DAY 14 NEW PLYMOUTH (Lake Rotomaru) to HAWERA

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February 14th 2023
I was awoken by Jane calling out, “I’m scared. I’m scared.” Soothing words of encouragement had her settled in no time! The van was being, and had been, buffeted by strong winds and the howl from the trees was indeed a little worrying. The trees were tall, flexible and bent and swayed in the wind without snapping or being uprooted. The water on the lake was being whipped into tornado like ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Taranaki » Oakura

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more