tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147730762024-02-19T21:46:32.314+13:00Adventures of Kiwiant"Adventures and thoughts from New Zealand, The Netherlands and other places."kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-47646063140974891862011-09-26T23:02:00.000+13:002011-10-11T18:55:38.324+13:00Jet setting with babies<p>Renate & I recently travelled to Holland to introduce Will to the Dutch family and friends.</p> <p>It was a success but the airlines, airports and travel agent (Flight Centre) were hopeless in providing us with the information we required before travelling, all telling us to check with everyone else. We hope that this will help you if you are planning similar trips. The airline and ground staff everywhere were very helpful and we were pulled aside and managed to skip some queues.</p> <p><strong>Buggies/Strollers</strong></p> <p>We could use our Mountain Buggy from the moment we arrived at the airport until we got into the car in Holland including the 3hr stop over in Kuala Lumpur. Front packs are good but with stop overs, waiting at the gate and travelling through security checkpoints we preferred the buggy so Will could sleep and make travelling through checkpoints easier.</p> <p>The key to being able to use the buggy in this manner is that either at check-in, or at the gate (airline/airport dependant) you need to get a special tag for the buggy (purple for KLM, red for Malaysian Airlines). This basically means at the gate you pack up your buggy, and dump it on the air bridge and they put it into the hold. If you are lucky they’ll do this for you.</p> <p>Upon arrival they put it back on the air bridge for you (either by the plane door or half way along the air bridge). We got a bag for the stroller so that we could take the wheels off and it protects the buggy from the enthusiastic baggage handlers. We heard that the tiny umbrella strollers can be taken on board although we saw these being dropped off the same as our Mountain Buggy.</p> <p><strong>Security Checkpoints</strong></p> <p>You can take as much liquid as you want. We took a lot of bottles of boiled water and no problem getting through security they might just open the bags to check. They checked the buggy and at some checkpoints they wanted Will out of the buggy before inspecting it.</p> <p><strong>On the Plane</strong></p> <p>We had requested bassinets and these had been confirmed but confirmed doesn't mean confirmed. On one flight the attendant took one of someone else as our baby was smaller :-) You have a seatbelt extension that allows your baby to be connected to your seatbelt and this is required for take off, landing and turbulence (seatbelt sign). Yes, just after you feed your wee one and get them settled in the bassinet the seat belt sign comes on and you need to take them out.</p> <p>Blankets are provided for the bassinette (same as an adult gets), so you may want to take a swaddle or sleeping bag.</p> <p>We feed Will during take off and landing to help keep his ears from building up pressure. He had a bit of a cold on the way back so he struggled on the way into Kuala Lumpur. We used a saline nose spray and Pamol coming into Auckland and it was definitely better. </p> <p>Will slept most of the time on the plane. We put it down to the white noise created by the plane.</p> <p>Washing the bottles was easy as the flight attendants can do this and/or you can help. We had some washing liquid and the bottle brush with us but we didn't sterilise as we had plenty of bottles for the flight and stop over. We simply washed them so they didn’t stay yucky.</p> <p>In terms of feeding we used a whole bunch of the single serve packets of formula and that worked a treat. We took extra just in case but ended up using less than we had planned for. Boiling water is available on the plane to make up formula along with the pre-boiled water we bought along.</p> <p><strong>In Transit</strong></p> <p>No problems here as Will just slept. Restaurants can be happy to heat food and/or give you boiled water for the bottles although we didn't try this.</p> <p>We did pay for a few hours at one of the airport lounges as we could base ourselves in a quiet corner.</p> <p><strong>Luggage</strong></p> <p>For children the luggage limits are: 10kg checked-in and 10kg on-board) and I think you get the stroller for free if you check it in. We didn't use the 10kg limit on the way but needed another bag checked-in for all Will's gifts and of course the Dutch goodies.</p> <p><strong>At the Destination</strong></p> <p>You are still going to need all your milk powder, nappies, car seat etc. We were lucky in that Renate's parents were able to organise pretty much everything at their end before we arrived, borrowing from neighbours and friends.</p> <p>Since Renate's parents were in New Zealand recently we gave them a couple of cans of formula to take back rather than risking an unknown brand.</p> <p><strong>Lessons Learned</strong></p> <ul> <li>Check and double check the buggies procedure and make sure you get the special tags.</li> <li>In Holland we were waiting at the plane for the buggy but it went straight to the baggage carousel. This was a stuff up by the staff at KL (they gave us the white luggage tag but not an additional purple tag to pickup at gate).</li> <li>Pack more spare clothes for the plane and in transit (s#!t happens).</li> <li>Make sure your wife's permanent resident VISA allows her to re-enter New Zealand. Apparently in New Zealand permanent resident is only permanent if you don’t leave the country.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li>Get your kids used to drinking/eating cold stuff. That way if you are stuck they will eat without a fuss.</li> <li>If travelling to Europe avoid (at all costs) the US and Shanghai. They both require you to jump through all their extra security hoops (ie, your literally enter the country then have to leave again without a single transit procedure). This just causes a lot of unnecessary pain let alone with children.</li> <li>The games on the personal entertainment system appeared to be aimed at children from say 5 years old rather than younger children.</li> </ul> <p>Of course all this may be dependant upon airline and airport but in general this all worked for us. We feel a lot better prepared for our next adventure.</p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-5773966478805660072010-08-23T18:22:00.004+12:002020-01-05T16:24:59.662+13:0048hrs Winter Kayaking in Taupo<p>After patiently making our way out of Auckland through the wet rush hour conditions we were on our way and after a quick bite to eat at the Loose Goose in Tirua we arrived at the All Season’s Holiday Park in Taupo.</p> <p>After the drive it was straight into the hot pool to relax with a nice cold beer and discuss what lay ahead for the weekend. Whether it was the steam coming off the pool or the fact we were in relaxing mode we didn’t see the “No Alcohol” sign and got a telling off from the owner.</p> <h3>Jerusalem Bay to Kaiapo Bay via the Maori carvings</h3> <p>Saturday morning started wet and yucky and the weather looked like it had settled in but after breakfast things began to change for the better. Already prepared we headed off around to Jerusalem Bay where we launched and set off anti-clockwise around the lake.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHyxtmtuAyioj9Sn1p4OXGgUk8PVxoKuMVDJ1Byq2NXohOu0ke6vDw84dy8Bvo1xFMQCCGsoOUzbZDSrXMRaUEeMOY2591Bg-nNWX3oYm3SvLiSXTrI0kTGrJVPjSoOTIbhRcSw/s1600-h/P1000057%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000057" border="0" alt="P1000057" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWvOaoS1xZTQ-MRNCs6F1PFbMUhx3v1WF8q525WWxg9xoNIaDLhHMQmdf3NydXpAXDPbglNssJB6XkDg9wERWAzMo5_u05f1JBY7HaDoxdXOH4xjN33pW5YCkLsJG3ge1a9mbaA/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>Making it to Kaiapo Bay we left the return trip to explore every nook and cranny. We had seen reports that there were other carvings at the northern end of Mine Bay but we didn’t see any evidence of these and put them down to people getting confused with the Southern end of Mine Bay.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRJkQfjpufaaqFxjQOzpD9UGKmOhAEZ4BiO7ce9wRqJcYn8otuZjpIe4nDV8TUcRSVz_xI9gLfrTG3_Jpsndkvic2kUiDTttQif_u6-B3UqijWTCDgjWS_AG398ESJxlNB2ltLQ/s1600-h/P1000077%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000077" border="0" alt="P1000077" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosCqnChZI-LZbjtWIVLonkVes_uI00qInL_DCvqzbXB816Irxx84lfK2twjOQwG5ppS3nlAO721dgTCOkaZwiBKe1T6-RwtjJKfuedgxRSk9q9C8jqAIXfm6Dk5F-rS_fGMw3-Q/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dV2p10UEnhiJ9bdGKi4-YkqgJXCtyxue3524pLk_JskFGuTljijDFQ5YEmNZRxWE8-hLE-8dz8q2E3aoZtLBWoUItYJ-r6WfG8VNFiEnvEb1qjbyNFPJDYnZ19h6_D2SDHDfqg/s1600-h/P1000075%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000075" border="0" alt="P1000075" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU16IuonjjlYvTa9GzwnA-RFXa8DJ2UP3bZ8ocMVgOVT-4ABr_iK3vVqGZTdxsd9xZS_BwVfwtmjgNyDLePFP0hbVAF5mQc5N7yPgZ3wD8RbvOGhAka5DRGrrufSH7D4ueVW2cg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>In the misty conditions the trees played hide and seek in the cloud yet the colours of the Lake bed shone pure white and blue like on a bright sunny day. In such as short piece of shore line the landscape changed from smooth stones, sharp rock and cliffs, native bush including Kowhai, sand stone shelves with mushroom like formations, native grasses and weed and even pine trees.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmn8UOzghj7psrD-C7LIAs4QwbPYF4HkRSyF6mnGt9peFiPtIe2jx7TdRLk7vGM0Y6HiP33Q2NTpbdfH2VAOv0z-kwXnpDakxYzTYeVwBOhboyfG1QZEbOgrNkBVwHWElm7h9nQ/s1600-h/P1000083%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000083" border="0" alt="P1000083" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrMdP0zlqY-7YNd74vsX7gfSHTmkCXNoiiJlumbJT-gqBf6VPgobe8L0gWohnDzlzBs07RWuS1vy4wsFRdhBc6JyzTVh8IKbxDIvvmM9jPQoVlp_3nOSEcWVs77lig-PHnY5xLA/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p>Unlike last year when we needed to keep our distance from the shore and breaking waves, this year we managed to have a detailed look and admire the carvings created by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the late 70s.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AwGDWmmBOWo1KlGV3E6foY5JzoCD1vxp8AJCIoD8X1-t9OFRqTrA2NDiuxOdkVnlKbrMH_YYpLP87FXZ1bQZmjGa9frYgVDmAZDGZkR9A19AQXqpkeM9rkmr0o40uEjElHwExg/s1600-h/P1000098%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000098" border="0" alt="P1000098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHYi8h_xNclfE_y9CDg-3bkNa5ZTILWXEBykWZjT25jP7Fh4FouB50e-V_jG_eSf2xH1TCb2RWKL27bKMCKGMwx54BD8ImD1PzFe18Qy6naYNhyA0s-pLDXDo1syffnq9GmSKEQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvWYlVSXhaQfD_pkrFxB5Ing8Z8nCfpXgOeJwFCGuKuCpG0WI0grvJyX-pIcv6e5Q4ffqShgCDJUL1trIKi-WegiR7PV6RX29T0_0_Fh7n2PJqIzclw27k_WcPGb0B7TMh1kkGg/s1600-h/P1000104%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000104" border="0" alt="P1000104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-n27QXl8NwSTp2aN4-GPnN_zmPdBLd4hsIHtougNuJK64-yGQw0BGwmvDC-0KHSSCOzBV5CQZRffbyXRj51ZBThLS0Dqdt573YBEyaKmiwWiYJC7QNJJzRK-I-g9lYKULNnYuQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <h3>Exploring Lake Hinemaiaia</h3> <p>After a late but lovely lunch put on by the ladies we set off for Lake Hinemaiaia so we could be off the water before it got dark. After the constant rain heading into the weekend the road was wet and muddy with large puddles but no one got stuck in the mud (figuratively or physically).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-Nd-JTAZHW-Ds7V0kE9K6KkSLBPM8UtSlhiKkBHhAOiImrXhy-78-aG7WAuf-q0eiiP4DiQmw9Yj1tqDJrsTXvogxa0TaxdGrfKOqp2i7j0xB0GEzdCshnb3KX7tM9WFST2OEA/s1600-h/P1000139%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000139" border="0" alt="P1000139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaILhwvjrPs7k3kZNkJGNz6UYviwFb1aI0Xdlzj1RnKEC7ALCNPg2Zaoozm__15bwCc7XcjDpgeWy6zl3x2lJU_bvjz2H6sjBZrtnEN8tH2MAiiEHNS7H7fyY9cn1C-E6uDbxww/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFYh8UJScr1XqxfCmoZKLbR9Jxdx7a3U4MOybBADnxq9edLl53ccRwb1Md6LDKtFPVXnCWh7OPOLIFsAeUvdORYttUXTMIQwYVEwV26WpFCV2yXqDN3TMQYztJnUmvCbbmHdiEw/s1600-h/P1000153%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000153" border="0" alt="P1000153" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgos5NK2hdUmMvGJRD_PUGYh1U19GthhxyocPNQWjdazdeDZ8o6E8izvnqOnT16qeRuIvLQUXxv6qgg2GpVSXjgxcKWXcVP9mdEI6igQv4-lqqdWKfLm8Hht9hvLLymNGB-U7axew/?imgmax=800" width="204" height="271" /></a>Progress was slow as no one wanted to break the surface of the water with their paddle. A couple of strokes then gliding through the mirror surface. The dark water enhancing the mirror effect so even rainbows reflected in a full circle.</p> <p>The constant rain in the past week hindered access to the waterfall. Waters were flowing more quickly and we were unable to make the last push through a 1 meter wide gap with cliffs either side (no where for the paddle to go). On the return trip we played hide and seek in the reeds of the swamp and make it back to the cars just as a sun set.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHGgd_y_ztENV-zwWmOWIzz2T8mKWbGn6vVoMeA7QA2pzBYGi3SPsWjZTxyzyqumvvUaog_lUC4sbBburhrTQs7qEPFpj0zzvFMcIjAjUoLgq2dGkGi6yXjJPTvub2QiqPM48ZQ/s1600-h/P1000150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000150" border="0" alt="P1000150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CxL79-yBkciJn2qMOxYDew91f42OLHHHHQk-4352uTZTn_0kvepc8emA_moJ6qm08xneqlTyDvzmcbaRZ9C3U_tTHZ2qnsLSS6gIZ7As8apYeC1W3g9KtYW8HAuZsqd5VZwXMg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <h3>Orakei Korako to Ohakuri Dam</h3> <p>Last year the folks at Orakei Korako didn’t want us using their jetty. Whatever the reason we found another entry point upstream which we used once again.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABHAFEF_bcEpYQ-aNuGbFmf4lIp5GKli1TqNtCZV8PtoXF4ZTOsLKODJnmH5FWauF_L574pTNrV-0puDs8porKBNoECq_MFnBaXGch89G6wbZVtyiu9FkBzVqNUf1ubZSEe8rIA/s1600-h/P1000170%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000170" border="0" alt="P1000170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cjfspWDeI0LEb4-DcvkXnqCiGuVPQhTKBi2Cf3arg6JYDVN99CnpQiiTYOLFZhOusMxW1nw9naFEcDJXm6AqwMdDBPOhS3uuzBWmNlN95-lQgtcY1F5Mmf55u3VhCI4yhqj3AQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VexBVBsqN2OR5c6wJ5dyNOUzPdca_yoZbcPWO_BGd3kijxY6TFFXkRAOaloXaFt1ykM3T7R1HifPlGbE-FrSOCEpTxmSg0pVBw2D9u6gwqBar6UP2FWrq0L0C1rAvCA_LfOm1g/s1600-h/P1000175%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000175" border="0" alt="P1000175" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPffjaG0YIU89gp875lbDX3AyiNkkdlK3kTIkekmuUnQieByP0RW9qdwHhud3oJ9VEoALhDbjGFauwHj5tQEwbec_GuxvwwWq5BSgPkN4-AUP8p2eHB0yofruAiFT54f646krXQ/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>Assisted by the river flow we meandered down river keeping a careful ear on possible jet boats but there were none. We explored the warmth of the thermal springs flowing out into the Waikato River including the hot waterfall complete with a Geyser warning. We had showered the previous night so considered ourselves clean enough and opted not to take a dip.</p> <p>The steam from Orakei Korako was visible over the last corner so we knew we were close and dived in for a detail look and to warm our buttocks. The kayaks providing just the right amount on insulation.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6M7zhFuSt0qCLp2JIUe8UKc9SV76_yxBTk7VybSg6ty-9x78wsdhOfORYYcKayrjgcl8yiQzwBet2QOoWyqdJNiPoXRwqGp1exd2zrDkvRbCz4pKzeCGuu3xpvz5rtHWlopuuQ/s1600-h/P1000182%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000182" border="0" alt="P1000182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWrYX28Td1zilUMiVWQsHUZJs2RcVpYmg7f2rZUcPwPNMVLgKtboA7wn2_prj68tvqv6y26NtOgqlBrXhF0eFnPypN_zGysUGOuhFTnq7AHSzjx-0y-LgDVTjAegnVwpUyme1OA/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a> <br />We would normally turn around here but the night before over a few Stones Green Ginger Wine’s we modified the plan and carried on down river. This appeared to be a favourite spot for duck shooters with many hides only accessible by water.</p> <p>Unfortunately the previous wet weather played havoc with our pick up point and Megan managed to get us on the mobile to update us on a new location closer to the dam. The road was just too muddy to get through and didn’t add a lot of paddling.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclFOZRJzpQLoWD5KFsfgVkb5eaxq2rnltjzXbk6Bl7rVMSOCwKd8vfj9Vg4tgHFHPRgOKxkoUDfZB57cw4_VwPpH5AzOmBbU-pyjkx_lSrYXi8_Q33AEdVIYf6yLaqSPMsqcMig/s1600-h/P1000169%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000169" border="0" alt="P1000169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSYAE8ICgbieB4-R17Rxs4VyuqPzaKCshJ1wCWt7f10-demMY7ejUpmc1-P7lu9Ryr-lknZZPQKGR3xSkh4T89PR_HIIzgydjUmioggMn5DOvQY5hchDC7Y2k_XlgJbv0E3cr2w/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>Note: There now appears to be public access to the water at Orakei Korako.</p> <p>You may want to have a read about the same trip last year (<a href="http://blog.kiwiant.com/2009/06/kayak-fire-and-ice-in-taupo.html" target="_blank">Kayak Fire and Ice in Taupo</a>) as it was quite different.</p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0-38.686594, 176.069694-38.686594 176.069694tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-70752858766508141742010-05-02T21:01:00.000+12:002010-05-03T21:11:02.394+12:00Kayak Matheson's Bay to Goat Island<p>When asked who had kayaked this part of the coastline before, only one person raised their hand so it was certainly a good start. The forecasted wind was non-existent so 12 of us headed off in near perfect conditions.</p> <p>Rock gardening was the name of the game keeping a careful eye on the set of 3 larger swells as we ducted in and out of the rocks riding the surges. Fortunately the higher tide meant we could pop in and our of some caves and an archway. The best cave was shaped like a "U" into the cliff face. You could enter one side go into the cave and come back out through the other side. Unfortunatley this is where John lost his flag and light.</p> <p>Cheryl entered the water unexpectedly being left high and dry on a rock as the swell retreated and I mistimed the large set of 3 catching a biggy side on and trying to brace against air. These events provided some rough water rescue practise (see lessons learned below).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3536mltlFzNLDZeC3H24P4DFbQk19wL9tUdgpxjYeOjChd6n2Fkady8LabgrisT32HCZFXXiNMxfMLwbjZQ9Go3h_-3rg7wDv9cFJR58c9cARnnC6f5114EXzwQrDiGS4iGUTng/s1600-h/P5020012%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P5020012" border="0" alt="P5020012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkJJqTl8GJks0teSmTpQ1dAiSFM7rSKyq2LTTUwsg56jMMSElsIDXtSuSlqSvExSQFTozVl4Nzv2mecLamuia9R5gTiaf7n5tVw4HnX5ReaHzu-IrIVuJAr7budD-koouFyO4gg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1BB7xZYnbTNHyNm7RC7cUBpTNiKa8g4BDwHWrR2Rpb2VYKlTw_lAF7FUplNCs6KhoDTkEiK-mn25MPC0z6QWx1DHhNM9Ll2RghLJAHOgRM1KwXPvC-aW9COWRSK5eTIgSl3YAg/s1600-h/P5020018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P5020018" border="0" alt="P5020018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWQNdgQLqQ672aXCPBXVBOaiFFg0-abZnJunYd9YSbxI58s7pbYiBYz13GUcgkQ1poRwP3p6V9kqJmdtM-DSuOLxsWYmLTrq1p-07TMIaKPBzCNNOLiolb1PkucwpiJuVppoG1A/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ooZm3uMpFTKeZbN04GTq1wwxvkoUParlOH9yAjcfTInNjzU-j31e5NY-bykq1bam5Ufx-kD2wMCfmmVCS10C4ZHWfhBXFR8UNC3bC_i4SDsTigANjztujuFd2aHopumF9IiJ7Q/s1600-h/P5020066%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P5020066" border="0" alt="P5020066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Z34oX0oK-RHykJC50E8Bxc8mwcD068SKyRk1y9pe912iMCuTlfrQNyGFyZIDXJBf3OV31AiepU3Hqv_uDSHreRW9obsbNyeK0YSo665vINqU-X_xZ9DSUw9VCkjruNfVEAY9Q/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a>  <br />We eventually made it to Goat Island in plenty of time to have lunch, a bit of a snorkel and time to sun bathe. The water was significantly colder at Goat Island than along the coast south of the Island.</p> <p>Unfortunatley the choice of landing spots looked ideal but upon packing our boats discovered that the shags nesting above didn't have any form of toilet training. Everything will get a more thorough wash this trip.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwanflDvOlyFCsxkrPaC45pK18PgspRZxPoa61fix0OUJiX_tF7Fc7MvPG_6opzilAKvYJWG-2G7QTRH04Y645g2QuYjD11zdXmF49BrhjW1NSb0LvANhMX2kk1Xey55UgOluBA/s1600-h/P5020043%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P5020043" border="0" alt="P5020043" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTa-q9cqInQCVBwh1PKYFMlCkms0tIJlk3bwRZdfeLSsA0-lJZVQ9JRiBkpuHsyIrEW4Zr47mLgp-8vI9ThkHTF1fbCt7KXv-MPdawYRrUDG5yJ-LxKVreCzQ7UM54oOeahywmSw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></a></p> <p>The return journey took us out and around Goat Island and back down the coast. The wind had picked up to 15-16 knots and stayed on our nose the whole way with the waves come in on the side. Not the most comfortable trip but well within the capabilities of the group.</p> <p><strong>Lessons learned</strong></p> <ul> <li>Tow the right way up makes is easier for the tower, prevents the kayak from filling up and protects the flag from submerged rocks.</li> <li>The leg over rescue just filled the boats with water so in these conditions a t-rescue would have emptied the boats a lot faster.</li> <li>Lay on your back when being towed out of the danger area and you should float over any submerged rocks.</li> <li>Don’t park your kayaks under nesting shags</li> </ul> <em>Note: Photos supplied by John</em> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-35038876542432062502009-10-27T20:23:00.002+13:002010-01-28T07:46:38.354+13:00What to see and do in Auckland?<p>Rather than a list of activities that are basically paid adverts, here is my list of activities that include both free and paid options with my tell it like it is description.</p><p>Auckland is a wonderful varied city with multiple harbours, 50 volcanoes, loads of beaches and a slice of culture.</p><h2>Attractions & Museums</h2><h3>Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)</h3><p>View Auckland like it was back in the 1800’s and check out the trams, buses, planes and rail and military vehicles from days gone by. They also have an interactive area for kids.</p><p><a href="http://www.motat.org.nz">www.motat.org.nz</a></p><h3>Auckland Zoo</h3><p>For the most part its your normal zoo containing critters from all over the world. The main point of difference is that they have some of New Zealand’s native and endangered species.</p><p><a href="http://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz">www.aucklandzoo.co.nz</a></p><h3>Devonport, North Head & Mt Victoria</h3><p>Just a 10 minute ferry trip from down town Auckland gets you to relaxing Devonport. Old architecture, beaches, specialty shops and greet the visitor. It’s also worth checking out the military installations on Mt Victoria and North Head dating back to 1880.</p><p><a href="http://www.devonport.co.nz">www.devonport.co.nz</a></p><h3>Waiheke Island</h3><p>For a day or a weekend Waiheke relax and enjoy the beaches, vineyards, restaurants, or explore the military installation of Stony Batter. </p><p><a href="http://www.waiheke.co.nz">www.waiheke.co.nz</a></p><h3>National Maritime Museum</h3><p>This museum is dedicated to the rich history New Zealand has with the sea fro  its earliest settlers to modern day races.</p><p><a href="http://www.maritimemuseum.co.nz">www.maritimemuseum.co.nz</a></p><h3>Spookers & Corn Evil</h3><p>They have an R16 rating for a reason. The actors take their job seriously and Spookers is located in an old mental asylum. </p><p>The corn maze has a limited season between January and April.</p><p><a href="http://www.cornevil.co.nz">www.cornevil.co.nz</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.spookers.co.nz">www.spookers.co.nz</a></p><h3>Sky City’s Sky Jump</h3><p>Day or night, 192 metres above the ground you jump off the Sky Tower and assisted to the ground at up to 83km/hr.</p><p><a href="http://www.skyjump.co.nz">www.skyjump.co.nz</a></p><h3>Horse Riding</h3><p>Murawai and Parkiri are probably two of the best places to ride horses in the Auckland area.</p><h3>Mountain Biking</h3><p>There are a number of mountain bike parks around Auckland including Riverhead Forest , Whitford Forest and Hunua Ranges. The cream of the crop with the most and varied trails is Woodhill Forest.</p><p><a href="http://www.bikepark.co.nz">www.bikepark.co.nz</a></p><h3>One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) & Cornwall Park</h3><p>One of Auckland’s most prominent volcanoes set in the lovely Cornwall Park. Although it’s missing its tree, One Tree Hill remains one of Auckland’s iconic land marks with its monument with great views over the city. Yes, its the one U2 wrote and sung about.</p><p><a href="http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/onetreehill.asp">www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/onetreehill.asp</a></p><h3>Mt Eden</h3><p>The highest volcanic peak in central Auckland rises to just under 200 metres. Great views over the city.</p><p><a title="http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/mteden.asp" href="http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/mteden.asp">www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks/mteden.asp</a></p><h3>Coast to Coast Walkway</h3><p>Starting at the viaduct in downtown Auckland walk the 16kms passing through Auckland’s urban landscape and parks until you reach the Manukau harbour.</p><p><a href="http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/coasttocoast/index.asp">www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/coasttocoast/index.asp</a></p><h3>Stardome Observatory</h3><p>Located on One Tree Hill, learn about planets, stars and constellations as viewed from New Zealand. They also have a variety of shows. </p><p><a href="http://www.stardome.co.nz">www.stardome.co.nz</a></p><h3>Sky City’s Sky Walk</h3><p>192 metres above the ground with no hand rails you walk around the outside of the Sky Tower (you are clipped in my a harness).</p><p><a href="http://www.skywalk.co.nz">www.skywalk.co.nz</a></p><h3>Rainbow’s End</h3><p>As long as you aren’t expecting a Disneyland or Dream World there are certainly a few rides to get the juices flowing.</p><p><a href="http://www.rainbowsend.co.nz">www.rainbowsend.co.nz</a></p><h3>Bungee Jump off the Harbour bridge</h3><p>The world first Harbour Bridge Bungee Jump. A 40 metre drop to the water and a bit further if you want to get wet.</p><p><a href="http://www.ajhackett.com/nz">www.ajhackett.com/nz</a></p><h3>Harbour Bridge Climb</h3><p>90 minute guided tour sharing the bridge's colourful secrets, architectural features and the myth and legend surrounding this New Zealand landmark.</p><p><a href="http://www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz">www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz</a></p><h3>Harley Davidson Tours</h3><p>Cruise the streets of Auckland taking in the panoramic views.</p><p><a href="http://www.harleytoursnewzealand.co.nz">www.harleytoursnewzealand.co.nz</a></p><h3>Auckland Brewery Tour</h3><p>Visit four of Auckland’s local breweries and taste some of the local boutique beers.</p><p><a href="http://www.absolutetours.co.nz">www.absolutetours.co.nz</a></p><h2>Markets & Shopping</h2><h3>Retail Hubs</h3><p>The best shopping areas are <a href="www.highstreet.co.nz" target="_blank">High Street</a> in the City, <a href="www.newmarket.co.nz" target="_blank">Newmarket</a>, Ponsonby and <a href="www.parnell.net.nz" target="_blank">Parnell</a>.</p><h3>Dressmart Outlet Shopping</h3><p>A huge number of New Zealand and International brands at discounted prices all under one roof.</p><p><a href="http://www.dressmart.co.nz">www.dressmart.co.nz</a></p><h3>Clevedon Village Farmer’s Market</h3><p>Pick up the local seasonal offerings of fruit and vegetables, fresh pasta and other goodies. Every Sunday 8:30am-12pm.</p><p><a href="http://www.clevedonfarmersmarket.co.nz">www.clevedonfarmersmarket.co.nz</a></p><h3>Matakana Village Farmer’s Market</h3><p>Pies, beer, fresh berries and greens, coffee, olives, mustard, macadamia nuts, chocolate, wine, cheese, organic meat and eggs.  Every Saturday 8am-1pm.</p><p><a href="http://www.matakanavillage.co.nz/farmers_market.php">www.matakanavillage.co.nz/farmers_market.php</a></p><h2>Bars & Restaurants</h2><h3>Viaduct Harbour & Princes Wharf</h3><p>The bar and restaurant heart of Auckland city. </p><h3>Minus 5</h3><p>Don a fur coat and go inside the bar with a sub-zero temperature. Worth a visit for the novelty.</p><p><a href="http://www.minus5experience.com">www.minus5experience.com</a></p>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0Auckland, New Zealand-36.847385 174.765735-36.864556 174.73655250000002 -36.830214000000005 174.7949175tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-37157728996752041412009-07-20T17:38:00.000+12:002009-11-15T21:36:16.127+13:00Whale of a time for Mid-Winter Xmas<p>What was once an attempt at bringing the European cold wintery Christmas to New Zealand has turned into a sort of tradition or at least an excuse for a gathering.</p> <p>Every winter, groups of friends and/or family get together a celebrate a mini Christmas type event. This year I organised a group of kayaking friends to have a mid-winter Christmas at one of the beach Bach’s provided by the Auckland Regional Council.</p> <p>The weather looked terrible however the trip was in sheltered waters. In the end we decided to at least check out the situation in person and back track if need be. The conditions in the sheltered harbour were fine so we loaded up our kayaks and headed across to Big Bay.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTokJQFJX6hlzIzlJ-eohQWzI7hCRvUx_Aamy25OwOkJdMEjUF9aCT3VM6rS6vxlOxn8e8PK8EDVmd3IPYD5p7x4Z8-UNpOxHgBkZuM813q1dUoDuSkPPjw2ocBfLj7oo_goeDw/s1600-h/P1040796%5B14%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040796" border="0" alt="P1040796" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa-Zk1j1_HJDDaxWVZaPC3On5qVV4ZRj9_l5jDdj0XqneTd-RVGyzl3OfK5d6RSZk774FOqj2txJgSJprrI3WUIeen-fe9z3fhL7V5JJZjhOwpCTNsUE2UZjNMpP-qy3GsiN7rw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>Only accessible by boat Big Bay is located on Mahurangi North and we were stoked with this 8 person bach. We could have booked any number of weekends and was immaculately kept. Even the cutlery and crockery was better than most peoples homes.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040307" border="0" alt="P1040307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y0QOWfo5ZSNpW0uBrVtwu5LaGC3fwLVpZ6_iMPlEl6S0dCliObUKjp8mAxwibIzuQ3fIGtaDtBzIw6czCxLjRuVomWoFvnHrsGLEUJ9nVQDOFeIjO9b47PSbM0pYRcts1BvJzA/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></p> <p>Upon arrival is it was straight into preparing the Turkey and getting it into the oven as it would take a few hours to cook. We then managed to relax over a few wines and snacks. As the evening wore on, we told stories of our traditions and memories of Christmas spanning 5 different cultures.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040324" border="0" alt="P1040324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j8Owmjjzpu-8fy6iSQJ7wYJcY5e3w2Jx3OhcdwMlv_L62E4WqwKSH_fRna6kr2uXvcxsOsPY6RSoFNBkxFCjaMxcYCqrpYr9CEvECrTrffMklkpgX4fQ8Yo8Yu26mCr4YvBQSw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></p> <p>Dinner was now ready so with table set, candles lit it was time to consume the stupid amounts of food we had prepared and after that we attempted dessert.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqxlR418wMwAQ7wFZMKUlsx5m2dvdyuYpw6IDDPpsqyvTml5nQK7XXeijflJvGMiGq5lDi1Ur96r-GZ5XVDCN8PP7d4FLGaznKILl4MmiEcA8lFGNRX7Gu5U-R0ulGqxUPSojQg/s1600-h/P1040445%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040445" border="0" alt="P1040445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3spXveAaAUxUhFn00BNpZko_Vs8XVqDNBLtVwCOswKkcbPjHk14yOMfj9qhyx-tka-eYgmn3xj007yuDHxKVqEdk2iut-iq1ZMvYy4DUDP92nDKhpDybJ1KV3ixkmmHDARzVV2Q/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040336" border="0" alt="P1040336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtpjsiKpCUQEo2HoNDaAo9kSIzHTY42RY_r0Ti6pQIQFQFGmhPbgMkpIFWeXbejFEHf5ZL4FrLhH4s8r3VHCBBECI1SM7fp-Nm5WJqDmIlV1OqQ1uJN6xL9lb2FPkoU9GudoPmw/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304" /></p> <p>The next morning we awoke to find a rather large Whale on our doorstep complete with her baby. The Southern Right Whale (named after being the “right” type of whale to kill as it floats) had been cruising the waters for a few days. Being sure not to annoy the mammals a couple of the group kayaked out and drifted while the whales came to check them out. What a marvellous way to start the day.</p> <p>After packing up we headed back to Sullivan’s Bay where we had parked the night before. Low and behold our friends the whales had   gone across while we had breakfast.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd8Hp3hagMO20CDQmJ3_QqUeo5Y6kwFirUEQwbZEXIaN9tIfGbh8DVMrd7i1e3xHcfZaq4iPLBwWNRiilKdVSzXJ9PVql0TsdTlQHMV3fKneMDY0lPmKH4og5zaVJUhN3JCyGMQ/s1600-h/P1040442%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040442" border="0" alt="P1040442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh481F0TESSnoWgPjnzHTUe_Zr67wyeHIQ-DlJE1aSWRY75zZjAQbPhk_Y3pXvLFMYTDaAd0UbDTTb39nEU6VIcjD4HF-kTP2v5IA8mheOrZZ2BcyED1LNeCmlR6e_StFGe_2BoCQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p><em>Disclaimer: No whales were harmed during the making on this blog entry (or breakfast)</em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> <p><em></em></p> More information <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/KayakBigBayMidWinterChristmas" target="_blank">My photos of the Mid-Winter Christmas at Big Bay</a> </li> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-41456475213854710092009-06-22T18:52:00.000+12:002009-10-29T08:04:01.634+13:00Kayak Fire and Ice in Taupo<p>To make the most of the weekend we made sure we were down in Taupo for an early start the next morning. The Loose Goose in Tirau provided sustenance along the way and after a quick scout around the All Seasons Holiday Park in Taupo before we settled in for the evening.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjmxG7O9eLjjyoWpCTmXAFXZz4cE2T2fhfSjWWHr2M6uGGuyNjTzQN7VY06fV4LeoaajBEs21BQb4OG2W7yvoY8SlUOCtQFvbtq1j-NoqncX2rWYpMKa5aAHoeXMFBhuJ198Z3A/s1600-h/P10308383.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1030838" border="0" alt="P1030838" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKBWeaBMXvQ1Z_IlXlxo7FzBLwrUERnA4ujGuLuwH29mTeK_bR4GI0KycXB9VvcuFMbT3NxZWO9hXd6gyrXpiNnd-wwoyo2FGt9IStA2Cq0kEHDnisCl_p61SzzJl_cihdK6wjQ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Saturday morning was beautiful although the wind was planning to get up and we couldn’t see the mountains across the lake. We popped in to see Steve at the local Canoe and Kayak shop to get some local advice and go through our plans. He gave us some great tips so we set off for our first explore.</p> <h2>Part 1: Jerusalem Bay to the Maori carvings</h2> <p>After driving around to Jerusalem Bay (just around from Acacia Bay) we launched and headed around the point to check out the Maori carvings at Mine Bay. Created in the late ‘70s, Matahi took four summers to create the carvings. Not the best shot but due to the waves and swell it was a shot all the same.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CVu2vMi6dty_5dTqWXJycwknnXKGJ4HUkx4up-2OMevivhPtQZnzxu9bIkF0hTfhAnCjiFo6wfEDzvIn_EK_HtCWlDr8D7fJ6OdXmuyGNJTnHFz_QlWnSmvKZ8Pnfap4GRvebw/s1600-h/P10308514.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1030851" border="0" alt="P1030851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWql_dl2-gYWbXABiOXZrSx13lgawzYO3vANEY_DiA-7rhyEJjaoJq5lReAG6TmmeQCH8E-hjeDKT8uS91bWM3Qu6R6UXDB48B_JSPHJaWd80pCdC9iTGPccseC5DGRwMD6ACYPw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>The southerly wind was cold and the 60km of open water ensured the waves were big and steep. This made the trip uncomfortable so as soon as we found the carvings we put our tails between our legs and hi-tailed it out of there. Back in the sheltered waters of Jerusalem Bay, the conditions were quite different . The  sun was shining and it was warm, the perfect spot for lunch.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvNeH0eGdI1fWb4Tk3lctz3GQZlqsmVeWl6k8TznAPUHxq6C1Bo8J6ntG5dgw4rzUpsYnRycpt-vy4Bs9f82ALW27Wxrvc_x1KCPK6zRZlbGzP-sMtQP6bodvX0-xgkorHCi_zg/s1600-h/P10308804.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1030880" border="0" alt="P1030880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBc0sbkKM5p0CaynOAku_ZccAF8HmBTNz2mTH-7yCVdJV-0XrWUOTVADTC7C2_vdaT_CAm3IjRPn4ARZKSpypw4r4kT10asnLO-BZuHaIT4BSVtjmRHtyHKdkcB3xgyPuPAhyphenhyphenSEA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> <h2>Part 2: Lake Hinemaiaia</h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwxx-i_Ey-Pm2DrQiaGX2_WnP3mYRy1zviE0zt1ntEaoO-vae-PqyukMCM6PhZHBwX8ZYkkTOHuWihz_dslLP4rqQVa8E18Ql09E6wkCdzk5tJlN9vFwebdI0Wtcgm0jx84eZMA/s1600-h/P10309504.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1030950" border="0" alt="P1030950" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0lYi22yR8peHRqkzWKNWyOls3l-Po4SToB08sEyP2D3I740n3js_kf0IyGEZ9vbUxjzSxYYczbtwlaZrBtj1UfQbeNz5z1K9X0mghv-rT5OYyJzn8eBnSxHWzSBsrdsB3wcfKg/?imgmax=800" width="150" height="225" /></a>That evening I was considering a night paddle so we at least went to check it out. Just before Hatepe (about 30 minutes South of Taupo on SH1) we darted inland and found a small hydro lake. We launched and after only about 10 minutes we entered the river system above the lake. It was cold and the sun had a hard job making its way into the valley to melt the frost at the sides of the river so it was no surprise we struck ice. Not just a little big but whole sections of the river sheltered from the main flow.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi4TCsYfdx1YtzLYHb4lF5onJS6uPLJiI5HEMyrWCx6EkKiID87TT6ZxZzd13x29g21c_dz2VKkxShoUzVFuB9x_6oEtllcpf-NgojODQmLUUkuW4VUzevK8e0d4N8ApKN2flZQ/s1600-h/P10309834.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1030983" border="0" alt="P1030983" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_Vu-DInT7hBiCP81CTDUcdABC3hbkJRlTJzn28hwdCM1DS43sN4aX0_59CiiGZxTALdUv0Ec8GuBfoLXLlBze70SLD_MHfeFFWiYSSFyK079qMmMmWKG-KSpBDYAyWwe_dwk7A/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv94M-siIUt3ONjYLNaBDhOzKt9NHsd6l1h0ePozvv6qNedPM47SOeHdKOGUnj114kuGembzknL4rG1xmGgO6o8w-z3zSNzl0wLWE2aSRSg__BfdfLGhX2X-t9lv3W4bCUMgyO5g/s1600-h/P10400385.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1040038" border="0" alt="P1040038" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19TXZ1tNcRtqfINI5w53Ucy3tt1lbYfM4P6hYbvGulvo0kh95MiVN98BYswgN5atDLOSqGc8xOUGAGf_glzMKQT9rMsS-ELeiwYEZ4q7K3nuGjSn3EYAFAzfA2DNHmunYtmIPIA/?imgmax=800" width="150" height="225" /></a>Further upstream the canyon walls closed in so we headed further up stream in smaller groups. Stalactites made of ice from the dripping foliage lined the walls of the canyon and some were massive. The only flowing water was the fast moving main flow and a water fall up on the left. There was just enough room to turn the sea kayaks before we headed back out down river.</p> <p>After the canyon, we explored a lagoon area where the last of the days sun was hiding in a corner, the birds were playing in the trees whilst we played in the ice covered water. It was then back to the camp ground for a well deserved soak in the hot pool, dinner and a spa.</p> <h2>Part 3: Orakei Korako on the Waikato River</h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVREwzfmuUsLZ8Jtf0U7HdNCQzpXLvCzxJqY34kAy51UgoX6PNO8HXBiCld9E53y62t8OH45m_M2ti3rNUhm6X6PxyiNYRkcXajA8DDAgX2f_YepdItkwQmmcsVgT07SdAXr2Xg/s1600-h/P10401513.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040151" border="0" alt="P1040151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5FqR4cVt10zTYOmmAoJAtCdc61fB2HCrq1DZ47UotinSfCBEt6XeGS8X3iVuv0esl7heTd3EBHXHO_eXtCfagjkTC4tRwCujhdbotnVcGd1cjlaLxR9BdjnMekog4_N4psQ1GA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Sunday was another beautiful day and this time we could see the snow capped mountains 80kms South of Taupo. We headed out of Taupo and up to Orakei Korako. The directions took us to the shop and ferry where there were no launching points (Actually the camp ground was a building site and due to OSH regulations they didn’t want us using their Jetty). We headed back and found a bridge with access to the Waikato river where we entered the water. Brett feeling a bit poorly minded the cars sitting in his chair on the jetty covered with his blankie.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_Ms8imxcCE41qp48k2HD4GFEcjeZl6E2X3oZQSr7gHiXPxMr3GMSvo7xjFLNz7lbT7-utXSxYY6C3ZHxo2ZsjizktNdqdHODDKftk_yLb-lu7lzY8zfSRb5YefK4PbQCwlo6Yw/s1600-h/P10401673.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040167" border="0" alt="P1040167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ftSyezePhTKqlELjxSlz33TKRojmD2ZBttMP7xHY7oMqjc6yBaKvW-99Ig9LOEFE2nwty8uATxYUyRlP_IRM6NFGWT_ZErZWwstqEerSPiP1aR21YtsH9mvDoHKn3Mer8rI5iA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>We set off down stream keeping in mind we would need to travel back up stream against the flow but it wasn’t that strong. We quickly discovered jet boats use this section of the river and although the signs said 5 knots through the gorge it was obvious that this apparently didn’t apply to the jet boat. The water acting as a mirror buckled with the wake but never broke in the gorge which was a weird feeling. We continued downstream paddling through the mist until we came across the geothermal activity.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040226" border="0" alt="P1040226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TAal-imbWgtgm_tdkWLGEvV2h04xO96W16hEOYeiUykYeTlw_3nairWuUITy5meX1OnFDw5fI6HGV2zQIi_WojxsShD9gkNj-S6qPP-jqx7TMwyM8jmg25-wONr7bHffKg1QAA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /> </p> <p>Hissing, gurgling and plopping could be heard from beyond the river banks. The surface of the water was hot and warmed the bottom of the boats. Keeping our distance from the more violet places we took our time checking everything out. We came across a bathing area complete with warning signs and moved along.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuPOhh4SdzaCXWQ6DXTKz0B-UC0QGBRnvVBqVJqFLzOvxrQ8P_86BaqTtFHkPioqsQTDshQNPZ1p5JYFVEhAjExMPMIPWnnfM9dgO-ri6j11eotb7bFZPiqdtHIxI5SVX8v44Hw/s1600-h/P10402457.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1040245" border="0" alt="P1040245" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAM3SzaJzJJa-an48JynTFkpa8dYShvXHyGG0E8Jb9uMM66zqp_CElYjEduqG5CG5Kutr43FjuGfgIZlB8B8tfvg4jdg3Pp-oJh-D336vo-OMZVaTLwvtedaYCzolbYOglOuIfw/?imgmax=800" width="120" height="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfaBcDu2M27E-v3oWYoujrShQ6DWEyetG7WopNaGT-trEOrCH_xsyQMGsNxD4_ZOTWnnEeXUO_HoT-vEZr_Z0WYgn2iHU_tnL-kuEg-wm_HTyR77gy4U0_b-t0v3_LteePOCqFQ/s1600-h/P10402115.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="P1040211" border="0" alt="P1040211" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99roidKayLayiCBYeVlfrfqwmjJkeYtUBRT0HJjFMpinoRGUsgr2iruQ8PV9YSC-kSvXrXZStB5gTj8U5MFqlL8b3BgYMUb9-NsLsoCybOm4lLTPadpIcgg6Dtscuq5Rz6rqniQ/?imgmax=800" width="120" height="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo95_VInV-6AT9cMwUgs8RsT3QzAp3uBJf_LzJr4s3x2k4J7gEDM78qaGKWRA_BX97DLBBbtHC2hBegldCQPRvoSXWmvR1JldYaHH9OHfkOiB-yMtBC9G9WVMFYDt2uRT2cBpvQ/s1600-h/P10402594.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="P1040259" border="0" alt="P1040259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpr38DgT-n26exjvSliPG8IP5vuqkztAKqGpSBylJhGLJ5r1RhjY1vD6gsXPJagvGtIqjGjwvWzkgtlAacsjs3LGU1dK9VtwEwWUDs39bK0Nz_8wNvidV8heiDWEuHzpfxQs_4w/?imgmax=800" width="120" height="180" /></a></p> <p>The main feature “Orakei Korako” was off limits with access from a private jetty although we explored the river side. Hot water flowed over the large white coloured rocks. A closer look revealed more detail and colour.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040307" border="0" alt="P1040307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwu1mehrVXbMcgrAZEgK0wgjb0bsThOQi6Mts6jkj4JyL0XEsyKpjsKx65V8R9Uu58ELXje0uANLkWyDX23lquTbHXk_1UB-OjCZlPOZzXGrA11X76KKaFM-UmT6F2ZOmKdGRBg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></p> <p>As time was pressing on we returned to the cars for our journey back to Auckland.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye85OMLS6_U_ueSKGI1pQy8GqpyfZeRfyv4gSU0Qqz_NpjDBl5xMBxINqJWEEZVDdUY2xlmbht5KO5aXtbbAT9SEKZxyW19F7b_oOqYY-CSk5LwOjK3E6km6b0BX3eeulp4dTcw/s1600-h/P10402954.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="P1040295" border="0" alt="P1040295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPzg86BRARmsi90Saekk7lXeYS15iDW9JxmziVelhvGntZv08aiR5_QAJrTEo4G7yHuf3p7gW6hmuLzIomSyj7cJAcPJnB24DouNUulXE6Hheym_UkngTa9jVBhF8bpvIrgMWPw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> <p>All in all this was an amazing adventure and a perfect reason why winter should not stop you kayaking.</p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-84313502854251906972009-06-20T06:35:00.001+12:002009-10-31T11:18:32.745+13:006.6 Degrees of Separation<p>We have all heard of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation">Six degrees of separation</a> to explain how everyone in the world is connected to everyone else but is there any proof? Am I connected actually get to, for example a </p><p>A bored research team at Microsoft decided to find out by analysing the <a href="http://get.live.com/messenger/overview">Windows Live Messenger</a> traffic for a single month. Sure this doesn't take into account all cultures and walks of life but its a good start and their results point at <a href="http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=863">6.6 degrees of separation</a>.</p>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-4867546271187767552009-06-06T19:54:00.000+12:002009-11-15T21:19:18.778+13:00Tramp Whatipu 2009<p>Having not been to Whatipu in in quite a number of years it was time to return. Starting at Whatipu we took Gibbon’s track straight up onto the cliff top and from here we headed North admiring the wild west coast below. On the exposed ridge the track was quite muddy so definitely not one for your best Nike sneakers.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1bU7m8NuClixG6GNdI62h_A_j3ZhwvBq99gkjXl9U8GDRILlt98JghJYEAyOvBiIkzVY9vAavo7adD2SCiz1snggfCk2VmZxErjX8zKwZ3RKQ1ey2wAWHvX08NzUTVOiB58hVA/s1600-h/P10305702.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Looking down at Whatipu from Gibbon's Track" border="0" alt="Looking down at Whatipu from Gibbon's Track" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqo85R3nnxlPUg0qcPSpOxh_eaplf4JjZcgEaB6RzkWhWmcRvbVRofW8j8Q6VMCGW_m3NwVfZtQfFQlYmDtk-p2mDXUWCsqnOYKP1bXh4P3xppIPXo4bnuBgWGVJDW5-wGNGpTg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p>Before long we started dropping into the Parahaha Valley with its lush Nikau Palms and Kereru (Wood Pigeons) just hanging about. Cold wind was funnelling up the valley so used the shelter to prepare our lunch before continuing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7d3w3nYfzSN6e3nDmuVMg6TInYe6aO3yOpR9ZciHvkTLleeZUYlq2M5HR8TM22vd6jgs2QxUI65RGgPRwj7J_GWrUFuJIq2flUrl7XxaV_uTRMPf75B0bYipi0U99Q-S3qbdzQ/s1600-h/P10306734.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="A Keru/Wood Pigeon" border="0" alt="A Keru/Wood Pigeon" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0zv_rnvo54kkE0lx-fXS3-BmAcRmiTEI-uE2roJzXK7XWfUk0ETVgYt9HmZCn1qFrEL3OAllI3HxtPaaC4NZiKRWNmu735I24Aa-52U8WcULm1PiR0ti5YWJf0aqWLu1qB2-Wg/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="404" /></a></p> <p>The Parahaha stream was higher than usual so we needed to get our feet wet and wade through the murky waters. Once on the other side of the river it was easy walking to get out onto the sand dunes and through the swamp. We then turned South to head back to Whatipu via the sand dunes.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Renate crosses the Parahaha Stream" border="0" alt="Renate crosses the Parahaha Stream" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZVMJL0bdnhhLA0n8aCSincP6LdpkTQtoo4ot1apcoWWqo7xQoEXGzhZQs-SGbe-5YF8itDt4wK3JnL2j2whyphenhyphenlT-o5ME5MUkPDlpSCbmlAWORGDXYGCM3CLys1MQ_GiCJSyeqoA/?imgmax=800" width="271" height="404" /></p> <p>I love this area with wind blown sand, small lakes and swampy areas. Popping in and out of the dunes not quiet knowing what you will find. Wind and water constantly changes the landscape.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMJkWBAB2NqGaE-LWk-GBWvkSb2wp1v0XWunkuPY-ajqhZJfq8s1GUgbJwHNZTQu7J1RMBCrwEnMdezilhzdBm6-FPDyehQFB_xVMJrG-dkULrXepngeuACkB9ewKzuPb5-uk3Q/s1600-h/P10307532.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Lagoon's at Whatipu" border="0" alt="Lagoon's at Whatipu" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplkVinYiHKiGf51IP15rwE2_gq32VAUebfP6ziQ2bcVlevSs06vJk94D6T_SX7e4D6-NJgwcVtmsgT_EtruUOrKVq16j34M4Vijgo6hz0il5HNuAu9_2ZjZE0_BDQpf4j2coxkg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfc-bZ2tM6bDHrrzO2j0vjNjDHRrhAwHqwXd3y4CkIX7OscTE39GCkrv9CYoYPXSBAyy32VmuIidJ00SteuK1MK1f4dNHqNEy1KUpnXiL9YHbCRsu3EEujFqZtQku5HmPhnB_CA/s1600-h/P10307252.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Looking North from Parahaha Valley" border="0" alt="Looking North from Parahaha Valley" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO322wIO4bXFpfFOXLpvdXuuketic2mJm0ZiYtoeJOHNnnMJc8zcrBwssmlE6mBpJQHJabx8r4HYyi0E9MqbS0GJbL6WioimX7b5inAGgBOoehvIkAldHSha9lRJf71B9z9nJzjQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTj8oALWtyT_LYb9Nvlb3gsZOBBinOgSokjz5XYyOWeSZ5BZQxh1mD7xQuV3sZMi1QZwa4RGTuTa6BKeyYzAa07cAJyWckWGMuyhWuZNVIPsNKa1KeVnjIbK9TTGiU4tnz8EiDA/s1600-h/P10307463.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Lagoon's at Whatipu" border="0" alt="Lagoon's at Whatipu" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjieOK4hH2-uL4RowAedje6ky0UrASMEUHYRdsfgwQFsZGX0cPMS8P8v829MA-bL7Mv_29KOpE6eqLiUQA09rHi232f56hg3SwdLT30-YFkMAzcxW94K15bCbT-b0EpSIWhsh83A/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> More information <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/Whatipu2009" target="_blank">My photos of the Whatipu tramp</a> </li> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-67971793954541250262009-05-25T22:23:00.001+12:002009-10-31T11:18:59.958+13:00Tramp Waihaha Valley 2009<p>The weather forecast for the central plateau put the kybosh on our plans to go up into the mountains to instead we opted for a valley that provided protection from the elements. We left Auckland on a perfect winter morning not a wisp of wind or a cloud in the sky.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzotHtKAEYC736WJPENU9riS6sPgwoZayjnt3yELknmHJH87WakLg5gb-7SpjCmv9WX5n5sRmO_0wi4ndbuPCbR46NjKTZ8xHq9CsG8zqs68z5CBafL5PccwNKbjtcL-TA39zCg/s1600-h/image%5B35%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Misty Kaimai Ranges" border="0" alt="Misty Kaimai Ranges" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVI6vKQimraeaAKn8x9zznozf1iFdTkBais74e_PunLeSorgShyphenhyphenYhURh5a6f9TPUxSmU8Jt0q8bxZIiT0xPbyNYOCmahzKS3W9vNM4pGHWlmiiM0SbISmiXHRLmaFAsUnjF85bg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p><p>Driving down through the Waikato we could see a the base of the Kaimai's were shrouded in mist and as we made our way further south entered the soup. Slowly the outside temperature gauge dropped to 3 degrees so we were happy to stop for tea and coffee in Matamata (otherwise known as Hobbiton). </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XfNM7DS5PGlPnL6EjGAm-h-UxfOozNcmlXYDWQl5r0FPrJCbMlaxo-L7JWb7l58oH1Zq8FEwbYW0Le6ZkKdAtADCZP-MCaas_s3Ub4iriNwccVjZLxlccyAt1RptxRluQxCIsA/s1600-h/image%5B36%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Starting the Waihaha Valley Track" border="0" alt="Starting the Waihaha Valley Track" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyoJCEPPip3WyrecvdBNH5bEVmoo8K2zQoKSP9So4RBgEQzagEHMS9U6tYdgPpUuMXE60JMzbtdfo43C2POwir8NYnv_tjE_1ye2aHT4fgTyHc4HC7stDm49BJm2zwHqpwlNRkQ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p><p>It wasn't long before we found the start of the track and we all set. It isn't easy to spot if it's your first time (the car park is on the southern side of the bridge that crosses the Waihaha river at the bottom between two steep hills). It was fresh but the weather wasn't too bad so leaving the car in view of the road we set off up the valley.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8M5CaotAIUILRQ2i2GVWr-DoPp5Xnij7WYJUF6nhXJVwiIjO1_XPk2QF_B_n2XX1wVqrRQsjNeTClJRDLB_l8bc0pwpSYLhqZjsnYcF6Jf26BwLu3UYMBefIKJsNvmKJ0hYAWdw/s1600-h/image%5B37%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Antony and Renate" border="0" alt="Antony and Renate" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwAoMP8xfhnuqfxScENW8iX6mpCTiSPyRenXCUQsACp4fzWxXynSHveM-IoigIYxJl2_TmLSUbY5QiOem3mh6orMtFgv6zHIJz6rslA1zokOSlD1ZbXM5mP7UgUS3zEpExaIszA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p><p>Waihaha Valley is one of the easiest walks in the area 9km into the hut taking about 3hrs each way (2.5hrs for us with short stops). I’ve completed this track a few times before as a day walk and biking it (which takes about an hour each way) but this was my first overnighter here. Some parts of the track were still frozen from either a recent snow fall and the cold temperatures. Ice crystals were in the ground.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrmz891WVHV4drromeYpeytUNRHxD7UpVOFRVUddGp5XLyu1m0JOzXEbanxmmSLQLFTn_IpYuKzjY8S6jNB9wI2D_R0glo_8yIzJ7Gd6j7rJ2wDGDuze1LDn5LfbC8uiwJgljwA/s1600-h/image%5B38%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGSZbuqAZpTZbfbgZul6Grg2orVjoyYbrFtTLJoTFprulSYv13PvS-NZWwe9ya3lAkzYe0tAXKr7ELYG9HuINWMBPSUpQQtKq3tXhkyFSMV_yC2HHKzQCk-zkYHj-AvBns5l0xA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a> </p><p>Shortly before getting to the hut, coming the way other were two groups of about 15 people. These were the only people we seen on the walk except for the single car in the car park. They warned us that the hut was full but we were prepared. We found our tent sites and settled in for the evening. The bulk of the people at the hut (sleeps 10) were kids doing their Duke of Edinburgh along with their parents. The parents could use the hut whilst the kids had to sleep outside so it wasn't too busy.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxhvIud_ozKU9l0xPQO8rH485Xq8YrFZUeyeCOJn0JRZAtvwGiMcNGErvkl-orEZJNJyCpVRtqs7vm-PxzXqLTQ2fCNeZa5hKMkKcRY57VV2GbRtnMIWjqX8q4K48DnBfAShuUg/s1600-h/image%5B39%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Waihaha Hut" border="0" alt="Waihaha Hut" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPQT0szsCk8_YEOYO2Gc-h9DqPZnq54SVVphy8Mbg4CcZulxlgj2bIrOkrruNMjoBuKljciCGfQHTFoZFULI1H-5cHais7-dnOg8TMZHxQwthmBCCqWfIi-88d_Ij4yX4VhH_sQ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p><p>The bird life in the area seems more prolific than I recall. Perhaps its the result of a recent 1080 poison drop. The Kaka squawked and flew in the tree tops.</p><p>After a lovely meal it was off to bed well after everyone else. The tent and sleeping bags were cosy although it did take 15 minutes or so to warm up once we started walking.</p><p>In my opinion Waihaha Valley is one of the nicest one day walks in the North Island at least. Views are few and far between but the scenery constantly changes and the river is never too far from the track. It’s one of those many places that have different moods throughout the year.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Snow Berries" border="0" alt="Snow Berries" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Gfx85rZkewID1bxLatLUrpnx7Os150x1y8PkDYURGD_7dD2EAnJSwYCk5KGwOH7fox_hFpBjGhCIGqmBRRvwufNikn7EYgDwjG4rpq6hilYl3s0wxbT4XKu0J_aellUJai8zpg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbzj0uHK_MsijJFn4q2ROBF8u5h-_VPOVpSnlZm9rR3cR14mSspgED1z2VaT9X0oiNPMAol_b3K4eJJ6S0D2rZQLvQYi4sHUz4c0PrdEh2UuQtQIuHoYwF4sOWADXChh3v4CMJg/s1600-h/image%5B41%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYELhZ-ZbnS0mvrWqHP8qnE2cJCBxn6Qk6a____6H0kFq-IXUU_uJ4FlT2zc4zG0WKw-SCUZjE-8zc2zn5SuJLNoHnljgK_4Xn_mWh1AxHvd0c4X5X6ollP7MOrIbeNzuFbwH4g/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmybzTpg9lteCm0W4_GPigPMTrjemARf33vW1pA-CjYTML1C1PB8RHI_gw05m_6LqJpj1Rvhd2VVNGLSNSidQSNDKIfw3gnmnmJyC1ZtN72ztT60fAz7wV-w-mCYj80Ay-ZsWpkg/s1600-h/image%5B40%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmR_bt8pQ297_JVrOHMw8KXcMtwvEuOrn78w60tTgUR1Z3b5tz2-DTke9RFftt-P2LP41ZgDXf1Ludb7VzHzVN9E4Vt8HIIyozemkxE8sTbe1TDaP9r_REpN0827U_dbei7AJwZw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="346" /></a></p><p>More information</p><ul><li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/WaihahaValley2009">Photos of the Waihaha Valley Tramp</a></li>
</ul>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-44997904830139318632009-03-05T20:18:00.000+13:002009-11-15T21:14:56.010+13:00Kayak Urupukapuka 2009<p>Waitangi Day on the Monday means a long weekend so why not make the most of it? In order to do so we headed up to Rawhiti on the Friday night. Managing to get a glimpse of Urupukapuka Island (our destination for the evening) we loaded up the kayaks and paddled across to Cable Bay in the dark. </p> <h2>Day 1: Saturday</h2> <p align="left">It wasn’t a rushed morning but we got out onto the water with plenty of time. Due to the number of people and varying levels of experience we broke into pods and headed off for 3 different trips. Some went for a circumnavigation of Urupukapuka, others out and around Motuarohia Island and some for a more leisurely trip.</p> <p>We set off across to Motukiekie Island but the wind started to pick up and by the time we entered the gap between Motukiekie Island and Moturua Island the wind was being funnelled through. We popped into a nearby beach to let it die down and while on the beach it was peaking at 35 knots. After a longer than usual morning tea we made the call to head back to base. A water fight then unfolded without much help. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1HSccAtU6nMc3mW3mZtOfelC2j4yxHc70FGijMHChTh-5GraNE4WgPZhtyG80rhn8RAiAaS2sm_9XXVHHam2WZi2E6Di8CrJEm83xoeftedm19ZA34qWDAhYJGF4D3-JIpqRKQ/s1600-h/P10200364.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Looking down on Cable Bay on Urupukapuka Island" border="0" alt="Looking down on Cable Bay on Urupukapuka Island" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHC1CZqbmT4xZ6XiLk8h5msSuhwOiNVUeEL0eyHy0F9FCbLBoT9-HxDX_7-H3XAkEjjDkMSjx4DGlj-JWLVJ-SwJPNuHzrix_c0BZTzmo1R6zcuOY6bjTTtgPE5h34rYMadi_yg/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p>Instead of veging for the rest of the day we had a stroll around the island taking in some great views of the outer Bay of Islands. Back at camp we settled in for the evening and before long it was 4am. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m-gRYwQiNd8SBmALuTF9Rxuc42dN05b9wZ66VNVYUUnLjq-51vtCh0vLKdfvMLlJywQNlPO-0JFmqSYM1dlMITAr5gvtb_B_d0CBsQTSN2psW00irAvGtc8PPVEpSs2G3MuM9A/s1600-h/P10200514.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Sunset on Urupukapuka Island" border="0" alt="Sunset on Urupukapuka Island" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQenussc9mV4f_d_mAutZvRRaHdSaFZZAslSVR9KINHtyy5TUAzUDRgTKn4hdwEV-F0tsr9YlMvJcvMm7xIiaUpXvz6tzyQoeEGKAMdrfbKFbzZXhSajsojYuz8cVGXUyNE529w/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <h2>Day 2: Sunday</h2> <p>The next morning we were a bit slower to rise  and since the wind still wasn’t playing ball so we explored the sheltered Eastern side of the Island.</p> <p>Rather than head straight back a few of us hung out in the bay and put our rod’s down. We pulled up a variety of fish including Snapper and Gurnard. Whilst heading and gutting the fish in one corner of the beach a bunch of Stingrays gathered to feast on the remains. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY6En4flNMj_U2CkAWANmp9Lj_siOfYEzviAHGxGzXkCSX7Ly0MNGS-fDNSXIb3p3iI5cNgI15Z5CibPDj7OJeT17ol1aCEfIR89XTZazshWWa0iA1o4pBtO_B6b336Smfr8yJw/s1600-h/P10109604.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Stringray feeding on our scraps" border="0" alt="Stringray feeding on our scraps" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4kEhp2uBcEvwkt__LkdbY6CVjAzXwmbyI-KrHrdyqchmTjCfHOECK6kEnDJCDjxwrvrmXd4QX8zrK4M4Ev9nTZF3kh2Y8I6V3R79Kuxw5FLjvJekzx6RuppVi52NYhvGGqHYqA/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="229" /></a></p> <p>We prepared a spread of different fish cooked in just as many different ways. Sashimi and Ceviche to flour dusted and lightly fried and even fish head soup.</p> <h2>Day 3: Monday</h2> <p>The day we had been waiting for! Beautiful calm clear weather, perfect for a trip out to the hole in the rock (33kms) but bugger. Some of us needed to make it back to Auckland before the evening so we wouldn’t be able to go the whole way.</p> <p>The swell was large but very flat so it felt like we were paddling uphill as the swell rolled under our boats. It took its toll on some who fed the fishes along the way and at some points we were paddling through thick foam. Even though we were paddling in calm water the waves crashing against the rocks generated huge amounts of foam. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPMTLipJsX-RaRfwJ8RmOOcxUj5ca6gp6BvpolsxJGlCXm3nEaJDwEKVwnrPEP1qzfopBQxtUPe8JS0yuU9jVBDIqqnm6jJ4PHls6x6_R81CTTXIhAq2M_U37e298_RMikI1rMQ/s1600-h/P10200664.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Foamy water heading out to Deep Water Cove" border="0" alt="Foamy water heading out to Deep Water Cove" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc1v6uwIuyaNvYrxJIaHhUTAiadAhftxKjf4KeB2H1ScYLU5oNmsp9sd429vDGK80LC5rJR8U4oDKoUVhoEsjiCSzIiqlqQ6-ww6D-j_ys6_H4mTs0Y_wyrsNey16Fo4FKIasWQ/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>Deep Water Cove provided us with a place for morning tea although with the steep rocky beach making it a bit more interesting for those who use composite boats. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dd_1iGz7S_DCq0xtsCgGvQNo5Me4g9rIcoetHGrfVEhxXVkJ7MekaHEyGFuyi99QuGlNSA1EPpsHCAqtbo7r2Q_4r8VTXDqPGWCxzlgonixnd2WIRwLQPrJoROj8lybSDIiFIw/s1600-h/P10200744.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="A short break in Deep Water Cove" border="0" alt="A short break in Deep Water Cove" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NJUgETSSmG6MNfSL9G5Zd5_bhbFUYCbOH0veiTW16Ae5XehW9-YOyh5bieG6tw6SS1_zCdo3yqZ8vduCWjLjFbskJZb0IzgFsHe6MY40hyJ0UTUUocGHLZ-Aq1RvJUlf3pf5-g/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></a></p> <p>Afterwards, we split up with one pod heading out to the Hole in the Rock which was fantastic. Only two paddlers were game enough to go through the hole whilst the tourist boats could only watch. The rest headed back down the coast. This time we had the swell from behind and were were on the constant lookout for large pleasure boats and yachts we were constantly losing in the large swell. </p> <p>It was then time to go our separate ways, back to Urupukapuka Island for a couple more days whilst the rest of us went home. The next day those left on Urupukapuka Island enjoyed a dolphin encounter.</p> <ul>More information <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/KayakBayOfIslands2009" target="_blank">My photos of the Kayaking Bay of Islands trip</a> </li> <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/YakityYak.Auckland/Urupukapuka" target="_blank">Photos of the trip from the Yakity Yak club</a></li> <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Kayaker.Pat/BayOfIslands9th10thNov2008" target="_blank">Photos of the trip from Andrew</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-684815287858601382009-01-29T19:40:00.000+13:002009-10-29T07:56:30.724+13:00Kayak Hot Water Beach<h3>Day 1 - Hot Water Beach to Cathedral Cove (23kms)</h3> <p>What a stunning morning! After a hearty breakfast we drove the 500M from the camp site down to the water and got ourselves ready. Perfectly formed waves rolled across the still water and although the waves were large everyone made it out without incident except for Brett who took the opportunity to get in some early morning surfing.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJVwtQ2v_DvIMaqb_6enTWty90iVudNrqT6fs1oiQcVWbHqGM3Gev21oMe2w6aZ0YyAxc9rkKUTQMAW-3dpAuinxtPnCAz8drR_DZNNA6LbAUm_FyL_jafqw3RB80_OzAhpJcyA/s1600-h/P1010813%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Sitting on Hot Water Beach" border="0" alt="Sitting on Hot Water Beach" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl95uN0K5AYSqcYTINnBBhzleksjk7YrxGME8zcohOExahJijnXUbUaxOLCWbXPB0vor24cJgexAAIFlu4imToc-4JwEqk1RP-Y7KSbJJzvCkFqXGFtABo0MQSJ2FjBSwuDmirQ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="230" /></a>  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ05qYRLAdVkJBn0TgTq-QDr33TVYvTkkLPtOctx380Ghgu83Op_STNyKZZmvmfbvGccSI7VY6o4OqHtu4R1yzTTtUZMkj1ckPTMGj39rYnJPwLZsz0-NuHgXksMwtCztLDs0Dg/s1600-h/P1010824%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Breaking through the surf at Hot Water Beach" border="0" alt="Breaking through the surf at Hot Water Beach" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58U7vzLpGHcbp_JQOT7Cr4cyjQ_BCKeb-lmfAyFKxTQ7139sZUqks1mxpzVq00w7n64N2DCKBJIedvQtDJuh7Iq0c-L5Oj48Elh-_icDm1H_QSN4nHCpWqKCOKKr5SdM9zqt7kA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="320" /></a></p> <p>From Hot Water Beach we headed north hugging the coast, rock gardening and popping in and our of the various caves so of which required a torch to explore further. By the time we reached Hahei our stomachs started to rumble but we continued past the crowds and popped into Cathedral Cove (well Mares Leg Cove actually).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-B1btbiqAYpirLkh7mynFAwJzsYFHQvI2Vl9CeKuPg2OSP-SkyPTOe3T2gEqndmeRJTqMSjGq6E-4SRKUNd7x-sEdmmg2qhubSzte0DIcFAnAXfqm8dmww7HNmZV4naHUoZ60Q/s1600-h/P1010855%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Kayaks sitting at Cathedral Cove" border="0" alt="Kayaks sitting at Cathedral Cove" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5ux8kEFt7IHCy_GXGlKmKxBAenmw8jlbbxJvA-RUHkuyf-ZDEinOd25ndXc_aYTd9OHgeMGRRLP46CY7M3rQW5Zqn4uMXfkKssUhZgX83uBL5Q4ZKBozj4kXoRCCr5r97EPY1w/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7r3Fh3gHXR6yh8NXodefPr0pCEsqpuOeTBqiy1lVCCh3CW27HyrQ2EgEe-vgNF0w9nNA0mau9UXe-lO78QH2eom4B6zVsMKJ6fKUtNwYn1SBSS2-emgdKFSXjojt_oqd6s1GhQ/s1600-h/P1010886%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="P1010886" border="0" alt="P1010886" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70gwRAfEY7GuCOXTXAM-az61z4fV7c_nSoaqmty2No1FpfTrUAVfK2bL7sXUiGuG0MjXHLd2rZuGPOEIZ4mtLejGC1zX33tXGq53-h0AsNlF6SFvQ6BXq0PrURc0-_Xgh6n9GSA/?imgmax=800" width="160" height="240" /></a>We probably spent a couple of hours there for lunch jumping off rocks, swimming, snorkelling, sun bathing and exploring the beach. Afterwards we headed straight out making through the rock tunnel <br />on Poikeke Island then around Motueka, Waikaranga and Mahurangi Islands before using the tail wind and swell to return to Hot Water Beach.</p> <p>Arriving back around 6pm there was only one last hurdle to get back through the surf. The right hand end had the least surf and relatively few people. Everyone made it back safe and sound some showing off their newly found surfing skills.     </p> <p>That night we commandeered one of the camp site BBQs and proceeded to stuff ourselves silly (again).</p> <h3>Day 2 - Hot Water Beach to Tapuaetahi Bay (14kms)</h3> <p>Some people wanted to soak up the runs rays and/or recover from the previous night so only seven of us set off again making it through the larger surf. We headed South but due to the larger waves we weren't able to get too close to the rocky coast although we did play around the islands.</p> <p>It only took 1.5hrs to get to our destination which was a beautiful little beach only accessible by boat and we plan to head back at some point in the future.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23s-w-KGwMR_Gd9F4J5k4NwkguA4F5GFsJlgSvq6dHdzpvYvKFNCDjHsbwHgYF3cP4ijdyAMDGEmplv2vH7lQemMoW2nfqzI_pPBDmA3bmSpPFZmQniGzSuZL_bq-rWc-W5KliA/s1600-h/P1010929%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Tapuaetahi Bay (aka Boat Harbour)" border="0" alt="Tapuaetahi Bay (aka Boat Harbour)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobskYQMRjzTWa4nk01zBIl4JlJ4OYXsRCnYWIEC_FAdT5NP5bnPUVQb2h41fRf3EQe3KhcFIGNx5ruTwI9vRVGUqGYaykBoT8i4Aw_EpnPf7zlhdjSaHC8McfIOv-FYcGfMVLVg/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>The trip back was a bit harder as the forecast 10 knots picked up to 15 knots but we still made it back in the same time. Some went shore whilst some headed to the Northern end of Hot Water Beach to tackle the biggest surf we have encountered in a kayak. It was only a matter of time before we retired exhausted back to the Southern end of the beach. We dragged our kayaks into the hot river and made our way back up the camp site ending our day on the water.</p> <h3>Day 3 - Tairua and Pauanui Canals</h3> <p>After tossing around a few plans postponing some to a future date we opted for a short paddle in the Tairua estuary that allowed us to get back to Auckland avoiding most of rush back. We put in at Tairua and paddled across to Pauanui where we explored the canals and fancy houses. Although there were some nice designs, no one came away thinking "I would love a place like this".</p> <p>The Tairua harbour is one of those lawless places on the water. Jetskis, children, kayaks and speed boats sharing the space as fast as everyone can go with no regard for speed limits or other vessels. I couldn't believe boats just metres from us were passing each other at top speed whilst only a few metres apart in the channel.</p> <p>All in all everyone had a great time (well that is what they said) and there weren't too many bumps and bruises.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHncD4xNeaFedRj08eQltTTDmUk32c086PucYQqckNmY0Tr99YFkWok9JoTixjm4E3XoLeUBEvZ-4Z8BB-Y_DZt-FVHgNptoah0cVJksRUFjsH_IAVcSNj5_kKCoFT_ixX0JJKdg/s1600-h/P1010933%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Lunch at Tirua" border="0" alt="Lunch at Tirua" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwIt00d2bFSjVd85Bpj0pvClEYDZh8Y_nJMiBqUR_zej-HV0czXaNzglzFiyNP1xQmhGnD559Nw5USOu66roN5xCs4_cCInM5wPZHRxZig6opyiUJd2Z75gNchsCYc_ioIPOIsw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-29072297174723515162008-11-19T18:17:00.001+13:002009-10-31T11:19:40.489+13:00Customer Service in New Zealand<p>After receiving a new credit card I thought I would do a little experiment and see how long and how easy it would be to have my new details updated with a number of suppliers.</p><p>Here are the results showing the total call duration including ringing and staying on hold.</p><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><strong>Company</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><strong>Duration</strong></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200">IAG</td> <td valign="top" width="200">30 seconds</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200">Sovereign</td> <td valign="top" width="200">2 minutes</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200">Orcon</td> <td valign="top" width="200">9 minutes 18 seconds</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200">Mercury Energy</td> <td valign="top" width="200">10 minutes</td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="200">Vodafone</td> <td valign="top" width="200">4 minutes</td> </tr>
</tbody></table><p><br />
My ASB account manager updated IAG so that was cheating.</p><p>Full credit to Sovereign as they were the fastest.</p><p>Vodafone was the most annoying with 2 minutes spent on hold and talking to a person and 2 minutes entering my credit card number through an automated system.</p>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-43028529981202438522008-10-29T20:03:00.000+13:002009-07-02T22:25:23.420+12:00Kayak Whananaki 2008<p>Labour weekend, the first long weekend since Queen’s Birthday back in June! After a quick bite at the Hikurangi pub on the Friday night it wasn’t much further to the camping ground at Whananaki North and it was straight into the relaxation.</p> <p>Saturday turned out to be a beautiful clear day at least at first. We set off from the boat ramp, out of the estuary being almost sucked out with the tide and we were off up the coast. The easterly swell presented us with a somewhat up and down ride on our journey north which made rock gardening not an option.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0Dq8kiR98XAOXnJe4Efr1g5vP1U0348_mjE-ASnsXDZsNl80mXcs9JgHZynn4FsLLr0Wc0GhGiOxKXt61hz8wFxcz4Kt3PoOIDtn0o58z6ONz_Z8AN6L46Zt1_eN4TmkBWK0rQ/s1600-h/image%5B1%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Bridge between Whananaki North and South" border="0" alt="Bridge between Whananaki North and South" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwhnDz0nJc66b5wIuNQi1dtmOSt7YLi2AXJYwyB4a0k9bbbbIFjkVlY-0pLwFZ2JR5iVVdgCVGvFnHu8-JCkyz57EXOnfudNYTPap8AIWeFCmZFPKt6Mt1C46Ifh9tvseiNRG4g/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>We managed to get into Otamure Bay for lunch but as the wind was picking up half the group stayed behind. Nick returned to his car on foot and car pooled people back to get their cars. The rest of us headed back on the water.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOH-mL02ojONqYDnEb6SwvwjzekFGMHptjZK12J7VPCA8zBFQSdYYw4Q3np-8mvSjCUn5fP5VQUm4PNG2osu1o0tAydRnOEULtFaKwGj6Tam6BSIWVuV84sJtHdB4W3P5jSffaw/s1600-h/image%5B19%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Whananaki Estuary" border="0" alt="Whananaki Estuary" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS33JAio5CDYMhYzVDA1RNl8tkL3uzGUKNAM9yti41my622t8gz1noyW7WHRUT5NQcO3RgB_E3NJhafAIDJqMhsxmI_ENMncyBpQ4h929UT0vyS7kaftOLFfaDARYw8mIu2soM8g/?imgmax=800" width="180" height="240" /></a>It was a reasonable fast trip although we did pause and climb the head at the entrance to Whananaki to check out the conditions. We continued around the head and into the estuary fighting for every inch into the wind. It was all worth it as it made the beer taste even better.</p> <p>Sunday the weather was up to we drove north to Whangaruru harbour and explored the sheltered waters. Nick had a plan that we could check out an old whaling station but that turned out to be 20kms away.</p> <p>A coastguard search and rescue keep us entertained on the VHFs. The afternoon was spent chilling out after stopping off at the cafe on the hill above Helena Bay.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HPBy_S10oKdMiKrLzAL0ZXM03hOdUmS6wdz_AG-a4ZojD6TwLZj1NrY40gMKnixOKHCJVY8AKDEpDMdMfI1QAg_4JHikvCmv0e3yCaNy_NehFdyDqtVfiyNYbA7uVXPVOTnnPQ/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Camping at Whananaki" border="0" alt="Camping at Whananaki" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnoYRsjzIznoAevgJVpXUkfm67n93vieb-Z1Q8E1NAPdqEfNeQ9vD1aDC0UdLQGLs4MzJglOfp204Jl8h0Uqil4rnFIC2LQOBr8Xg8eJPP9eDdrEIPY3lDqd0oadmGgt-Yfm3XA/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="267" /></a></p> <p>For the Monday everyone did their own thing with some returning early to do chores so spend the day surfing on the bar. Since I was driving a few of us headed to the Tutakaka Coast. We put in at Matarangi and rock gardened our way around to Whale Bay. It’s only a short trip but we made the most of it before making our way back down to Auckland.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvC51VG765u1mJVkpmbpkiIn6WSQ89VFa-83Bj_UsxKgT7QUEjvecBaxxNS0jGh2YUqf2yElwkl-uQ9lqaHUdObWt8mTcRIn4qNgzFUzjpJAFSjx0imY1TTEiPqvkTN7Gs0GjJQ/s1600-h/image%5B2%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Rock gardening between Matapouri and Whale Bay" border="0" alt="Rock gardening between Matapouri and Whale Bay" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvJnBB3NuoQ6U0h1lsGk96rNR720pdh78BWfBFFHILkTnhmYxsUVcqS3mUo8yI4q29zEtCCIgHyGgHo08AHG1brBami2j6S2CiSZoypToTkT6CmePqXp5zmuQ1r2uYAhyMOZzyw/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a>  </p> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/KayakWhanakani">Photos of kayaking Whananaki</a></li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-84479217635696798362008-09-25T06:18:00.000+12:002008-09-26T23:29:32.989+12:00Weekend in Zeeland<p>I'm not sure why its taken so long to visit the province of Zeeland after all it is where New Zealand got its name although it wasn't Abel Tasman's doing. He named it Staten Landt (Staten Island). At the same time Hendrik Brouwer on a mission to the gold-rich lands of Peru and Chile ended up naming a bit of land he found Staten Landt. Of course you can't have two places with the same name so upon their arrival back in Holland the powers that be in gave New Zealand its name "Zelandia Nova" to match its neighbour Hollandia Nova (aka. Australia).</p> <p>Anyway, enough with the history lesson. We set off on the Friday night as we had yet another wedding to attend this time in Rotterdam. This time the wedding of Renate's cousin Annemieke and her groom Mark so it was a good chance for me to meet a few more of Renate's family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNzHlwYSrQI/AAAAAAAAC4k/5O1jFo0uRu8/s1600-h/P11309771.jpg"><img style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px" alt="P1130977" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_v5_m5UI/AAAAAAAAC04/1dnKMQgrljQ/P1130977_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="225" /></a>Saturday morning we awoke after the late night and drove past Rotterdam's Europort on our way south. The Europort is Europe's largest shipping port taking up the space of a small city the size of Hamilton. Motorways, rail and canals help move the goods through the port as quickly as possible. It's a crazy and weird looking place straight from a Dr Who episode or perhaps a Terminator movie.</p> <p>After clearing the city we hugged the coast hopping between the different Islands of Zeeland and crossing the <a title="Holland's Delta Works" target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Works">Delta works</a> protecting the Netherlands from flooding the country in severe storms. As a result of the devastating flood of 1953 the Delta Works project was created. It's basically a series of dams that open and close providing protection during bad weather.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_iZ072aI/AAAAAAAACz8/VB-62D7MEhw/s1600-h/P11308851.jpg"><img alt="Antony, Renate, Corine & Hubert in Veere" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_jJCpOnI/AAAAAAAAC0A/Vakj4Aufgv0/P1130885_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p>We then met Hubert and Corine in Veere for a spot of lunch before making our way to the hotel in Westkapelle. No sea view as they like to build their hotels and houses behind the dunes to protect them from the wind and sea but it did have a pool which we quickly made use of. That night we headed into Middelburg (another nice old town) where we dined in the main square.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_lNlI-hI/AAAAAAAAC0E/ohClf4ZgWEM/s1600-h/P11309601.jpg"><img alt="Hubert, Antony, Renate & Corine dining in Middelburg" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_l0xs6QI/AAAAAAAAC0I/G9EnfXrYwhI/P1130960_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_nXLs2qI/AAAAAAAAC0M/BAKO0HiCTOE/s1600-h/P11309472.jpg"><img alt="Middelburg at night" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_nw1CB5I/AAAAAAAAC0Q/UEHJGmW5gZc/P1130947_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="225" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_pbPwUvI/AAAAAAAAC0U/Rr0EAB4JNdo/s1600-h/P11309662.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_qvgyDMI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/imDZxPVFu-c/s1600-h/P11309722.jpg"><img alt="Middelburg at night" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_rBDV2pI/AAAAAAAAC0c/TDqbY9zmb2Y/P1130972_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="225" /></a></a></p> <p align="left">Sunday was spent walking along the beach at Domburg taking in as much fresh air as our lungs could muster. Unlike New Zealand beaches the Europeans often line their coast with little houses for rent so you can go in for a tea or coffee if the weather is cold.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_r7xXZhI/AAAAAAAAC0g/YJK8d-m5ItQ/s1600-h/P11400132.jpg"><img alt="P1140013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_sVljcgI/AAAAAAAAC0k/CxLpC_J2pGw/P1140013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_tcu2u_I/AAAAAAAAC0o/MM_wg1gGzfQ/s1600-h/P11400492.jpg"><img alt="P1140049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt_tyf1XvI/AAAAAAAAC0s/0pt_xL8JTDk/P1140049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNzHlwYSrQI/AAAAAAAAC4o/B8U5mNHB5hw/s1600-h/P11309772.jpg"></a></p> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li><a title="Photos of Weekend in Zeeland" target="_blank" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/WeekendInZeealand">Photos of Weekend in Zeeland</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-50770830383469455692008-08-30T06:43:00.000+12:002008-09-26T00:19:52.709+12:00Gorinchem and Slot Loevestein<p>Dion and Anna (friends from England) were recently visiting so we decided to checkout another cute little Dutch village <a title="Gorinchem" target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorinchem">Gorinchem</a> and the nearby <a title="Slot Loevestein" target="_blank" href="http://www.slotloevestein.nl/">Slot Loevestein</a>. Created as a finish village almost 1000 years ago now days its a harbour for pleasure craft.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-uO9MYyI/AAAAAAAACzg/Ft5nSj3yOeI/s1600-h/P11307032.jpg"><img alt="P1130703" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-u0B-VXI/AAAAAAAACzk/lYUTdNu1QvM/P1130703_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="225" /></a></p> <p>The Dutch tend to use the term castle to represent an old Mansion so they call a Castle a Fort (ie, Fort Loevestein). With that out the way Slot Loevestein is situated in the top of the Y where two rivers meet (the Waal and the Maas). This made it the perfect position to toll everyone using the rivers. It also happens to be the corner of three Dutch provinces.</p> <p>During its history is has also been a prison housing political prisoners.  The most famous was <a title="Hugo de Groot" target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Grotius">Hugo de Groot</a> who escaped in a book chest and formed the basis of International law as we know it today. It can’t have been such as bad place as they appeared to be treated well having plenty of freedom. Their wives could stay and they have maids.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-xAorUzI/AAAAAAAAC1E/ermueH8BMjc/s1600-h/P1130746%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="P1130746" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-x72Ng3I/AAAAAAAAC1I/suogPuy7xNM/P1130746_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" height="188" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-zYaXdJI/AAAAAAAAC1M/KKOccGpLjs8/s1600-h/P1130683%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="P1130683" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SNt-z2jd4BI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/IVvk77ZpIXg/P1130683_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="141" height="188" /></a></p> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li><a title="Photos of Gorinchem and Slot Loevestein" target="_blank" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/GorinchemSlotLoevestein">Photos of Gorinchem and Slot Loevestein</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-8110586269964420682008-08-30T05:18:00.000+12:002008-09-26T00:17:45.543+12:00Emily - Real or not?<p>Movie’s like Jurassic Park were once at the fore front of computer animation but you could still see the subtle effects that indicated it was computer generated. With human faces the job becomes far more difficult as we see and interact with people every day.</p> <p>Californian company Image Metrics has further blurred the lines between what is real and what is not. Check it out for yourself.</p> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UYgLFt5wfP4&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UYgLFt5wfP4&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li><a title="Lifelike animation heralds new era for computer games" target="_blank" href="http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4557935.ece">Lifelike animation heralds new era for computer games</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-91798389714371596322008-08-12T04:45:00.002+12:002009-10-31T13:01:19.113+13:00Steppen in Delft<p>We started the day by surprising Marcel as it was his birthday a few days later. Jorien made appelgebak (Apple tart) complete with candles and we gifted him his first BBQ. We also decorated his convertible car with a few balloons that lasted surprising well whilst achieving a top speed or over 120kmph an hour or so later.</p><p>A "Step" is one of those things that until I had been to Holland I wouldn't have even suspected to exist. They're a cross between a traditional scooter and a bike. Loads of fun they have a practical use as well. Almost every kid in Holland is able to step before biking! In the hospital where Renate works they use them to get from one side of the hospital to the other rather than having to walk for 10 minutes. Perhaps Renate can introduce them to Auckland Hospital next year?</p><p></p><div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7325662f-ddc0-413d-9b00-470bff1e00de" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><embed src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf" quality="high" width="432" height="364" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="c=v&v=b0712306-1cee-46d7-be48-1738367e3fc2&ifs=true&fr=msnvideo&mkt=en-NZ&brand=&from=writer"></embed></div><label style="font-size:.8em;">Renate and Marja Steppen in Delft</label></div><p></p><p>We decided on a tour where we could see the city sites by steppen our way around Delft taking in all the important sites and completing a puzzle at the same time. Delft is the Dutch town famous for the white and blue pottery that goes by the name of Delft's Blue.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVpnRoJJI/AAAAAAAACr0/AsU8_bvECWo/s1600-h/P11306403.jpg"><img height="234" alt="Antony, Reate, Maarten, Marcel, Jorien and Marja Steppen in Delft" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVqpiQvCI/AAAAAAAACr4/39DpHBqbsXs/P1130640_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p><p>The main highlight of the tour was the Nieuw Kerk (New Church) in the city centre with its high tower standing over the main square. Of course it begged us to ascend its heights so we spent a while exploring its passages. As is happens this is also the home to all the most important people of Dutch history including the various Kings, Queens and <a title="Hugo de Groot" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Grotius" target="_blank">Hugo de Groot</a> (Hugo the Great). There was even a space for the current Queen Beatrix to join her husband when she passes.</p><p>That evening we headed back to Marcel's place to try out the new BBQ.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVr9ZxchI/AAAAAAAACr8/JI02nRBdNnE/s1600-h/P11306573.jpg"><img height="300" alt="Marcel's new BBQ" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVsjtxHFI/AAAAAAAACsA/-fua8ytvsAk/P1130657_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p><p>More information</p><ul><li><a title="Photos of Steppen in Delft" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/SteppenInDelft" target="_blank">Photos of Steppen in Delft</a> </li>
<li><a title="Delft, Netherlands" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delft" target="_blank">Delft, Netherlands</a> </li>
<li><a title="Delft on Google Maps" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=delft,+holland&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF-8&ll=52.01574,4.360199&spn=0.10755,0.307617&t=h&z=12&iwloc=addr" target="_blank">Delft on Google Maps</a> </li>
</ul>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-8786564038037036482008-08-06T06:24:00.000+12:002008-08-26T08:26:59.045+12:00Paleis Het Loo (Palace Het Loo)<p>Not the most sophisticated of names if you translate directly to English. Until the death of Queen Wilhelmina in 1962, Paleis Het Loo was a holiday retreat for the Dutch royals. She had decreed that upon her death the palace should be gifted the the public and became a museum.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVh3RjsRI/AAAAAAAACrk/fdDwW_8fsiY/s1600-h/P11209201.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120920" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVips-unI/AAAAAAAACro/_f_GTTmV6Y8/P1120920_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" align="right" /></a>At the entrance stood the Oranjeboom (Orange Tree) which symbolises the royal house of Orange. In New Zealand you'll find Oranjeboom at your local liquor wholesaler as its also a Dutch beer.</p> <p>Inside the palace seemed a bit different to those across Europe and the United Kingdom. It felt brighter somehow and every room had quite a different feel so we started giving them nick names, the green room, the pink room...  Of course there were all the usual rooms for the King, Queen, chapels etc but there were also a large number of speciality rooms including a room full of animal heads. Cheetah, Bear and Badger rugs complete with heads looked immaculate and Elephant feet stood either side of the fireplace. This isn't my cup of tea however it certainly showed the power and wealth of the royals.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVjlwqwJI/AAAAAAAACrs/aeJoPSSetlI/s1600-h/P11300401.jpg"><img height="300" alt="P1130040" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SLMVktF3igI/AAAAAAAACrw/RlyI7EKjHy8/P1130040_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Outside, the gardens unfolded in front of the palace with a huge number of species interwoven with fountains, canals and water falls. What surprised me was that there were a number of plants from warmer climates I didn't expect to see. There were also a huge number of what we would categorise as weeds in New Zealand but they all had their place so it in no way did it look scruffy.</p> <p>When checking the location of the Palace in Apeldoorn we used Google Maps and the gardens of <a title="Palace Het Loo" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Apeldoorn+Apeldoorn,+Gelderland,+The+Netherlands&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,52.216314,5.964622&ll=52.235133,5.946672&spn=0.006689,0.019226&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr" target="_blank">Palace Het Loo could clearly be seen</a>.</p> <p>The palace is definitely worth a visit and if you have to compare it to something <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/" target="_blank">Hampton Court Palace</a> just outside of London comes first to mind.</p> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li><a title="Photos of Paleis Het Loo" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/PaleisHetLoo" target="_blank">Photos of Paleis Het Loo</a> </li> <li><a title="Official web site of Paleis Het Loo" href="http://www.paleishetloo.nl" target="_blank">Official web site of Paleis Het Loo</a> </li> <li><a title="Palace Het Loo on Google Maps" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=Apeldoorn+Apeldoorn,+Gelderland,+The+Netherlands&ie=UTF8&cd=2&geocode=0,52.216314,5.964622&ll=52.235133,5.946672&spn=0.006689,0.019226&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr" target="_blank">Palace Het Loo on Google Maps</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-37326484948480789752008-08-03T18:51:00.004+12:002009-10-31T13:03:13.932+13:00Mum and Dad in Holland<p>Shortly before my original arrival time my parents were due to arrive in Amsterdam. Unfamiliar with the new surroundings Renate and her sister Marja met my parents and helped them to their hotel. They didn't go into the sex museum or wander the red light district but still, they saw as much of Amsterdam in the short time they had available.</p><p>A couple of days later Renate and I picked them up and took them on a bit of a tiki tour through some of the smaller picturesque villages. First of all it was Marken, a cute little fishing village on an island connected by a road to the mainland. All the buildings have been maintained beautifully and one old man (with a squeaky voice) lets you visit his house that he still lives in. The contents of which are original including clothes from when he was a boy and its amazing to see how a family of four lived there.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SKhammrTVCI/AAAAAAAACqc/GzyXyfpfTV8/s1600-h/P1120751%5B3%5D.jpg"><img height="300" alt="Mum & Dad in Volendam" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SKhanQo8d7I/AAAAAAAACqg/4WQ7pu2ezl4/P1120751_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p><p>We then headed north a bit further to another fishing village Volendam where we had a spot of lunch and another look around before taking in Edam where the cheese gets its name (of course we couldn't go past without buying some). Whilst in Edam were able to witness the engineering marvels of the Dutch. With no electronics a lone man was able to pull a chain opening a bridge to allow yachts up the canal. Once safely past he walked up the bridge and his weight bought the bridge safely and smoothly back to its original position.</p><p>Further north we arrived at yet another seaside village by the name of Hoorn. It was new to us all as Renate and I had never ventured here. Larger than both Volendam and Marken it was  lot more modern as with all the yachts and smart cafes but still plenty of character with the older buildings leaning into the road. Time was pressing on so we headed straight over the IJsselmeer (the once sea turning into lake by the Dutch) to Wijhe where our parents would finally meet.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SKhaoZaYmwI/AAAAAAAACqk/mr0R2TYLCkY/s1600-h/P1120910%5B3%5D.jpg"><img height="293" alt="Mum & Dad meet Wim & Almah" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SKhapGsD5qI/AAAAAAAACqo/PiAnEIqXhSk/P1120910_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a> </p><p>Everyone had a great time and Renate's mother once nervous felt it easier to understand my parents clearer accents. We had a lovely meal and let them get to know each other without us having to hold their hands. Dad and Wim were even whistling the same tunes in the car. Wim and Almah (Renate's parents) showed them around a bit more and had even organised a personal tour of the local Windmill.</p><p>A couple of days later we took over the responsibilities and dragged them back to Nijmegen to see where we live and that evening we made them bike into town to go out for dinner.</p><p></p><div class="wlWriterSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e123d095-f5d6-46d7-857a-0f29595f828d" style="padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-top: 0px"><div><embed src="http://images.video.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf" quality="high" width="432" height="364" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="c=v&v=a264d770-e136-426d-8a5d-0d84fa105be4&ifs=true&fr=msnvideo&mkt=en-NZ&brand=&from=writer"></embed></div></div><p>Thanks Wim for letting us show mum and dad around in your nice air conditioned Espace in the 30 degree heat. </p><p>More information</p><ul><li>Photos of <a title="Photos of Mum and Dad in Holland" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/MumDadInHolland" target="_blank">Mum and Dad in Holland</a> </li>
<li>Photos of <a title="Paleis het Loo" href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/PaleisHetLoo" target="_blank">Paleis het Loo</a> </li>
</ul>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-2809054069530946792008-08-03T04:41:00.000+12:002008-08-18T04:44:19.824+12:00Off to the European summer residence<p>Despite the best efforts of the weather and the ground services at Shanghai I've finally made it back to Holland.</p> <p>After a busy week I was lucky to have the Saturday to pack and tidy before my flight. My colleague Murray was kind enough to pick me up and take me to the airport in plenty of time. It was a speedy trip through security and into the bar where all the Kiwi's and Aussie's were gathering to watch the imminent rugby test match. After 15 minutes the Aussie's looked dominant so I had no issue when we had our boarding call.</p> <p>That morning I had warned Renate that the eye of the "One in 10 year" storm was bearing down on the country and would hit just before my flight. Was I mistaken? All flights were departing on schedule without delay. That was until 5 minutes before our flight was due to leave when all flights were grounded to wait it out. Either that or the pilots wanted to see the end of the rugby match and post-match commentary.</p> <p>During the wait I got to know my travel companions of which one was a Dutch guy named Maarten heading back to Holland for 6 weeks after working, living, playing rugby and drinking lots of beer in Tapanui for 10 months. We travelled together for the rest of the trip.</p> <p>After a bite to eat, a couple of movies and some broken sleep we arrived in Shanghai 2hrs late with 45 minutes to catch the connecting flight. In their wisdom the authorities have taken a leaf out of the United States' book on "How to disrupt the travel plans of millions?". Shanghai is the only port in Asia that makes you collect your baggage and re-check it in.</p> <p>After clearing customs the officer gave some other guy my passport and I was told to follow him. The problem was there were 3 guys. Luckily I followed the right one heading for a bunch of other kiwis where we waited for them to do something with our passports. Perhaps a temporary visa for our so-called stopover?</p> <p>Next it was on to collect our luggage where  we waited patiently for over an hour as the bags were drip fed onto the carousel one at a time. It was like all the baggage handlers were relocated to Beijing for the Olympics whilst one guy was walking between the plane and carousel carrying one bag at a time.</p> <p>After picking up our bags we then headed for Terminal 1 where we needed to check in. Following the signs we came to a dead end with a number of large roller doors locked down tight. We weren't the only ones as people were poking and prodding them trying to find a way through. Some just driving their trolleys around in circles. Deciding this wasn't going to work we back tracked and took side passage going against the recommended arrows on the floor until we finally made it although there was one last obstacle, an escalator. Unlike some of the other passengers we opted to leave our trolleys at the bottom.</p> <p>Another hour queuing and we made it to the check-in counter where Maarten spent another half an hour trying to convince the 4 people behind the counter that his ticket was an old, the dates had changed and he was to pick the new one up in Shanghai. Luckily the nice steward on the Air New Zealand flight foresaw out predicament and rebooked us whilst we were still in the air. We finally had our boarding passes and with some time to spare to popped in for a bite to eat and a well deserved beer.</p> <p>Overall the the process of getting from check in onto the plane was somewhat long winded and of course there was a queue at every point:</p> <ul> <li>Check in </li> <li>Post check in passport scan before leaving the check in area </li> <li>Pre security boarding pass check </li> <li>Scan boarding pass then have bags x-rayed </li> <li>Go through customs (after this you are free for a bit) </li> <li>Security check at the gate </li> <li>Boarding pass check going into air bridge </li> <li>Check half way down the air bridge </li> <li>Seating check as you enter the plane </li> </ul> <p>Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining just highlighting the different experiences. Lesson learned, avoid Shanghai if you are flying through Asia and not stopping over on the way to Europe. The most annoying part was that my Vodafone mobile wasn't working. I wasn't able to contact Renate to let her know I would be delayed and the new flight details.</p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-73500988999263057932008-07-26T21:52:00.000+12:002008-08-11T09:37:56.029+12:00Winter Kayaking at Sandpit<p>The weather forecast didn't look great but it was my last weekend before heading off to Holland and we all know how the weather can change for better or worse. Fri evening I arrived just in time to see the group paddling back across the water (bugger, I was too late for the evening paddle).</p> <p>We stayed at the <a href="http://www.sandspitholidaypark.co.nz/" target="_blank">Sandspit Holiday Park</a> in little cabins right on the waters edge so as well as providing great views of the harbour they also offered us a place we leave our kayaks when we were off the water. Oozing with character the motor camp contained many of the old buildings from years gone by including the old post office and school masters house which were both cabins.</p> <p>Saturday morning we headed around to the <a title="Matakana Farmer's Market" href="http://www.matakanavillage.co.nz/farmmkt01.htm" target="_blank">Matakana Village Farmers' Market</a> which turned out to have a great selection of food and live music. Shame we had already brought all the food with us otherwise we would have had all sorts of goodies for the rest of the weekend and I didn't want to stock up before heading overseas.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVt35fEMI/AAAAAAAACIc/rKHyE9FXMbk/s1600-h/P11205922.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120592" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVufqiFyI/AAAAAAAACIg/rGV2Bie1Soc/P1120592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /> </a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVv0qBPCI/AAAAAAAACIk/0wANXtQl1ac/s1600-h/P11205895.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120589" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVwpcYSMI/AAAAAAAACIo/3-cF1j4mzeY/P1120589_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" /></a></a></p> <p>Constantly monitoring the weather we decided to head out after lunch and it turned out to be a pleasant day sheltered from the wind. We headed out of the harbour and headed east for about 10kms making it to Jones' Bay. After a quick look we turned back making sure we would be back before dark. All in all we were on the water for about three hours. Upon arrival the tide had come in just enough that we were able to paddle almost all the way back to the camp across what at low tide is 500 metres of mud.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVxmkpbdI/AAAAAAAACIs/Y4tcFGygGJ0/s1600-h/P11206312.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120631" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVyYyNZYI/AAAAAAAACIw/GIdTdCM1t9o/P1120631_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p>That night we had planned to have a BBQ but after seeing that it had fallen into disrepair over the winter months we opted to cook indoors and spent the rest of the evening discussing war stories over a few wines.</p> <p>In the morning a few of us decided to stick around and head up the Matakana River into deep dark Matakana. We had a the wind and tide against us so it took about an hour and a half to make the 5km journey. Upon arrival we found a cafe and had a bite to eat and a coffee before making a return trip in about 40 minutes.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVzDv2wPI/AAAAAAAACI0/3HnyvTXQtjY/s1600-h/P11206372.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120637" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVzgBDy-I/AAAAAAAACI4/-X-6mqq2SEU/P1120637_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyV047AEOI/AAAAAAAACI8/yXd3M1k6kFQ/s1600-h/P11206462.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1120646" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyV1W2DxyI/AAAAAAAACJA/5SLSkAaXZv0/P1120646_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a>  </p> <p>More information</p> <ul> <li>Map showing paddle from <a title="Sandspit to Jones' Bay" href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110980382867150501493.0004453c4be4ece178196&ll=-36.384393,174.783039&spn=0.070342,0.153809&t=h&z=13" target="_blank">Sandspit to Jones' Bay</a> </li> <li>Map showing paddle from <a title="Sandspit to Matakana" href="http://maps.google.co.nz/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=110980382867150501493.0004453c4be4ece178196&ll=-36.362969,174.732056&spn=0.070362,0.153809&t=h&z=13" target="_blank">Sandspit to Matakana</a> </li> </ul> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-40588794277101364232008-06-05T22:56:00.002+12:002009-10-31T13:08:57.709+13:00Kayak Lake Tarawera (Queen's Birthday)<p><strong>Day 1 - Tarawera Landing to Te Rata Bay </strong></p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGPuT4mdI/AAAAAAAAB2w/t1IkFUYqAcE/s1600-h/P1120035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="225" alt="Kayaks ready to go to Tarawera Landing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGQuT4meI/AAAAAAAAB20/LWfxmYANd6A/P1120035_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p><p>It was a cold and misty morning but we didn't care (except maybe for Nick). We packed our kayaks with relative ease as the car park allowed us to unload our cars directly into the kayaks before we ferried them back to the Blue Lake Motor Camp. After the usual period of faffing we were off some splitting off to kayak under the Pohutakawa trees and explore the rock gardens and thermal springs.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGSuT4mfI/AAAAAAAAB24/aROFEyUVJFk/s1600-h/P1120057%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="225" alt="Scott navigates the rock garden" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGTeT4mgI/AAAAAAAAB28/P4QBR_z6rhM/P1120057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a> </p><p>After only a short paddle we were at Te Rata Bay (aka Hot Water Bea ch) and in no time had picked out our camping spots and eaten lunch. It was then off to explore Rapatu Bay and walk across to Lake Rotomahana (to be explored at a later date) which turned out to be about 40 minutes return. This section between the lakes is where the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_and_White_Terraces" target="_blank">Pink and White Terraces</a> used to be before the eruption in 1886.</p><p>The last time I stayed here we setup the tent on the nice warm grass and ended up having to leave the tent sweating at 3am. I wasn't about to make the same mistake this time.</p><p><strong>Day 2 - Tarawera Falls</strong></p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGVOT4mhI/AAAAAAAAB3A/gDcOEqPWtO8/s1600-h/P1120194%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="225" alt="Te Rata Bay (aka Hot Water Beach)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGWOT4miI/AAAAAAAAB3E/Zui9Nh1NNkE/P1120194_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p><p>Another calm morning presented itself and it took about 2hrs to make our way from Hot Water Beach to the Tarawera Outlet where we swapped our booties for shoes. Most of us headed into the bush in search of the Tarawera Falls.</p><p>The track was beautiful a combination of alpine plants and forest along the crystal clear waters of the Tarawera river. We found it (or so we thought), tucked into a corner of the river was a large raging waterfall emptying into pool below spraying the area with mist. Surprisingly we carried on and found a few places where the river disappeared into the ground and moving on a little further we could hear the river raging underground.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGX-T4mjI/AAAAAAAAB3I/R4l5iORs8hY/s1600-h/P1120308%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="204" alt="The falls before Tarawera Falls" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGY-T4mkI/AAAAAAAAB3M/OnUhC0jelrw/P1120308_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a> </p><p>Finally we made it to the main attraction, the Tarawera Falls which weren't too shabby. In the middle of a tall cliff face three holes expelled vast quantities of unrelenting water. The cliff face contains lave tunnels from Tarawera eruption so the river makes its way underground and out at the falls. By this time we were all hungry so we made our way back to the lake.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGauT4mlI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/9KjSp5A8lSA/s1600-h/P1120383%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="225" alt="Tarawera Falls" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGcOT4mmI/AAAAAAAAB3U/6uFIOadOkQc/P1120383_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" /></a> </p><p>Back at the lake the temperature had dropped so those that didn't walk headed back to base whilst the rest of us had lunch and tucked into Bridget's piklets. It was getting late so we hightailed it out of there and headed back to camp before dark.</p><p>That night we popped around the corner from the camp site in our kayaks and visited another hot pool. This time the water temperature wasn't so scolding and enabled us to enjoy a wine or beer while some played hide-the-glostick.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGdeT4mnI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/MJE00_7b-W4/s1600-h/Picture%20041%5B2%5D.jpg"><img height="225" alt="Soaking in the hot pool" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SEfGeOT4moI/AAAAAAAAB3c/yPy-okD8pbo/Picture%20041_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" /></a></p><p><strong>Day 3 - Back to Tarawera Landing</strong></p><p>We awoke to another great morning however the weather forecast didn't present well with buckets of rain crossing the country. Even so no one really wanted to get back to Auckland so we left well after our planned departure time and weren't in any rush. Upon reaching the landing we decontaminated our kayaks and headed into Rotorua for lunch.</p><p>As predicted and at a sensible time sure enough the skies opened but we were already driving back.</p><p>Thanks Nick for organising the weekend.</p><ul><li><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwiantphotos/KayakLakeTarawera2008" target="_blank">More photos of the Lake Tarawera Kayak Trip</a> </li>
</ul>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-31373137766433247792008-05-25T04:46:00.001+12:002009-10-31T13:00:38.734+13:00Lekker Stroopwafel Toetje<p>What happens when you combine deserts from both Holland and Belgium? Well we decided to find out.</p><p>Stoopwafels are two pieces of biscuit waffles stuck together with honey (aka stroop). The best ones are the fresh ones from the markets but 10 seconds in the microwave warm them nicely. The Dutch in their wisdom decided to use them as the basis of a new ice cream flavour (Stroopwafel ijs). Mmmm, I thought what if we pile these goodies onto a Belgium waffle.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVQJPS65I/AAAAAAAACIU/oTwJ_2Hv_t8/s1600-h/P11103352.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1110335" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyVQ-vYjsI/AAAAAAAACIY/Dm4AkjgXJu4/P1110335_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" /></a></p><p>Warm waffles, soft Stroopwafel ice cream topped with mini Stroopwafels makes for a lovely dessert that isn't too sweet although filling.</p>kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-76436568845426535822008-05-20T05:32:00.000+12:002008-08-09T06:49:21.156+12:00Marikenloop<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyU-3XDz7I/AAAAAAAACIM/YR-vXTyqhI8/s1600-h/P11108547.jpg"><img height="366" alt="Renate and Corine complete the Marikenloop" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyU_tMdlSI/AAAAAAAACIQ/BMp-lr_vryY/P1110854_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" align="right" /></a> Every year for the past 5 years Nijmegen hosts the "Marikenloop".It's Europe's largest female sporting event with over 7000 runners raising money for breast cancer.</p> <p>This year Renate decided to join her sister and friend Corine in running the 5km track and managed to get a couple of practices in before the race. OK so its not a marathon but a great starting point and for a great cause. When they use excuses like "but there's a big hill" you just have to smile.</p> <p>Even though they had completed longer distances around the local park it was still a big event and Renate and Corine were both pleased with their sub 30 minute time and finished literally hand in hand.</p> <p>Of course the husbands and boy fiends played their part to egging them on from the side lines shouting words of encouragement.</p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14773076.post-53481325695851205832008-05-16T06:46:00.000+12:002008-08-09T06:47:49.781+12:00Happy 60th Wim & Almah<p>We both had to work so this trip was more like taking our every day lives and shifting them across the world oceans. Once again my bosses found it in their heart to allow be to work for a few weeks on the other side of the world allowing us to spent quality time together.</p> <p>One weekend we headed back to the Island of Vleiland. This time to celebrate the joint 60th birthday or Renate's parents. Due to the short stay we stayed in a motel in the sand dunes instead of <a title="Camping on the Island of Vlieland (Holland)" href="http://blog.kiwiant.com/2008/01/camping-on-vieland-in-holland.html">camping as we have previously done</a>. As part of their gift a photographer documented the first time they were together on Vieland with their daughters and daughter's partners.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUbVcy_2I/AAAAAAAACHs/NjAovyZP0qI/s1600-h/8a5.jpg"><img height="184" alt="8a" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUcD7xH4I/AAAAAAAACHw/k5jngO1b7Lg/8a_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Maarten bought along his kites (these were the larger puppies) and although the weather was hot there was a great sea breeze so we made the most of it. Marcel decided to get in on the action and bought himself a small kite at the local shop with some additional string aiming to get the kite as high as possible. They refused as its a low fly zone due to the military practice range at the other end of the Island. We found some anyway :-)</p> <p>A few more photos from the weekend...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUc-TmcLI/AAAAAAAACH0/ZUGErU-QTF8/s1600-h/P11104765.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1110476" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUdvYp9jI/AAAAAAAACH4/51rGyASsSGM/P1110476_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUeM7TCII/AAAAAAAACH8/89akxawDSD8/s1600-h/P11104922.jpg"><img height="225" alt="P1110492" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUes9Zh9I/AAAAAAAACIA/InY66XD9BOI/P1110492_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUfjKT94I/AAAAAAAACIE/KUPx4YqMWHY/s1600-h/P11106382.jpg"><img height="185" alt="P1110638" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/kiwiantphotos/SJyUgBaVVXI/AAAAAAAACII/4UWyeLCCzFE/P1110638_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" /></a></p> kiwianthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00233155844513633681noreply@blogger.com0