Hamilton Gardens: a collection of paradise and more
Staying local again this week, I shall take you on a trip to Hamilton Gardens – the Waikato’s most popular visitor attraction.
Indian Char Bagh Garden, Hamilton Gardens
Locals and tourists alike throng regularly through the many themed areas, gardens and collections, all open free to the public.
We are lucky enough to be able to visit the gardens on a regular basis; for dog walks, Sunday strolls, Jazz festivals, picnics and more.
In particular we enjoy Read More…
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Huka Huka: Prawns and Falls
From the Kiwi Annison Archives
If we’re ever heading down to Taupo or beyond, one of our favourite spots to call in for a spot of relaxation, great food and good old easy-going kiwi ambience is Huka Prawn Park and its fantastic riverside restaurant.
Situated next to the Waikato River, just a short distance from the powerful Huka Falls, the park breeds and grows tropical prawns (Giant Malaysian River Prawns) using waste geothermal heat from the geothermal power station next door. Read More…
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Sometimes the best things in life really are free
One of the big things we noticed when we moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2008 was the fantastic and plentiful array of kids playgrounds here.
It may seem like an insignificant thing but when you have three kids who have usually seen broken, graffiti covered, litter strewn playgrounds that normally contained a set of broken swings and nothing too adventurous that you could potentially injure yourself on – then it all came as a breath of fresh air.
Thames playground
Before I get jumped on and all the UK peeps shout at me…. yes, I agree there were SOME nice parks and playgrounds for kids. But I am speaking my opinion when I say that while we lived and travelled around the UK I can honestly say that the large majority of playgrounds were either in undesirable areas or visited by undesirables who used for undesirable purposes.
Sad but true.
Another huge difference for us here was the school grounds. Read More…
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Tarawera Falls, one of the best walks in New Zealand
From the Kiwi Annison Archives…..
In December 2010 we made a special visit to Lake Tarawera’s eastern shores.
We had previously been to the western side of the lake (read Lake Tarawera and the Buried Village) but the journey to Tarawera Outlet required us to travel via Kawerau (off SH 30 between Rotorua and Whakatane) where we had to obtain a permit to travel on the private forestry road to the lake. Read More…
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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.
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Lake Ngaroto, a simple but enchanting place to get back to nature
Close to Hamilton, Cambridge and Te Awamutu is Waipa’s largest peat lake, Lake Ngaroto, and this pleasant destination was the first port of call for the Kiwi Blog Bus on its recent Easter weekend jaunt.
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A reminder of Pure New Zealand
I stumbled across a video the other day that I’d like to share, in my opinion it’s just fabulous and pure, feel-good New Zealand.
In 2010 Tourism New Zealand launched “Your Big Break” and asked people to capture the essence of 100% Pure New Zealand and tell the world their story of how they see the youngest country on earth.
Working Day was the winner and you can see all five finalists videos here (Frosty is my personal favourite but I also like Sweet As).
Enjoy Pure New Zealand.
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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.
Ohinemutu on the banks of Lake Rotorua
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More travelling dogs
Jess and Pip, were introduced to readers of the Kiwi Blog Bus back in January in this post.
The dogs come with us on every single trip we make in the bus and they just absolutely love it.
Pip is ready to go
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New Zealand sunsets part 1
Happy Holidays - April 2007 - Kapiti coast - Sun setting over my children playing on the beach
New Zealand is one of the first places in the world to greet each new day – but for me it’s the spectacular daily farewell to the sun that is much more impressive.
Or maybe that’s just because I witness a lot more sunsets than sunrises.
I’m not an early bird.
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Kiwi Blog Bus
Campervan tales from New Zealand
The Kiwi Blog Bus - campervan tales from New Zealand 