We have incredible journeys through this northern land which is predominantly inhabited by Maoris and their family. There was Tane Mohutu which was the name given to one of the most magnificent Kauri trees in the forest reputed to be over 2000 years old. Photo to come. Then further on the Hokianga Harbour which stretched miles inland with fierce tidal influence. On the other side, uninhabited sandhills stretched for miles and meeting with high forested hills made a magnificent landscape.
This is in Opononi and so much going on. It was the Melbourne Cup day and there was a huge gathering at the local pub where we were staying. This young girl rushed down the jetty and pounded on one side of the pillars by herself. Don’t know what that was about!
Three good things:
1. Our room looked over the beach towards this scene with a little balcony. I watched as the light changed.
2.Later on a European and old lady struggled with crutches to get outside and I helped her with finding and opening her car! All she had been doing was the pokies and she just wished me good luck with the pokies!
3. Another lady who was exercising the local dog, could hardly put two words together so I wished her well. She said she was the housekeeper! A free and natural society!
I never heard that word pokies until I came to NZ ....it fits well somehow! Perhaps the young girl was celebrating a female victory! It all sounds delightfully unspoilt & how the very rural community live. We have never been further north than Coatesville in north Auckland so completely new area for me.
@julzmaioro yes I would like to go but once we land at Auckland & they pick us up we never go north again until we leave. We went to a wedding in Coatesville that's the only reason we were there. I remember we stay at a lovely lavender farm.
Very atmospheric. Area sounds amazing, looking forward to the picture of the 2000-year-old tree. I do hope I can manage to quieten my fear of flying enough to one day get to your beautiful country.
You sure are sharing some love photos of NZ. Makes me want to return and tour the North Island again. I thought we saw a lot when we visited, but apparently not.
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