To Raglan

After leaving Ngaruawahia this morning we drove along quiet roads to Waingaro Hot Springs, which we had to ourselves (along with the dragonflies).

Then we continued to Raglan, a little settlement jam-packed with interesting shops and cafes.

We walked beside the harbour and checked out the views.

The centre of the main street is lined with palm trees.

 

Climbing to the summit of Hakarimata

The town of Ngaruawahia.

Maori sculpture.

We walked to the old reservoir through the bush at Hakarimata, the mountain range beside the river at Ngaruawahia.

Then we attempted the summit climb of over 1,349 steps...

I stopped half way after 700 steps and Malcolm continued to the top.

This is at the base of the track

View from the bus window at our freedom camping spot

The 'track'up Hakarimata

View from half way up

View from the top.

 

Ngaruawahia

Freedom camped at The Point, Ngaruawahia, beside the Waikato River.

We cycled the river ride - Te Awa - to Hamilton, and back.

 

At Kai Iwi Lakes

It's late summer now and we've had two visits to Kai Iwi Lakes, near Dargaville. The first visit we stayed in Dargaville, beside the Wairoa River. We woke to a hazy morning...

...then on to the lakes. Malcolm wanted to test the bike rack he'd designed and built.

The bike rack hinges to give access to the storage area and so the back door can be opened for ventilation when it's hot.

We've walked around the lakes before but this time we cycled.

On our second visit be joined our friends Sue and Jeff in their bus, Buster.

Morning light

Evening drinks

Then we headed south, Stopping for coffee at Coast Cafe in Maungatoroto.

 

Hundertwasser Arts Centre

We didn't have to wander too far to visit the Hundertwasser building at Whangarei's Town Basin last week. This post is for family and friends overseas as most NZers know about the building and the man.

The building is Hundertwasser's last design. Most of his buildings are in Europe but he lived in Northland for the last part of his life. It is built without straight lines, with many recycled materials and with a living roof.

This ramp leads to the cafe that looks down on the yachts in the basin.

Part of the exterior that faces the road.

Looking down from the cafe.

Carving at the entrance to the interior, where the galleries are.

View from the road.

Inside the toilets.

Aqua Cafe. There's also a terrace.

In the Wairua Gallery. It showcases Maori art.

Part of the Hundertwasser exhibition. It tells his life story and has tapestries, posters, original artworks, photographs, models....

There are mosaics everywhere.

An example of Hundertwasser's environmental posters.

View from the rooftop garden.

Inside the cupola. This is his yacht. He lived aboard for 10 years and sailed to New Zealand.

Part of the rooftop garden.

We were the first people through the door on opening day. It totally lived up to expectations. A must visit for New Zealanders.