As kiwi as

On the way back from a visit to Turangi, driving back to Ohakune we stopped off at a site of an old maori dwelling next to Lake Rotoaira that I've always wanted to visit.

The maori dwelling and the back drop gave way to an unexpectedly good shot with the snow covered Mt Tongariro in the background.


Its got maori building architecture, cabbage trees, toi toi, bush, snow covered mountains sitting under sunlight piercing through the cloud.

Site of maori dwelling, Lake Rotoaira

Its as kiwi as. Mate.

Found

The kids love playing hide and seek in the nearby field in Ohakune. He's a shot of Lucy being found from behind a tree.

Found

Lucy hits the snow

An amusing shot of Lucy one morning, getting geared up to hit the snow.

Toddler fashion

Good wind. Bad wind.

Holiday weather was pretty patchy this time of year up at the mountain. Lots of half days catching breaks in the weather.  To fill in the down time on windy days, kite flying in the fields nearby is a good past time to enjoy.

As you can see from the expression, kites are fun to fly when the wind is steady.

Good wind

However not so when the wind annoyingly fades and drops - along with the kite.

Bad wind

Hot Water

Recently we were in Ohakune for school holidays. On an off day from skiing we drove the kids over to Taupo for the day to be a tourist.

Crater's of the Moon was worth a visit.  Its a scrub covered valley full of geothermal activity, consisting of vents and hot pools. It made for some interesting shots. The trail weaves, ducks and dives through a hot and streamy landscape.

Lots of stream flowing around, scrub, craters and volcanic soil.

The compulsory, boiling mud pools shot. Lots of hot mud going bubble, plop.

Boiling mud.

Finally we stopped off for a visit at the prawn farm. Excess geothermal energy is used to heat ponds that contain prawns. Prawns are tasty, and anything tasty that swims you can fish for. So of course Amelia gave it a crack.  I thought it would be easy, but surprisingly they are harder to catch than first thought. The angler needs to wait about 30seconds after getting a bite while the prawn puts the hook into its mouth using its claw. However, natural fishing instinct is to strike soon after the first hit. Its hard to stop.

Amelia, fishing for prawns.

Naval Visit

During the weekend the New Zealand Navy, pretty much the entire fleet, visited Wellington harbour to take advantage of the Rugby World Cup games to draw in some crowds.

And draw in they did. The thronging crowds where truly epic, however it was a good walk around to look at the ships, plus the chance to get some photos.

The looming bow Te Kaha, one of two frigates we have which sum to our total combat role ships.

Te Kaha's ensign.

The girls, enjoying some salt air out of crowds.