Friday

Friday

All packed up and ready to head back to Auckland. 

One last hike in the morning at Whakarewarewa a massive forest park. Again we took the longest route we had time for which took us first through the gigantic redwoods. It was lovely walking on the tracks in and out of the sun depending on the canopy. At times we came across open spaces ablaze with montbretia, foxgloves and thistles. And through less dense areas there were daisies dotted along the tracks. Again the birds were busy in the trees, the cicadas were like electricity and the odd dragonfly flew by. Just perfect. The last bit of the loop,was hard going as it was on a wide gravel track and the sun was beating down and reflecting off it. Such a relief to get back under the redwoods. 

Had some snacks before hitting the road back to Auckland … a much quicker return trip being mid afternoon Sunday checked into the Yate motel. Got a few provisions for the evening then had  to reorganise and pack bags ready to fly. 

Spent the evening looking at maps and campsites as possibilities for the next leg of the trip.

Fresh at the beginning of the trek

I (Paul) studied forest at Bangor the same as Mary Sutherland

Looking over Rotorua

Big tree

Lone daisy

Montbretia 

Still fresh