New Zealand

Kia ora!
Also known by the Maori name “Aotearoa” meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud,” which magically seems to appear every day while we explore the north island.

Every road is “the Scenic Route” and every turn is a new spectacular perfect picture postcard. So many stunning vistas – beautiful subtropical coastal areas, golden sand, clear blue water, harbours, river valleys, mud flats, salt marshes, wetland estuaries, walking tracks, dairy and beef cow herds, sheep, fences, hedge rows (some

higher than the utility poles),seaside towns, museums, Maori heritage & culture, art galleries, public art & sculptures, boutiques, wineries, craft breweries and many dining options.

Some of our favorites from traveling the northland countryside, coastal villages, Waiheke Island & Auckland:

Craft Breweries: McLeod’s, Heke, Batsmen (Samoan), Churly’s Behemoth

Vineyards: Mud Brick, Te Motu, Stonyridge, Batch

Kauri Museum: the remarkable story of the greatest tree in NZ, including it’s golden, honey-colored kauri gum jewel collection. Kauri is widely regarded as one of the best house and boat building timbers in the world because of its long, straight, knot-free trunks.

Kauri Tree Forest: Te Matua Ngahere, “The Father of the Forest” estimated to be over 3,000 years old and Tane Mahuta, “The Lord of the Forest” at approx. 170’ tall, is the largest living tree in New Zealand and is over 2,000 years old. We see Kauris of all ages, even the wee ones that are only a year old. Due to years of over harvesting and a Kauri tree disease, it is now illegal to chop down a living Kauri tree. We also see silver ferns that glow in the dark and small holes where kiwis hideout.

Art – besides enjoying so many spring flowers and ever changing art of Mother Nature (and we add a few of our own) New Zealand has lots of public sculptures, murals and galleries, including The Sculptureum, an amazing place with 6 art galleries, 3 sculpture-filled gardens, a vineyard and restaurant. Even their mailboxes are creative - and wouldn't be allowed in Beaver Dam!

We visited our friends, Jeff and Bev, in the Mount Maunganui area - with its beautiful hiking trails, surf/swim/kayak/SUP/wind & wing surfing beaches, fishing, busy shipping harbor & urban village. What a great spot!

The time has come to take some “time off” – leave Nutmeg in good hands here in New Zealand and go visit friends and family for the rest of the year.

Mā te wā
XO XO
Gma & Gpa