Winter Wonderland

Winter in Kiwiland spells rain, rain, rain. But on days where the sun manages to surface it glows warm and bright, the more to appreciate. Our months since the last post entail many wwoof experiences interspersed with brief travels through various remoter parts. The beaches are stormy but exciting but the rain never lasts more than a few hours (except when it lasts for days).

Just on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula Conor exhibits the massive 'Kaiotuno Killer,' an ice-cream to remember.


We sat eating the ice-cream at a picnic table outside the dairy. While avoiding sticky drips we watched the sun burst from behind clouds and descend in an awesome sunset.


At Dharma Gaia in Coromandel we spent much time pulling Kykuyu grass from the periphery where it was trying to encroach. This photo shows the lovely vegetable garden there.


Through driving rain we rounded bend after glorious bend to view Northland's spectacular coastline. The grey fog illuminated crags and made each cove a mysterious haven.

Our wwoof in Kerikeri was a wee bit cold and rainy, but we had this fireplace to warm our bones and beside which to drink endless cups of decaf organic coffee!


We spent the few days after Kerikeri exploring Cape Reinga. The point was a bit windy, hold onto your hats, folks!

Ninety mile beach was immense, endless, beautiful.


Just south of the Hokianga Harbor is the largest tree in New Zealand, set amongst a grove of magestic sisters.


The house frame for Gail and John's straw-bale house at Kohatu Toa eco-village south of Whangarei. We spent most of our time rehabilitating the gardens but after a particularly rough storm we had the winch the structure back to true.
And of late we spent our time at a Vipassana meditation center just an hour north of Auckland. We lost power for the latter half of the course but the candles and cold showers only added to our feeling of isolation and deep samadhi.

We write this blog on a super-speedy computer here in Auckland, the first we've used in nine months. Wonderful technology. Two weeks more in this country and then we leave for Aussie. We'll soak in it.