Coastline

Hanmer Springs to Punakaiki

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December 8th 2012
Left Hanmer Springs with the sun coming out, hard to leave another very pretty place. We joined the main road and turned toward Westport. Again amazing views of snow capped mountains, yellow broome and river beds. Although it is summer it feels like spring with a nip in the air. The road is easy with few other cars on it. Mostly the trees are pine and spruce with soft needles, but there is also p ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Punakaiki

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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