Final Diary Update from NZ + Bird ID Update

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  Auckland, New Zealand
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Here's a final update before we leave New Zealand
Monday 26th February
We drove to Taupo, where we had spent a couple of nights on the way down the island, to meet Rosie's sister Jackie for a picnic by the lake, which was lovely. Then we drove on to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity. On arriving there Rosie led us down a street from where she was sure we would be able to get a view over the terraces where the famous Pohutu geyser is, and we chanced upon a lady called Gina, who told us where to go to get the best view, and then invited us into her house for drinks, and when we asked where we could try hangi food (special Maori way of cooking food in a pit), she proceeded to phone around for us and got us a great deal for that evening. After leaving her we made our way to our accommodation for the next two nights - a cabin right on the shore of Lake Rotorua, which could not have been better! Then we went to Matariki where we were welcomed, fed on the most delicious food and then watched the cultural show. In the audience participation bit, AD was called upon (along with lots of other men) to do the hukka on stage!
Tuesday 27th February
After watching the sunrise over the lake, we went to Whakarewarewa, the Maori village built around the thermal area right in the middle of Rotorua. We had a fascinating tour guided by a lady who was the fourth generation of tour guides in her family, and we saw the terraces, pools, fumeroles and the Pohutu geyser, all of which are utilised by the village for all their heating needs. Next we went on to Government Gardens where we had a coffee at the museum which was established in the old hotel where visitors came as early as the 1880's to bathe in the medicinal mineral waters in the area. Next we drove out of town, and took the road around Rotorua Lake looking for a good picnic spot, which we found where the Waititi river joins the lake. It was an idyllic spot and I found it difficult to tear myself away, having waded in the icy water of the river and the warm water of the lake. We continued around the lake and stopped in the small town of Ngongotaha for a coffee and a wander round the shops, and then went back into town to explore a geothermal area which had only been created in 2001 when a minor earthquake opened up a number of new fumeroles, and a small steaming lake! Our final stop-off for the day was at Ohinemutu which was the original Maori village in the area. It is right on the shore of the lake and it was interesting to see their buildings, including a wonderful church complete with Maori carvings and stained glass windows. After that we went back to our cabin to relax, and then AD and I went out to buy fish and chips and while they were being prepared we quickly visited the nearby Lakeside Hotel for a drink where we got chatting to some locals. After our meal, Rosie and I went for a long soak in the mineral baths which are part of the camping complex where we were staying, which made a wonderful end to a long and fascinating day.
Wednesday 28th February
We drove to the nearby Green Lake and Blue Lake, stopping for a coffee on the shores of the latter, and then made our way down a path round the lake where we met a Maori gentleman who was collecting his eel trap from the river. We ended up having a long chat with him before we went back into town. We dropped Rosie off at the museum and said goodbye to her, as she would be getting a bus back to Havelock North, and then we drove back here to Auckland where we stayed the night with Gee and Lou who had put us up when we first arrived in New Zealand.
And that brings me once more up to date. We fly at 7 o'clock this evening, so we have a few hours to sort ourselves out. I have no idea what our Net access will be like over there. We are booked onto an eleven-night tour (if you want to take a look at the itinerary you can find it at http://www.awesomefiji.com/lon_tropical.aspx ). It will be very different for us, to be on an organised tour where everything is organised for us and we don't have to do any thinking, planning, or driving (thanks, AD!)
We have covered around 5,500 kilometres in New Zealand - almost as much as in South Africa! We really feel like we have made the most of our time here and that we have seen a lot of the country, although there are still areas we would have liked to have seen, given more time.
I suppose I should give you an update on our bird identification challenge too!

Variable Oyster Catcher
California Quail
White-Faced Heron
New Zealand Falcon
Gold Finch
Yellowhammer
Caspian Tern
Stewart Island Shag
Black-Billed Gull
Red-Billed Gull
Royal Northern Albatross
Royal Spoonbill
Black-Backed Gull
King Shag
Sooty Shearwater
Pied Stilt
Paradise Shellduck
Green Finch
Buller's Shearwater
Hedge Sparrow (Dunnock)
White-Faced Storm Petrel
Grey Teal
Brown Teal
New Zealand Scaup
Chaffinch
Yellow-Crowned Parakeet
South Island Tomtit
Blue Penguin
Yellowhead
Rifleman
We very much hope to be able to continue this challenge in Fiji and the United States, depending on the availability of identification books! As always, to sponsor us follow the links on the Home Page of www.miriam-hyman.com - thanks!
Not at all sure that I'll have a chance to post another entry while we're in Fiji, but if not I'll do so once we get to the United States in a couple of weeks' time.
Lots of love from us both
xesther & AD

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