Travel Thursday: Roadside Spot - New Zealand

I just love the beautiful cliffs around the Waikato. The Hinuera Formation sits prominently along so many hills. I just want to explore whenever I see them! Here are a few shots I took while we were driving to Taupo in December 2013.

Travel Thursday: Karangahake Gorge, New Zealand

Welcome to a beautiful little bit of paradise in New Zealand. This is a wee spot we stopped at on a road trip in New Zealand in January 2014. The road freaked me way out, but hey, it was so worth it. Stunning. In fact, I want to go back and swim!

Travel Thursday: Toi's Pa - Whakatane, New Zealand

Y'all know I love home. And if you have been following along with my story awhile you will know that Whakatane and Ohope are two of my favorite spots.

When we were home in December we went up to a lookout that we hadn't seen together before. And thank goodness we did!! Wow. The views from here are just stunning. And, the day we chose was actually amazing. 

This is the view from Tois pa, which over looks Whakatane on one side, and Ohope on the other. It is an important spot for local Maori who used the hillside as a strategic position after the arrival of the Wairaka canoe. 

Enjoy.

Looking towards Ohiwa Harbour and Opotiki along Ohope Beach.

Looking further up the coast, Raukumara Ranges can be seen in the distance.

Some beautiful Pohutukawa overlooking West End surf break.

The far west of Ohope beach. Isn't it just stunning?

When I grew up this stuff was everywhere. I know it is a weed, but I can't help but love Scotch Thistle.

Looking down over Whakatane and looking along at Matata in the distance.

Motouhora (Whale Island) and Toi's Pa monument.

I love this shot.

Looking West towards Putauaki and Kawerau.

White Island smouldering in the background.

Motouhora always looks so beautiful from up here.

I guess its the geologist in me, but I love being so close to an active volcano!

Come be travel pals with Laurie and I... you know you want to!!

Travel Thursday: Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Since I was a wee girl I have been visiting Waiheke Island. My Grandfather has lived there, high up on a cliff over looking a bay since before I was born. Not only does the spot have special memories for me, spending time with him and Nanny Pen, but it is just a stunning place to visit.

For non Kiwis, here are the tourism details:
Waiheke Island is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. It is known for its sandcastle competitions, horse racing, amazing beaches, views and stunning wineries. 

For me, this is where we would visit and spend time with my Grandad and Nanny Pen. We would make pottery in her studio, swim down in the bay, explore the garden with Grandad, collect a present from the fairy tree and admire their eclectic art collection displayed on the walls.

At Christmas last year we ferried over to visit with them and bring wee Willy over for cuddles. While we were visiting, I went for a wander and found myself thinking back to all the memories I have of my time spent here. This is such a magical spot, I wanted to share some photos with you, to try and share this little spot of beauty with the world.

This is such a familiar and comforting view for me.

The New Zealand Christmas tree - Pohutukawa

This is the favorite food of one of our native birds, the Tui.

I just LOVE the variation in textures. The bark of the Pohutukawa tree. The sharp volcanic rock. The crunchy moss.

I love how the colors of the rock blend from grass and lichen at one end to barnacles at the other.

New Zealand is famous for its ferns. This little fella is a monkey tail.

Once again I am sharing one of my favorite spots in the world. Today is a spot in New Zealand - next week who knows?! Come share with Laurie and I!