Being a tourist in my own country

So, I know I declared to many that this summer would not be filled with road-trips in stationary traffic and that I would be island hopping instead. Ooops.

There has been one trip to the best Berry Farm in the land, and we are still eating the last of their strawberries and blueberries. It must be almost time to go again.

On New Year's Day I DID catch a ferry. Across the harbour and then walked to the tennis centre to be part of the charity match for Kaikoura. A doubles match between Venus & Serena Williams and Julian and Ardie Savea. Plus a few others who stepped up for the fun.

Yesterday, we decided to get up early and beat the traffic and head to Rotorua to visit a geothermal attraction. It wasn't supposed to be a hot day, so perfect for a road-trip.

We went to Wai-o-tapu which is south of Rotorua on SH5, on the way to Taupo. There are plenty of attractions to choose from around Rotorua if you want to see geothermal phenomena occurring naturally. We chose this one because we had heard about the amazing colours at the Champagne Pool. We had seen pictures, but how accurate where they ? (Everyone uses filters these days, don't they ?)

I'll tell you what - you don't need a filter at all. The colour is just brilliant all by itself.

The sulphur smell though could do with a filter. Jokes, it wasn't so bad until the wind wafted hot steam from the surface of the lake all over you. It permeates your skin though and we could smell it all the way home.

We even found some proper mud pools which we could see without paying an entrance fee, before we started on our journey home.

Where to next ?

And the New Year begins

Following on from my last post, here are some photos of places we've been so far this month. 

Although it has been a novelty to experience a warm summer and have great beaches nearby, I can't help looking at the Northern Hemisphere weather reports and photos and yearn for some cooler temperatures. We have had some good rain as well which in itself is a novelty after the year in Canterbury with virtually none. But I'm beginning to feel that I am more an autumn/spring person, not entirely a winter person, but not so much summer anymore. Don't get me wrong, summer is great - if you have access to a great swimming spot without a two hour hot drive in an non-airconditioned car, if you live somewhere with airconditioning or which is at least built to catch any breeze nature offers, work in an air conditioned environment and actually have time to get out there and enjoy the water and weather with friends. But for me - nah, it's starting to lose it's appeal.

Most people are back at work...but not me yet...still. Things are looking more positive on that front though, so watch this space for upcoming developments.

New Year's Eve and first seconds of 2016

Redwood Forest, Rotorua

Sunset at Piha