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.
The visit to New Zealand was to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, the perfect timing.
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.
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.
We did a shorter, very beautiful walk to the waterfall…
No wonder this area, along with other parts of New Zealand were filming sites for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Our reward was late morning tea/coffee in the Chateau Tongariro, a reminder of genteel bygone days .
Looking back at those scones with lashing of butter and cream, perhaps we should have gone for an all day walk after all!
On our way back to our cosy cabin, we saw an extraordinary number of black swans.
We spent the rest of our short holiday sitting on the grass and watching the swans and the boats and the gentle sun setting…
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 )
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).
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
