Otaihanga Domain

We used to come up here often when the children were little. The plan for Labour Day was for something a bit more vigourous but we decided that discretion was the better part of valour (forgive american spellings) so opted for a leisurely stroll by the banks of the Waikanae River. 

The heavy rain had meant that the river was quite full. I remember it being a gentle stream only a metre or so wide.

Further up the track there were views inland towards the Tararuas.

The day was significant as it marked Noreen’s return to the walking group after her knee surgery.

Johnston Hill

I haven’t done this walk for a while. The first part is uphill from Karori. 

It was a pleasant enough day, warm but overcast and a bit misty so the view north across the harbour to Petone was a bit blurry (or maybe my lens needs cleaning).

Obligatory summit snap.

We came down through the new path that was being cut the last time we did the walk. Once into Otari the bush closed in and we were in the primæval forest.

This is kahikatea – the king of the southern forests (kauri being naturally confined to the north of the north island).

We emerged at the bottom of the gully in the middle of Otari bush.

Then it was a short climb out of the gully to Jenny’s for a pot luck dinner. I spotted this kereru attempting to hide in a tree.

This is kaka beak growing in Jenny’s garden.

Auckland

We haven’t been up to Auckland for a while. When Sam was at university there we visited several times and prior to that we have spent some time there over the years.

New Zealand’s biggest city has been described as a collection of suburbs. It is certainly spread out over a vast area and travelling around can be a nightmare. But each area has its own character and it doesn’t really have the feel of a big city, except perhaps in the small central zone.

We went for a 70^th birthday party. The venue was in Panmure on the shores of the Tamaki Estuary.

The house has a wonderful garden making the best use of a fairly limited area.

We went for a bike ride 

amongst the mangrove swamps,

saw pukeko

and the distant mass of Mount Wellington.

The next day we ventured up its slopes. There are good views all around. This is a panorama looking north

and a close up of the crater (that big structure is a water tank) with Rangitoto in the distance.

On the way down we had a good view of Stonefields, a new residential development in a disused quarry.

As it was quite hot we needed ice cream!

Then it was back for the party at which there was Morris dancing

 and cutting of the cake.

Tulips and Tea

I think I am addicted to alliteration. Maybe I should set up Alliterates Anonymous. However I see from my friend Google that I would not be the first. I like their sister organisation, The Secret Society for Subversive Syntax. They don't appear to have a web site.

Anyways, it was a glorious weekend and we took the opportunity for a perambulation through the gardens.

The tulips were pretty much at their best. Here Jane and Noreen are in flowery tops and trousers respectively.

Such a sea of intense colour.

The Rose Garden is still in its winter state. The Henry Moore on the bank above (specially for daughter Jen) never seems to have many flowers.

Its that time of year when the cobwebs are dusted off the barbecue, the weta are evicted and a young man's thoughts turn to grilling aspargus and steak.

Noreen made a very nice Moroccan beef salad (from Auntie Annabel but unfortunately the exact recipe isn't on the web site - you'll have to buy the book or borrow Noreen's).