My Sunday Photo....Cathedral Cove, New Zealand

As the temperature dips and winter approaches I find myself dreaming of sandy beaches, pure crystal clear blue water, warm sunshine, stunning skies and scenery.

My mind wanders back to fantastic holidays whilst living in Australia... one particular favourite was when we visited New Zealand.

We made two separate trips... one to the North Island... and one to the South Island.

(If you'd like to see more of our New Zealand adventures then type New Zealand in my search box in my side bar of this blog. You'll see lot's of posts about our trips to both Islands) 

Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve as it is known in Maori or Cathedral Cove as we knew it is located on the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island and is accessible only on foot, boat or kayak.

It's a magnificent beach.

Thanks for joining me for a little flash back photo. 

I'm going to link up with the Sunday Photo gang over at Darren's place if you'd like to see lots more photographs. 

Enjoy your Sunday everyone

xx

The Art Decor Town of Napier, North Island...New Zealand

Now we have to take a little pit stop here on our road trip around the North Island of New Zealand because I have something fascinating to tell you....

You may already know this and if you do then you get full marks and even a gold star but if you don't then this could be the best thing you hear today!

If you're going on a road trip and have a hire car or have a new car then this is for you!

Have you ever driven into the petrol (gas) station and wondered which side of the car the petrol cap was on? Straining your neck to see through the side mirror, winding down the window to check or worse still having to get out of the car to check...all very inconvenient if you've pulled up to the pump and the tank happens to be on the other side of the car!

Well problem solved!

Take a look at your dashboard....there's a clue...see below

 

The symbol of the petrol pump shows which side of the car the cap is on by displaying it.

The cap will be on whichever side the handle on the pump shows! 

For instance the display above shows that the tank is located on the right side of the car.  

How simple and clever is that! 

I've mentioned it to so many people and they didn't have a clue so there you go....

Now on with our trip overwise it'll be Christmas before we know it!

Where were we? Are yes...Hawke's Bay in the North Island of New Zealand.

Before we arrive at our next destination of the town of Napier, I would like to give you a little history lesson about the location first. 

(I'm sure we all remember hearing the horrific devasting news about the 6.3 Christchurch earthquakes last year, which I certainly wouldn't want to trivialize those terrible events but I want to focus on an earlier earthquake today.)

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, was New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster. 

More than 250 people were killed, and the city centres of Napier and Hastings badly destroyed.

The earthquake struck at 10.47am on 3 February (the hands on the clock of the band rotunda in Napier froze at this time). The ground heaved upwards and swayed and then, 30 seconds later, there was a downward movement and violent shaking. In total, the quake lasted for two and a half minutes.

Most deaths in the quake occurred in the city centres, as buildings collapsed, trapping people, or as people who fled outside were hit by pieces of falling stonework. In Napier the newly built Nurses' Home collapsed, killing 12 people; 17 people died in Roach's department store in Hastings; and 15 people died in the Park Islands Old Men's Home near Taradale. Minutes after the quake finished fires broke out in Napier – these started in three chemist shops, where a gas jet was kept burning to melt the wax used to seal prescriptions. The fires burnt for 36 hours, destroying nearly 11 blocks of the central city before dying out. Fires also began in Hastings, but were more quickly put out. The navy ship HMS Veronica was docked in Napier harbour when the quake hit; the ship radioed Auckland for help, and sailors went into the city to join the rescue effort. Help quickly arrived from Auckland, with two navy ships carrying extra men, doctors and nurses from Auckland Hospital, and supplies. Following the destruction of the quake, a major project to rebuild Napier took place. The rebuilding was carefully planned, and the new town centre had many improvements, including some of New Zealand's first underground power and telephone lines. Guidelines were created to ensure that new buildings were safer; many were designed in the fashionable art deco style.

Today, Napier's art deco buildings have helped make the city a tourist attraction.

(for more information click on this link)

 As you drive along the decorative gardens which are located on a portion of the Foreshore Reserve at the southern end of the Marine Parade you can see the Gilray Fountain or more widely known as the Spirit of Napier...Hungarian born artist Frank Szirmay was inspired by characteristics of the Art Deco period and designed the naked form of an upward reaching young woman, which represents Napier rising from the ashes of the 1931 earthquake. 

(If you would like more details click on this link Spirit of Napier). 

  The town of Napier has been likened to a little piece of the Mediterranean Riviera down under; it is often referred to as the Nice of the Pacific. If you are a fan of Art Deco then this is the place for you to visit!

There are tour guides and events throughout the year...

This statue is situated on the high street and is modeled on Miss Sheila Williams, daughter of E A Williams of the notable architects of the era. Miss Williams led the "New Napier Week Carnival" in January 1933 to celebrate the town's recovery from the earthquake. 

We happened to be sitting having lunch when this cute vintage car came tootling around the corner...I'm so pleased that I actually managed to get a photo but apologise that it's out of focus.

In fact we saw quite a few vintage cars but I wasn't fast enough to capture them.

This information board had fascinating historical photos of the town from 1931...

...but then as you read this board and turn to the right...

there is the replaced fire station...

But it's no longer a working fire station now.

The town have organised walks and maps available which enable you to view all the art deco buildings. 

As you can see we had a beautiful sunny day for our visit.

I thought this shop would be ideal for fancy dress items....just look at all those hats for a start!

So after a wonderful lunch and leisurely wander around the town we headed up Napier Hill to overlook the town and harbour. The inner harbour has historical significance for the city of Napier.

The 1931 earthquake lifted parts of the inner harbour by some 1.5 metres. 

Illustrating that, West Quay and Nelson Quay were able to accommodate some fishing vessels at the turn of the century in areas which are now too shallow to take them.

I just loved this little tug boat....

As we look down from on high...it reminds me of another high beautiful sightseeing attraction that we visited...

Te Mata Peak which is at the western boundary of the wine-producing Heretaunga Plains and stands nearly 400 metres above sea level. 

 From the summit of the peak you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. The volcano Ruapehu, in the centre of Tongariro National Park, is also visible on a clear day. 

It was incredibly windy up there and I had to hang on for dear life whilst taking these photos. 

 The nature trails on Te Mata Peak are great for hikers and mountain bikers!

Yes that's what 'they' say (whoever 'they' are?)  :-$

I have to confess at this stage that we drove up to the top and that was bad enough...stressful to say the least because near the top there is only just enough room for one car, so you have to say a prayer that you don't meet another car coming in the opposite direction! 

If you do then it's a very tricky challenge reversing down and thankfully not one we had to try. 

 I can't even begin to imagine the cardio workout going up hiking or on a bike, but the huge views might make the exertion totally worthwhile. But I'll stick with the car thank you very much!

Other hiking and biking trails in the Te Mata Trust Park lead through forest and along limestone valleys.

And so we'll head back to our little 'heaven on a hill'...

 I can give now give you a peep into Villa 1 of Telegraph Hill...

...this villa is a one bedroom

Simply stunning...

(the photos don't really do it justice)

And so the sun sets on our holiday...it's time to head home.

But we'll be back again for sure...hopefully soon.

And so on that note I'll leave it for today....

I hope you've enjoyed our trip and will stop by this way again.

I have another trip in the planning stages but in the meantime they'll be my journal, art work, Muffin's antics and anything else that catches my attention. 

 Have a wonderful week everyone and I'll see you soon

Hawke's Bay, North Island...New Zealand (Part 1)

Before I open today's post I have to pass on my best wishes to anyone who has been affected by 'Hurricane Sandy'... 
I hope you are all safe, well and that damage is minimal.
You are in my thoughts...take care ;D
**********************************************************************************
And so our journey of the North Island of New Zealand carries on....
Our next destination is Hawke's Bay.
A location that is drenched in 2200 hours of sunshine annually! 

With an abundance of sunshine, Mediterranean climate, grapevine covered hillsides and a thriving gourmet food and wine industry, Hawke's Bay is the Tuscany of the South Pacific.
Lying on the sun-drenched east coast this tasty region is paradise and one of New Zealand's top wine and food destinations.
Are you're like me? Because if you are...that sounds like an ideal location right!
So once more we're off on the road south-east to Hawke's Bay.

But first the journey...yet again we were blown away by some incredible scenery along the way.
One being Lake Taupo (pronounced toe-paw) which covers an area roughly the same size as Singapore and was formed thousands of years ago by a massive eruption. 
It is a popular holiday location plus offers a huge expansive water-based activities, but there's also plenty to do on land too.
Jetboat to volcanic air safaris, hot pools to skydiving, and lake cruises to trout fishing. Tramping, bungy jumping over the Waikato river, 4x4 motorbiking, whitewater rafting, horse trekking, mountain biking, abseiling, rock climbing and golf!
Phewph...I'm tired just typing this list. So there's has to be something here for everyone surely?

I think if you can name it...Lake Taupo provides the facilities to enable you to do it!
With hindsight I think we should have squeezed a few nights stay here, but if you've been following this road trip you'll understand that we've crammed in as much as we could, so there's nothing more for it than to ensure we come back this way again!

We did stop off for a few hours to see Haka Falls which is New Zealand's most visited scenic reserve.

The falls are located on the Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand and the only outlet for Lake Taupo. The power of these falls is incredible to both see and feel...the bridge we were standing on trembled beneath our feet as the water surged beneath.

About 200,000 litres of water plunge 9 metres over the great rock face every second ~ that's enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools every minute! 

Such a momentus flow of water creates a dangerous undertow at the bottom of the falls, this has claimed the craft of many river users who have been foolhardy enough to try to navigate the falls. 

 Upstream of the falls, the Waikato is clear and reflective. After plunging over the falls it picks up masses of tumbling air bubbles which create breathtaking colours and give the falls their name, after the Maori word for 'foam'.

But we must move on to reach our next accommodation.
I have to admit after staying in some wonderful places along the way with superb hosts and brilliant accommodation, I did wonder if our bubble might burst...but I needn't have worried...
Telegraph Hill Villas offered private superior accommodation in a peaceful setting with panoramic views that show off New Zealand's unique beauty. 
As soon as we saw the villa we knew we were in for a special stay.
With comfortable modern interiors, relaxing private surroundings, panoramic views, huge skies, undulating hillsides, nestled within the trees of a working olive grove, but also within easy reach of Havelock North village...positively perfect!
Or as someone described it 'Heaven on a Hill'

This photo shows Villa 2....

We were lucky to stay in both Villa 1 and Villa 2...just so that I didn't miss anything! 

I know but in the interest of research these things must be done...

...you can't say I don't go that extra mile for you ;D

Both Villas provide a quality retreat of style, charm and elegance.

It's difficult to tear yourself away from the view which is constantly changing. 

These changes make it a spectacular stunning backdrop. I can't imagine ever tiring of just sitting and observing.

 I would have been quite content to just stay for the whole of our visit just looking at the view, but then Hawke's Bay has so much more to offer that that wasn't an option.

 The current owners of Telegraph Hill Villas...Rose and Jeremy Gresson upon buying the land researched extensively the history and diaries of Bernard Chambers which makes fascinating reading. 

(Details are available in the villa)

(A little snippet....The property known as Te Mata block was purchased from the Crown by John Cambers in 1854. John Chambers landed at Napier with his wife and 3 children in 1852. 

He had been in Australia since 1840 where he had met his wife and had 3 children. 

His 4th child ~ a girl was the 3rd white child to be born in Hawke's Bay)

Rose and Jeremy bought their block of land at auction in 1993. 

They started building their home in August 1994.

The 100 olive trees between the house and Villa were planted in April 1995. 

 The second planting of 600 olive trees in the bottom paddock took place in April 1997. The next two years 1998 and 1999, 1200 more were planted. 

Villa 2 was opened in 2003 and at the same time Villa 1 was altered to become a 1 bedroom villa. 

 

Jeremy and Rose pressed the first olive oil in 2001. 

After this first pressing Telegraph Hill Ltd was born in Rose's kitchen....and oh my... its grown!

Take a peek into their website through the link above to see their extensive products.

You can also see Rose in a video clip demonstrating one of the recipes she created using a combination of cream cheese with date olive and orange Relish.

The Olivery offers a fresh gourmet food experience where you can view production, taste products, have lunch, and purchase their full range of products. 

Yep we left with rather a large selection pondering the question would they fit into our luggage, what our weight allowance might be and would Australian customs allow the products into the country?!?!!

 During the next 10 years the business grew to be the largest producer of table olives in New Zealand with products sold all over the country.

Rose is not only a perfect host she's an amazing woman, who I personally feel privileged to have met.

She is such a dynamic, driven woman that you can't help but be inspired by her outlook on life! 

 

Along with lots of other interests Rose has a passion for golf....hence she willingly offered to invite us to spend an afternoon at her golf club. 

Her patience must have truly been tested to the limit with someone (I'm saying nothing here on the grounds that it might incriminate me) that at every opportunity whipped out the camera for yet another shot...

Bless you Rose ;D 

And so we returned to 'heaven on a hill'...

How amazing is that light?

I knew I'd be in the picture with my shadow, but then I wanted to capture the photo without stressing too much about little incidentals like that! ;D

Everywhere you looked there was something to be captured....

The cattle and sheep to the side of the property often came across to stand and stare back at us....

....especially when I had classical music playing loudly across the hillside.

There were also pheasants, blackbirds and thrust constantly busy about the garden area. 

Oh yes and lots of hawks flying aroung the hillside enjoying the thermals...

I was a little worried for all the bunnies but thankfully never saw any mishaps!

The sky darkens with lengthening shadows as the sun begins to set....

Then as if that's not enough there's something extra special thrown in...

A double rainbow! 

Surely that's a sign we're in a 'happy place'?

I have to tell you that the view stretched for miles and miles across the hillside.
Through vineyards and orchards down to the sea...plus up away to the snow-capped mountains which surround the food basket of the North Island as Havelock North is know.

And so on that note it's time to call it a day...until tomorrow that is when I'll probably be up at dawn just to sit and look at that view once again.

Because the light and shadows where quite remarkable I couldn't resist entering this post into Jenn's Artist Play Room because this week's theme happens to be shadows! 

Take a peek at some amazing artists through the link above and see their interruption of shadow.

I'll be carrying on with our tour of Havelock North, Napier and Hawke's Bay in my next post...

(Don't worry we're almost there...our holiday is coming to a close...sigh...)

In the meantime have a wonderful weekend everyone wherever you are.

Rotorua, North Island....New Zealand (Part 2)

How much can you fit into a day? Plenty if you're committed...or should that read we should be committed?

We tried to fit in four attractions in one day!

But when there is so much to see and do then its full steam ahead...

Which leads me quite nicely into our next attraction...HELL’S GATE?

Hell's Gate is Rotorua's most active geothermal park featuring boiling hot pools and erupting waters with temperatures in excess of 100 degrees celsius; steaming fumaroles; hot water lakes; sulphur crystals and deposits; New Zealand's largest active mud volcano; Southern Hemisphere's largest hot water fall and even examples of land coral.

 

The Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw upon visiting in the early 1900's, gave it the English name "Hellsgate" as he gazed upon the land,  as he believed he had arrived at the gates to Hell.

So let's enter Hell's Gate....

Here's an information board to give you lots more detail if you have the time or the inclination for more...
just click and zoom in....

As you can imagine it can be a dangerous place to walk around and you are seriously advised to keep to the footpath. I didn't need telling twice, but we went one step further (hehe...sorry no pun intended it just popped up) anyway we decided to employ a guide and he did a fantastic job of giving so much more detail than what was written on the little plaques.

I had such a giggle when I read this signpost...

Just in case you can't see it clearly, it reads

Warning...persons who throw litter or stones into the thermal pools may be asked to retrieve them!

TV crews come to this place to film for advertisements ~ as you can imagine it's perfect!

After we'd finish our tour there was an opportunity to try our hand at some traditional carving...

I wasn't to be trusted with a knife...although it wasn't a knife as such; more a curved chisel but we found a volunteer very near!

 You choose a design out of the four that have been pre drawn for you depending on the which you like or is more appropriate to you.

Then away you go...

I watched the master at work...oh yes hubby wasn't bad either ;D

After all that hard work we were in need of some relaxation....
so what more could you want than to visit a spa.

Well yes but I have to admit I wasn't initially sure about the Mud spa....but after stepping into the warm goo....ahh...you just knew it was doing good ;D

Plus we had such a giggle. 

It was my hubby's first spa!

Fantastic...but be aware you do have a certain aroma for a few days after your visit and you might want to keep up wind of people just in case!

So enough relaxing for now....we still had things to do...place to see!

How about some white water rafting? 

It is one of the big 5 of New Zealand after all....

Can you see me? ;D

 Brilliant!
Phewph...back to the Lake House to get ready for tonight's event....drum roll please...

We're to visit the Mitai Maori Village for a cultural evening plus Hangi meal.

Our hosts had organised and booked the evening event with courtesy transport too.

Kia ora (Hello in Maori)

(Do you think my hubby was taking it all too seriously? hehe)

This was a fantastic introduction into the Maori culture and heritage.

Firstly, we were shown the traditional ground cooking Hangi Feast where our meal had been cooking over hot stones in a pit for hours...succulent New Zealand lamb and chicken, potatoes (riwai), sweet potato (kumara) and stuffing (a combination of bread, mixed herbs, corn, carrots and peas).

 We also had side dishes of scalloped potatoes baked with a cheese topping, freshly baked garlic bread and a range of salads, plus a fantastic rich brown gravy and thick mint sauce.
After such a busy day I have to say this truly was a feast!
Oh yes...and there were desserts too. Tropical fresh fruit salad, chocolate log, pavlova (which was delish) plus trifle with cream. And a bar!

The cultural experience was set in tranquil natural bush setting where we were taken back in time when the ancient Maori customs and traditions were part of everyday life. Through songs and dances plus tales and legends told, we learnt a great deal about the fascinating past.
We heard tales of how the Maori people interacted with the European settlers many generations ago, music, carvings and ta moko (tattooing).
Tattoos are just one of the ways that demonstrate the strong ties that Maori people have with their cultural heritage. The displays of weaponry and combat that were shown during the performance are captivating.
As well as the poi dance and of course the haka finale!
We also were privileged to see the hand carved ancient war canoe (the waka) being paddled down the Wai-o-whiro stream by warriors in traditional dress which was brilliant.

We also took part in a torchlight bush walk to the crystal clear water of the sacred Fairy Spring flowing directly from the earth, which was full of eels and trout.
The Fairy Spring releases over twenty four million litres of pure spring water every day!
Then we were asked to switch off our torches which plunged us into complete darkness....
this highlighted the glow worms!
We also added on an additional stroll through the bush observing the flora and wildlife at night including the new walk-through outdoor kiwi enclosure. No glass partitions in-between so you are really close to them although I have to say they are very good at hiding in the dark! I had to see a kiwi before my New Zealand experience was complete...it was on my tick list....and this was the best way to ensure that I did.
I actually saw two, but unfortunately I couldn't use a camera or even a phone to capture them and we had to be so quiet because the kiwis have exceptional hearing.
  
The Mitai village was a very special place to visit that I can fully recommend visitors to experience.

So we will leave Rotorua and drive further south to our next destination....
I'll hopefully meet up with you again for more of our New Zealand experience.

In the meantime...I hope you're having a great week ~ enjoy!