New Zealand Blog March 26th, 2016

March 26, 2016 at 8:47 PM

Bay of Islands to Auckland

This morning we departed Bay of Islands and began our trip back to Auckland. Enroute we visited many small villages and a waterfalls. Our first stop this morning was the historic train town of KawaKawa. The unique thing about the railway is that it travels right through the centre of town in between the traffic. A very interesting sight to see. 

Later in the morning we carried on to Waitangua waterfalls as we worked our way back to Auckland arriving about 5:00 p.m. in the evening. Dinner and some free time to explore more of Auckland. Tomorrow we depart for Rotorua, and the landscape will be very much different again. Rotorua is home to bubbling mud pots and geysers. Enjoy todays selection of images.

The small vintage train station in KawaKawa.

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The train station, B&W gave it an old time feeling.

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This is the old steam engine from the 1880's and still pulls the train through the town.

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Alexa setting the tracks.

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A 1 quart oil can made for a great shot. So many things to photograph around the train yard.

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Another one of the oil can up close.

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Then we went into the village to wait for the train to come through. So very unique buildings.

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Judith waiting for the train to pass by.NZ-94.jpg

As the train came up the centre of town. An interesting sight amongst the traffic.

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Wide angle shot as the engine passed by.

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Another shot as the train passed by, Paul in the foreground.

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A really unique experience to watch the train go through the town centre.

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KawaKawa is also know for the german designers public toilet, that attracts a lot of attention.

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Hunderwasser is very unique more like an art installation. Sandford and Ethel checking it out.

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This young fellow was jumping into the water pool above Waitanguai Falls.

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And in he goes ....

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The beauty of Waitanguai waterfalls.

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Many trails around the falls, this one takes you across the brink of the falls. Watch your step!

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Judith Joan and Don taking a break as Gail joins the group.

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Our final stop as we traveled back to Auckland was Perry Kauri Park, this tree is over 800 years old. Paul is standing at the trunk to give you an idea of the size.

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This gives you an idea of the height. Look up way up!

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Then we hiked a trail that took you high into the forest to give you an feel of the height of the forest.

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About a 20 minute loupe took you on a walking trek through the tall trees and into a hight point look out.

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The lookout gives you a birds eye view of the forest floor below.

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Then you start your downward climb back to the forest floor.

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One last view of the forest as we head back out of the forest. Great to experience the New Zealand forest.

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Then back into Auckland for this evening, then out to Rotorua tomorrow. Once again the city scape.

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Meg doing Tai Chi to cap off the days activities.

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One last shot of the Skycity Tower as we wrap up the blog for this evening.

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Good night from all the Trekkers in Auckland, New Zealand. More to come!

 

 

 

 

 



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Posted by Patricia Gostick on
It looks like you are having another wonderful adventure! And you won't have to buy new souvenir flags!

Did you see any Easter bunnies in the forest, Judith?

Cheers,

Patricia
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