Blogs from North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 22

School holidays were upon us so all arrangements were put in place to visit Viv and Charlie in Wanaka. The idea was for our two grandkids, Holly and Ella, to come down to us from Hastings and then after a few days around Wellington, fly down to Queenstown where Viv would meet us with her two Grandkids, Annabelle and Harriet, then drive back over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Always interesting going over the Crown range with great vistas of Queenstown from the top and the lovely tussock country on the drive down to Lake Wanaka. This area of the South Island is beautiful, winter and summer. The 4 girls always get on well when they are together and with the prospect of snow and skiing Holly and Ella were very excited. Our first day on ... read more

A few months ago I joined the Whanganui Airport Control Tower Restoration Group (Inc) which is a bit of a mouthful. This group was formed in 2004 in order to retain the control tower and to create an Aviation Museum and Education Centre in it. Even though I think it is one of the ugliest buildings ever put up, and is below a hill which sort of defeats the purpose it was built for as you can't see planes as they fly over the city, it is am important part of our aviation history. It is even listed as a Category 1 Heritage building in the Whanganui District Council Heritage Register. If you think I am sounding fairly knowledgeable, it's because I am quoting from the Group's informative pamphlet which I am sure they will forgive ... read more

Ormondville: a small settlement which has plenty to offer keen photographers, railway enthusiasts and genealogists who have links to this area as I do. It is just over 20km from Dannevirke and is a place I believe is worth making the drive from the main highway to see. Don't expect to find bakeries, public toilets or a petrol station. But do expect to see some unusual sights. https://ormondvillerail.weebly.com/ Ormondville is most famous for its railway station and the effort that has gone into preserving it. There are some great bits and pieces there to photograph. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/88311570/flashback-the-ormondville-murders-of-1884 It is definitely worth stopping at the nearby cemetery and having a stroll amongst the graves. The link will tell you the story of one of the headstones. I found this headstone and didn't know anything about the murders unti ... read more

If you are travelling between Wanganui and Palmerston North and want to see something unusual, take a short side trip to the settlement of Ratana. And make sure you have your camera charged as the Ratana Church is stunning. You can take photos from outside the fence but please read the sign at the entrance and follow the rules. The Wikipedia link below will provide you with the history of the Church and the settlement. It is worth the short drive and there is a dairy there so you can grab a snack. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rātana_pā... read more

Taupo and Rotorua are known for three main things: Māori history, lakes and geothermal activity. A visit to the central North Island will give you an experience like no other in the world. There are literally hundreds of things to do in the area, from native wildlife and amazing natural phenomena to cultural experiences that help you understand how NZ was hundreds of years ago. Rotorua Skyline Gondola Start your journey around the area by taking the gondola up Mt Ngongotaha. From there, you can see the township, Lake Rotorua and the geothermal areas, complete with billows of steam. It gives you an idea of the geography of the area so you can better plan your trip. While you’re up there, you can eat at the Stratosphere Restaurant, go on the Skyswing, enjoy tasting Volcanic Hills ... read more