New Zealand 2007 

 

                                    Day Twenty-Eight  Auckland April 10

                                               

                                            Tree Day - our continued travel on Hwy 12 loop included the Waipoua Forest of kauri

                                            trees.  These majestic giants of the forest were awe inspiring.  New Zealand was originally

                                            covered in endless forest; however, the clearing for sheep, cattle, and building wood has

                                            forever changed the topography.   However, and thankfully, a forest of kauri trees has been

                                            preserved.

 

                                            Kauri wood has a high density and known for it's height.  This combination made it a 

                                            target for sailing ship masts.  Due to it's protected status, the only available wood is abandoned

                                            tree stumps and trees left in various swamps.  Wood is difficult to remove from the swamps and 

                                            is quite expensive for crafted items.

 

                                            Sunshine started the day with a visit to Baylys Beach - just part of 100 miles of hard packed sand

                                            along the West Coast.  Since the beaches are so wide, they can be used for car travel.  Lining the 

                                            beach is high bluffs above the  very shallow, yet strong current waters.  Perfect surroundings for 

                                            drive up and open the large van sliding doors relaxation.  After a long walk in the reflective waters

                                            and short nap, it was time to drive on.

 

                                            Just like Florida, the afternoon showers moved in and the final drive to Auckland was rain filled,

                                            dark, winding, and less than easy.  Thankfully, the final 20 miles was actual motorway into the 

                                            city.  An ongoing major project is new tunnels to extend the motorway (2009) - can't come too

                                            soon.

 

                                                                   

                                                                                            Last Updated 2007 March email@ellerberoad.com