In the modern world of 7.7 billion humans, and growing, sometimes we have to make beautiful wild places slightly less wild to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.

We started the day with a plan to hike the Te Henga Walkway along the coast near Bethell. And then of course, stuff happened...

Surely this is one of the most scenic beaches in the world...

No, we didn’t see any Kiwi birds, but we did have fortuitous encounter with a friendly bunch of Aucklanders at the start of the Comans Track.

The Great Lake Trail on the on the north shore of Lake Taupo is actually three different trails, two of which start in the small town of Kinloch.

Having a soak in the Otumuheke Hot Stream, in Spa Park near downtown Taupo, was definitely on our list of things to do.

Two very popular attractions in the Taupo area, Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids, are both part of the longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato River. They are connected by the 7km Aratiatia Rapids Track. I found this description of the track to be very informative. That writer advises starting from the rapids end, which makes sense because … Continue reading Huka Falls to the Aratiatia Rapids: the Power of Water!

The Rotopounamu Track is a remarkably peaceful, extraordinarily relaxing walk, even though the weather was cold and windy. We felt privileged to be there.

The track up Mt Tauhara is challenging but the views at the summit are the reward!

A one hour drive from downtown Auckland is all it takes to reach a very popular scenic spot; Hunua Falls, located on the western boundary of Hunua Ranges Regional Park. In summertime there are crowds of tourists and lots of swimmers in the water, but in wintertime, not so much... At 30 meters high the falls … Continue reading Hunua Falls: No Tourists in Wintertime!