The World Through Our Lens
After our peaceful and relaxing walkabout Hamurana Springs Reserve in Rotorua, Bob and I drove south to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. It is New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal area. Read more
Wild Kea are very playful and inquisitive birds with an insatiable urge to explore and manipulate things. We had been warned to monitor the Kea’s antics around our vehicle; we soon understood why! Read more
On one overcast and damp day in New Zealand, Bob and I decided to drive from Rotorua into the countryside for a tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It seemed a good way to make use of a dreary day. Before our tour, we passed a couple of hours at the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park. Read more
Bob and I had a long list of sights to see in New Zealand and first up was the gannet colony at Muriwai Regional Park just outside of Auckland. Over 2,000 Australasian Gannets make up the colony at Muriwai, which is one of only three mainland gannet colonies in New Zealand. Read more
Way before Bob and I decided to go to New Zealand, I held close to my heart the idea of one day visiting Hobbiton. Just as Frodo’s adventure began when he exuberantly ran from Hobbiton along Gandalf’s Cutting, so our adventure began by entering Middle Earth along that same narrow footpath. Read more
On our last day in Rotorua, New Zealand, there was ample time to enjoy the morning at a leisurely pace before setting off for our next destination, Tauranga. Our hosts at Panorama Country Homestay recommended a visit to nearby Hamurana Springs for a morning amble. Read more
When Bob and I stayed in the community of Fox Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island, it made perfect sense to hike into the actual glacier for a look. On the appointed day, a slight break in the rain encouraged us to set off, but we ended up hiking in cold, wet weather for a view of the ancient blue ice. Read more
An opportunity to visit the only nesting site of White Herons in New Zealand could not be missed when traveling on the South Island near Whataroa. A day in advance, we booked ourselves on a tour that would take us to the heart of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve to observe these elegant birds. Read more
Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand abounds with picturesque landscapes. While there, several stops to appreciate the scenery also rewarded us with a couple of special bird sightings. One pullover afforded us the encounter we had hoped for. Several Kea, also known as New Zealand Mountain Parrots, flew in to greet us. Read more