco. And riding in to Highway 2 with the railtrack between us and the sea, the city's profile looks almost like Hong Kong.
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4 comments:
Hope the weather improves, at least it saves on the suntan lotion. Any more boat trips planned if so stock up on the sickness tablets, make sure you enjoy all your adventures, love Mum
We are so happy that you are both having such a good time. We hear the South Island is more beautiful thant the North. Can't wait to see ALL the photos. Stay safe love from Mum and Dad.
Glad to hear your having fun, what has happened to the Penguin, does he not like the rain!! Did you enjoy the Maori evening, it is so cool when you get to see the Haka live. What has been your favourite bit so far??? I am still struggling to adapt to life back in England. Mum & Steve came to visit on Sunday which was very cool. Keep having fun and make the most of every day. Love Lucy & Tom xxx
Hi everyone, thank you for leaving your comments! The weather has improved today - with sunshine for most of the day.
The South Island is very different and we are enjoying the scenary. You will have hundreds of photos to see...just from yesterday's glacier walk!
The Haka was great, the penguin came up the glacier yesterday but was too scared to pop out of the rucksack! We can't wait to meet up with you to have a chat about NZ! My favourite bit has to be the dolphins and Maori evening, for Richard it was the Marine Volanco with the glacier a close second!
Love to you all, Laura and Richard
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