Xmas in Wellington

Wellington

this year we drove to Wellington to join Samuel's family at Joana's place to eat great food and to hang out with family members we hardly see during the year - due to the distances.

driving into Wellington

getting closer to the CBD

searching for Joana's house in Wilton - a suburb in the green belt of the city

Wilton is a small suburb in Wellington. It is best known for Otari-Wilton's Bush, a large reserve that is situated in the suburb. Otari-Wilton's bush is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. Wikipedia

the view from her balcony

In the reflexion of the window you can see me, Matthew (brother) and Joanna (sister). At the table we have Irene (Matthew's better half). In the house there is Josie (sister) and Leo (nephew).

relaxing after we had lunch at Xmas day - outside Joanna, Matthew, Irene. Inside Leo and Josie.

Samuel in Joanna's cute garden

A VISIT TO OTARI - WILTON'S BUSH

Samuel found an injured Tui on the street which we dropped off at the Zoo the next day (boxing day) in the hope that it can be helped.

Due to logistics we had our Xmas day meal in the evening 

el padre de familia has arrived and is cutting the ham 

On our way home driving on Desert Road I could not resist taking pictures of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe

• Mount Ruapehu, or just Ruapehu, is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand.Wikipedia

Elevation:2,797 m

Last eruption:September 25, 2007

First ascenders:

George Beetham

Joseph Prime Maxwell

• Mount Ngauruhoe is an active stratovolcano or composite cone in New Zealand, made from layers of lava and tephra.Wikipedia

First ascender:John C. Bidwill
Elevation:2,291 m
Last eruption:1977

The mountain on the left is Ruapehu and the one on the right is Mountain Ngauruhoe

Mount Ruapehu seen from Lake Taupo

the end

POUTO

Pouto 

The drive to Pouto from Kaiwaka took a bit over two hours - the last bit being on rough gravel roads. Apparently the factor that it's lack of smooth accessibility keeps Aucklanders away to use it as a weekend hide away. I am quoting here the (most likely) sole tourist from Auckland I met on the car park in front of the beach. Anyway the beach was quite deserted apart from two passing quads at the start of the walk. The beach is renowned for it's joy rides on the long stretches of beach. Mind the quick sand patches though. Bring a shovel.

moi upon arrival 

long stretches of beach 

view of the Southhead

the Pouto lighthouse is further down this way - it will be for a next time + better prepared for a 14km walk

crested tern in first year plumage

What follows are views from the drive home into the sunset

Accross the Wairoa River

cabbage tree

rain on the other side

the sole straight road I have ever seen in the Kaipara harbour area 

canon and lovely whale bones

Mount Tokatoka