The flight from Nelson to Auckland and the connecting flight to Kerikeri were very smooth. No need to go through any security screening while flying within New Zealand (remember when it used to be like that?). We are now spending our last 3 weeks at the top of the North Island in Coopers Beach. This is the first time that we have returned to a property (although we are in a different bach). This property was the first place we visited right after retiring. We had to come back as it is our favorite beach, bar none. A short walk down the winding path brings you to a mile and a half of beach lined with pohutukawa trees (if you want shade).
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| Living room and deck |
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| The walk down from our bach to the beach |
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Enjoying a swim (our bach is visible through the trees).
Ocean temperature is 70 degrees. |
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| Tamarumaru Reserve (overlooking Coopers Beach) |
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| Tamarumaru Reserve |
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| Finishing a glass of New Zealand white port as the sun set |
One of our favorite walks is in the Waihoanga Gorge in the Puketi Forest. There are at least 100 old growth Kauri trees (500 to 1,000 years old). The hike has a magical feel as you walk among these ancient trees. The only trees that are larger than the Kauri are the Giant Sequoia.
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To prevent epiphytes from growing up it,
Kauri trees periodically drop pieces of bark.
This one fell beside G as we were admiring
the tree. |
In Kerikeri near the historic area, you can walk to Rainbow Falls on the lovely Kerikeri River Walk. Tuis along this walk filled the air with their interesting and entertaining calls.
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| Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri during drought conditions |
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| Rainbow Falls from above |
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| Oldest stone building and oldest wood building in NZ |
Karikari Peninsula has several sights to see Matai Bay, Puheke Reserve with its white sand beach and dunes, Lake Ohia (the site where Maori dug for kauri gum - "Maori amber" many years ago) and of course Karikari Estate winery.
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| Pukeke Dunes from the vineyard |
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