Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere
by darthmilmo
Did I tell you how weird that is? We don't have white Christmas back in Texas (USA), but generally the weather is cold, the leaves are mostly gone, and the grass is yellowish-brown. However, while the northern hemisphere is living through a cold winter, the Southern Hemisphere gets a warm summer. In this spring day, I was engulfed by crystal clear blue skies, green grass, and flowers that where in full bloom. Yet, I could clearly see a Santa Claus with a thick red coat and shades! It was funny indeed. Santa even has reindeers and a sled as well... I'm not sure if the sled can go on water though...hehehe.
North to Cape Reinga: Ancient Kauri Kingdom
by darthmilmo
North to Cape Reinga: Ancient Kauri Kingdom
On the way back, we stopped at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom, which is an interesting art shop that sells woodcraft. Unlike normal shops, this one sells woodcraft made out of 30-50,000 year old Kauri timber. In recent years, they have uncovered this precious timber buried under fields of grass that were once swampland. A whole tree can fetch thousands of dollars in today?s market. Many of this timber have remained untapped until recently when prices to discover and uncover these trees have fallen due to the advent of modern industrial machinery. The art shop is a tourist stop for the prices are steep. However, inside you can freely tour the shop. They have a beautiful staircase inside made out of the trunk of a Kauri tree. They hollowed out the trunk and built a staircase inside that takes you to the second floor. I know I could have placed this as a shopping tip, but I think it was better placed next to my other tips on the trip to Cape Reinga
Russell
by keeweechic
On the way back you will pass by the bay of Russell, a Small historic township with early whaling and sometimes violent political history. Russel was New Zealand's first capital. Also Christ Church, N.Z.'s oldest church complete with bullet holes which was a result of Hone Heke’s siege of the town in 1845.
Keeweechic's Paihia & Bay of Islands
by keeweechic
Paihia was settled by Europeans as a mission station in 1823 is now the main centre for tourists to the Bay area. The Bay of Islands area is abundant with of marine life, including the big Marlin, Whales, Penguins, Dolphins, Gannets and many other species. There are some 144 islands in the area.
Close by is Waitangi, where The Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of the nation of New Zealand was signed in 1840 by representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. There is the Treaty House, Maori War Canoes, and the carved memorial meeting house. The view of the bay is spectacular from Waitangi.
Paihia is the perfect base to explore areas in the far north and see magnificent Kauri forests, Cape Reinga - the tip of New Zealand and 90 Mile Beach.
"Northland Map"
"Local Map with Attractions"
Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks.
(c) keeweechic 2001-2006 (copyright)
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Flowers on the hill
Looking to Paihia
other signs in the carpark
Sand Surfing near 90 Miles Beach
