Across the ditch

We have escaped our mundane life again to explore more of our cousins country, New Zealand. Arriving in Auckland, we quickly escaped and headed to the Bay of Plenty area in the north island. think beaches, green hills and mountains. Our BnB is an historical cottage dating back to 1882 but was converted in 1990 to take visitors. The section we are in is definitely part of the conversion.

Now you know we like to get off the regular tourist areas but we decided to go around the base of Mount Maunganui. We arrived there but there was no parking…plan B, visit the markets and then explore out of town. Great choice…new sunnies from markets and three fabulous other sites…..nature,gardens ,sculptures and a bit of history so we have covered most interests…sorry museum buffs nothing for you.

Stop No.1 McLaren Falls Park. This was originally a series of falls that were used to run the first power station for the area. Now it is a recreational area for camping, water sports .walking or riding.

You will be pleased to notes that there were lots,and I mean lots of steps to check out the sights.

Stop No.2 Te Puna Quarry gardens.

In a few years,these gardens will be as famous in the Southern Hemisphere as the Bouchard gardens are in the North. Volunteers have taken over a quarry and are gradually filling it with native and exotic species. They have areas for orchids,fushias, bromaeliads, herbs and succulents to name a few. Interspersed in the planting’s are sculptures by local artists.

Stop  no.3 KatiaKatia

This is a town that wears its history. Murals have been painted on the sides of many buildings depicting different aspects of the towns history including immigration, logging and beginning of industry. It was very interesting but we needed to recover by sitting in the thermal spring at the Mount for a few hours. Tomorrow more adventures.