new horizons

From Franz Josef, I headed straight for Bruce Bay, where I’d heard there is a good chance of finding, Pounamo, New Zealand jade. I wanted to do something with it as a gift? for the girls and all their respective birthdays. after wandering up and down for a couple of hours I’d got quite a stash… Continue reading whizz through Wanaka

Firstly. Happy birthday to two of my daughters Honor (16….on – 31st Aug) and Matilda (21….. on 1st Sept) sort of today here for both. Cool! I’m sad I’m not there in person but here’s a blog in your names. Love hugs and kisses! Big ones for Hedy too, whose 18th was on 8th Aug. MASSIVE ! – SPECIAL AGES… Continue reading Hokitika, Okarito and 3144 Glaciers

I’ve wanted to drive through the Arthurs Pass (Parthers Ass, to the locals) since knowing I was coming to the South Island and I’ve now done it. Spectacular at the start then unfortunately; Clouds, Rain, and THE GREY DISTRICT!!!! – capital Greymouth, the mouth of the Grey River. Grey, from the top of the Pass to Punakaiki.… Continue reading Arthur’s Pass to Grey.

After a great time in Abel Tasman I’m feeling the need to see some mountains and some snow. That’s what the south Island’s all about, right?  As I’ve just found out the road to Kaikoura is now open again after the earthquake back in November 2016, I’m heading there. Through Hanmer Springs and the Lewis… Continue reading Pass to Peace

I gave a lift to, and enjoyed the company of, an amazing young German couple (Josephine and Michael) who have hiked the length of North and South Islands. This took 5 months. They’re now filling in the gaps around the edge…..RESPECT! We arrived late just as the sun was setting over the flats at low tide.  … Continue reading Awesome Abel Tasman Nat. Park

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time driving. More a somewhere to somewhere else trip, through rural north island New Zealand, and I just happened to drive through a town with an unfeasibly long name, and Wallingford. It’ll mean something to some old friends, (whom I miss). I hope you know who you are.… Continue reading Wairarapa and the Cook Straight.

Leaving Waiotapu, I decided to take the road through the mountains of the Huiarau Range, past Lake Waikaremoana. All was easy until shortly after Te Wahiti. When I stopped for a coffee, 3 hours later at Aniwaniwa, the lovely Maori lady’s comment said it all. “You came over in that?” pointing at the camper. “That’s good eh!” Big smile! I pressed… Continue reading Napier or bust!

Bloody hell, I was just about to call it a day. All jolly interesting and sulphurous pooly, when Colours, steam and the stink of sulphur. I expected my old mate, PAN, to saunter round the corner at every turn. A before and after from the day also   Off to somewhere else unpronounceable on a… Continue reading WAIOTAPU-Geothermal wonderland

A walk to New Chums Beach (a local secret – thanks for the nod, Warren and Sandy) – Robinson Crusoe stuff after a – dune topping, estuary wading, beach tramping and muddy path over the mountain track walking, hour or so.   Duck through the overhanging trees to………… Bloody Fabulous. A lost world. Lovely afternoon light… Continue reading New Chums and Green Water Thinking!

Culling the local wild pigs (boars only are targeted to keep the population down) is a Hunt, with dogs in the old tradition of land and animal management although you may not like the images, it’s part and parcel of the way of life on the Coromandel Peninsula, and is indeed a big family Sunday day out… Continue reading The Pig Hunt