Relaxed and refreshed at Firth Tower, Matamata
New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway
From the Kiwi Annison archives:
In deepest North Island, not far from the steep volcanic slopes of Mt. Taranaki, there is a road that leads you through isolated hills, wild landscapes and past pioneering monuments.
The Forgotten World Highway, otherwise known as State Highway 43, is 150km of winding road leading from Stratford, near the Egmont National Park, to Taumarunui in the Central Plateau.
Soak up some of New Zealand’s social history
From the Kiwi Annison Archives….
I have a new project at work, and I love it.
As part of my Communications role at Mystery Creek Events Centre, I am to help promote the wonderful Ag Heritage Village; a fantastic destination for school and group visits which offers a unique glimpse into New Zealand’s pioneering past.
I find this kind of social history absolutely fascinating, a fact you may have gathered if you are one of my regular blog readers!
Minniesdale Chapel and the brave pioneers of Albertland, New Zealand
A spur of the minute decision we made on a trip in April 2011 took us to a place that roused my emotions and stirred my hidden pioneer spirit.
Lake Tarawera and The Buried Village
From the Kiwi Annison Archives…..
In central North Island, near Rotorua, stands Mt Tarawera – the volcano that caused New Zealand’s deadliest eruption.
A story of gold, cyanide and thoughtful preservation
Situated within a large bend of the Ohinemuri River, opposite Waikino village, are the remains of a revolutionary gold processing plant that was once New Zealand’s biggest and best.
The Victoria Battery site was built in 1897 by the Waihi Gold Mining Company to process ore from the large Martha Mine in nearby Waihi. Read More…
Alexandra Redoubt: One of the Waikato’s most historic places
Quite often I get asked what I miss about not living in the UK anymore, but I’m not a whingeing pom and don’t begin to rhyme off a list of groceries.
I’m a very happy honorary kiwi, however if pressed on the subject I would have to say I miss the history and the architecture of old buildings.
And I especially miss castles.
But… I have to reinforce that I totally love the old New Zealand buildings.
I love the colonial style of many towns and buildings here and really enjoy visiting and learning about historic places.
So although it isn’t a castle I was very happy to visit Alexandra Redoubt which is listed on the NZ Historic Places Trust and is one of the best preserved earthworks of the New Zealand Wars.
More pictures from Thames
We called in at Thames on the way home the other day.
The old gold-mining town in the Coromandel is a particular favourite of ours and we like to stop and have a look round every time we are passing.
A stroll around Pirongia Village
This is a selection of photographs taken around historic Pirongia in North Island’s Waikato during our visit there this Easter weekend.
A Kiwi spot of Tudor, Anglican and Maori
Time for a snapshot of some New Zealand history and architecture.
There is a quiet little suburb of Rotorua where you can see a Tudor style Anglican church set in a historic and sacred Maori village.
Ohinemutu is the beautiful lakeside setting for St Faith’s Church & Tamatekapua Meeting House.