Exploring the Geology and Ecology of the Park The drizzle in the morning didn’t keep me from going on a hike in Tongoriro National Park. I wasn’t fit enough for…

Happy birthday Heinz! The drive to Tongariro National Park lead on a stunning costal route along Lake Taupo and then into alpine heights. The park is home to three major…

Onwards to Taupo Taupo was to be a short stop on my way to the south west of the North Island. Between Rotorua and Taupo there is Waimangu Volcanic Valley,…

The original plan for today – as put together the previous day – got changed at daybreak, when it was clear that the sunshine was there to stay for the…

From coast to inland: Bay of Plenty to Rotorua The night in Tairua was wet, as was the driving to Rotorua. I made a coffee stop at the Common Ground…

The Coromandel Loop No longer hike today, many trails were closed or advised against being used because of unsafe conditions of the terrain: falling rocks, debris, erosion. Though it didn’t…

Weather at sunrise: spectacularly sunny, 6ºC, windy Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach The plan was to hike to Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach. However, due to the heavy rains of…

Monday: Cold, rainy. A warm breakfast in Waipu revived me in the morning and was the start of a day of rest. Tuesday: On the Road Again – southbound After…

There is so much more to see of the North Island. However, the weather was turning colder and wetter. Thus, today my plans included a visit to the Kauri Museum.…

For one more day I stayed with my generous hosts. Igi, sadly, didn’t join Eri and me to Parauwanui Beach for a morning dip into the South Pacific. So we…