Drive to Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura

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January 29th 2011
Now that I have a car, my plans have changed slightly. Instead of heading straight to Kaikoura, I'm taking a detour into the hills and Hanmer Springs. The attraction here is the hot pools (including some sulphur pools) and spa. What I hadn't counted on was the scenery. Pulling off the main highway I drove into the hills, mountains, and valleys that lead to Hanmer Springs. I've never been to Albert ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Kaikoura

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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