Saturday 16 February 2013

A Dog, a Sheep and Lots of Fish


We hit New Zealand’s North Island after travelling three hours on the Interislander ferry. The ferry weaves its way between the islands in nothing approaching a straight line....



Travelling north, we went to see the National Army Museum at Waiouru. Tanks, guns and other exhibits show New Zealand’s military exhibits....





Roughly in the centre of the North Island is Tongariro National Park, with a few spectacular peaks. Mount Ngauruhoe is an active volcano that last erupted in 1977....



The Tongariro National Trout Centre is well worth a visit.. Jackie feeding the fish in the river....





It is even possible to take some underwater shots of the trout. I have never been able to do that before....





Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand was like a sea on the windy day we were there....





We stayed in the Motor Inn in Tirau which has one of the cheapest and best internet service in New Zealand! Opposite the motel were two splendid buildings, once plain Nissen huts, that had been added to at some point to create the shape of a huge dog and a sheep....





Next, Auckland, at the top of the North Island.

8 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

Loved the dog and sheep creations. What a way to take hum drum out of a building. Very clever.

Anonymous said...

Love following your travels. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Rex J. Covington said...

Fantastic post! Look forward to more!

Canajun said...

Don't miss Rotorua!

Trobairitz said...

Those are neat buildings. Someone is way too creative.

Glad you are getting more sunshine and it has stopped raining - for now.

Gary France said...

Patti – Those buildings are very clever indeed. One was an information centre and the other, a shop.

Helmetorheels – I am glad you like the pictures.

Rex – Thank you.

Canajun – We are going to Rotarua in a few days!

Trobairitz – Being creative is a skill many have. I wish I was one of them!

Geoff James said...

Gary,
We know Tirau well as that area was my playground pre-retirement! About 20 km south of Tirau, you way have seen signs to the Carter Hollt Harvey pulp and paper mills. That was one of the mills I had engineering responsibilities for - small world!

Gary France said...

Geoff – I cannot say I remember the signs well, but they do ring a bell as I do recall seeing paper mill signs. Small world indeed.