2nd Post from western NZ

Judy was here.

Hello all,

Judy and I are making our way around the western side of the North Island and having a wonderful time. Driving between towns is like the switchbacks between Flag and Sedona--only times 500. All roads are two-way, and narrow. We have to negotiate hairpin turns and logging trucks. Forestry is a big industry here, it takes only 25 years for a seedling to grow into a mature tree ready for harvest. Sheep and cows are our only company at times--they are everywhere. I will post some photos now of our recent travels...and maybe a map or two.

This was day one, Auckland to Whangamata--up and around the Coromandel peninsula. It's hard to remember all the names, they start to sound the same...you'll see.


This was day 2, Whangamata to Whakatane...you get the confusion with the names.


This is a pretty good example of the roads, most of the time closer to the edge and sans wooden guardrail (that couldn't hold back a stray bicyclist).

This was day three.

This was day 4...we are in the heart of NZ wine country now. We plan to see a Museum or the Aquarium tomorrow morning and then visit a few wineries in the afternoon. I will try to post a few more photos, but I'm fighting a slow internet connection. Cheers for now. D&J

This is Hick bay, near the top of the Coromandel peninsula. Safe to say we did not go out on this wharf...crazy! See next photo...I don't know how this still stands?

We ran across this church, what a setting.
There were 3 horses wandering around, the natural way to mow the grass.

Judy and a friend.

Hot Water Beach. Dig a hole and viola! Hot Water!

Yes, this enormous tree is growing out of solid rock...sideways!

Judy, near Napier. Black sand beach.
It's not really sand, small black stones, miniature river rocks really. . . see next photo.

art!