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New Zealand is a three hour flight from Canberra, Australia…closer to us than many parts of Australia.
As good fortune would have it, Paul and I went on a short holiday to the North Island of New Zealand, just before Covid and Lockdowns hit both countries.
The landscape in this beautiful country is more like Scotland, or perhaps parts of Europe.
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The visit to New Zealand was to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, the perfect timing.
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Lake Taupo was created two thousand years ago, by a volcanic eruption and is now the biggest lake in Australasia, and roughly the size of Singapore.
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We opted for Tokaanu, the southern, quiet end of the lake. Paul had discovered some picturesque ”best kept secret” cabins recommended by Lonely Planet. We had absolutely stunning views of the lake and not a jet boat in sight!
The next day we drove south to the National Park, and Mount Ruapehu..
New Zealand’s summer is at its peak in February, and during this time many overseas walkers come to NZ to the most popular all day walk, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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We did a shorter, very beautiful walk to the waterfall…
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No wonder this area, along with other parts of New Zealand were filming sites for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
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Our reward was late morning tea/coffee in the Chateau Tongariro, a reminder of genteel bygone days .
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Looking back at those scones with lashing of butter and cream, perhaps we should have gone for an all day walk after all!
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On our way back to our cosy cabin, we saw an extraordinary number of black swans.
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We spent the rest of our short holiday sitting on the grass and watching the swans and the boats and the gentle sun setting…
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It had been a busy time getting to this lovely spot, but the quiet, picturesque scene made everything worth while..( unfortunately I have mislaid the photo of our cabin )
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However, across the river was a small Māori village with an elegant small church steeple, just slightly in view. It was a Sunday and the local choir came and stood by the water, facing their church, as they sang beautifully. (it brought a stirring to the heart).
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As the sun began to set, we sat outside, listening to this beautiful choir, we enjoyed a simple, but very pleasant evening meal with smoked salmon, fresh baked potatoes and salad, locally baked bread and some of New Zealand’s fine wine.
A day to be remembered.
Copyright: Geraldine Mackey All Rights Reserved
So glad you had a wonderful trip over here. Chateau Tongariro has been closed since 2023 so you were lucky to get there when you did.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/05/iconic-chateau-tongariro-hotel-closes-its-doors-today/#:~:text=But%20the%20most%20recent%20seismic,was%20made%20to%20close%20it.
Thanks Barbara it was interesting to read what has happened to the Chateau Tongariro, sad to read it had to close down, however, it was obviously not at all safe. I’m very glad we were able to have a lovely afternoon tea there.
You have conveyed the joy and serenity of a lovely break.
Thank you Ann, you are right, there was joy and serenity in this short holiday..
That does look idyllic. My brother and one of my sisters lived in the North iIsland for some time but sadly we never got an invitation to pop in and visit them.
I had forgotten but Susan wrote a post on her blog about her time in NZ. (a very happy time)
Now, that sounds like a perfect anniversary trip. Beautiful landscape and delicious looking food for sure. I appreciate your sharing because I will not have an opportunity to visit New Zealand. It’s also interesting to look at the map and realize how close it is to your home versus other parts of your country.
Thanks for the comment Judy, yes, it is interesting to look at the map and see how close we are to NZ, compared with the rest of the Australia. I thought that too. However, like you, we are not planning too much travel as we get older.
I hope you are surviving the heat, and able to get some gardening done. Our winter is nearly finished and we are looking forward to spring. Best wishes from Australia!
A day to be remembered is right. What a beautiful way to celebrate your 40th anniversary. Glad you were able to slide in the trip before Covid struck.
Thanks Laurie, yes we were SO lucky to dodge Covid days and Lockdowns, and looking back it was such an innocent time. Hope you are still enjoying lots of movies and still writing books!