I did a little round trip through the Southern part of the North Island. 1,300km, all on the left side, and I survived. As an important fact of the road I noted that Kiwi's obviously take the 100km speed sign merely as a minimum recommendation. I let them... while I was conveniently driving 80 to 90km mostly in awe by the stunning and constantly changing landscape in front of me. From rugged, flat and dry to rainforest and mountains, from wild beaches to dormant vulcanoes, all in a blink of an eye. It doesn't get much better than this (well it could, if I only had a bike, but who am I to complain since the rental car is a freebee sponsored by the company, and all I had to do is fill it up...). The photos certainly don't do it justice.
Driving down the last leg of HWY 3 to Plymouth had its charm already. It went through jungle like vegetation and gorges following the Awakino River, before it reached the Tasman Sea.
I spent the night in a lovely
B&B and moved on to surround Mount Taranaki.
At Strathford I hit the eerie
Forgotten World Highway. No fuel for 150km... better refill before you enter. The road started in good quality and there was actually a bit traffic, mostly bikers (them lucky bunch!), so I didn't worry too much.
Even riders stop for a nice view, and I chatted with them for a while before they blasted down the twisties.
Here's the turning point, and the usual stop for a refreshing drink, before the two-wheelers that I had met before would return to do the twisties again.
And then the eerie part begins: ghost towns, gravel roads, a weird one-lane tunnel that is on the verge of break-down and several one-lane bridges to cross... all I met on this part of the road was a beemer (GS of course...). I slowed down to let him pass, and not throw any debris in his direction and he thanked me with a quick nod, otherwise busy keeping his motorcycle straight.
My day ended in Taupo where a feasted from a AYCE buffet at the Millenium Resort.
The next day I visited several places with thermal activities, more waterfalls and enjoyed the everchanging landscape while I was heading towards Rotarua, and finally back on my way to my temporary home in Auckland. It was a darn good road trip.
The route
View Larger Map
Reading your posts from NZ only make me realize how much I want to go back there - on two wheels this time. Thanks for the memories.
ReplyDeleteSonjaM:
ReplyDeletea beautiful road on whatever you are driving. It has a certain Hawai'ian feel to it. Gives me great memories of a warm, tropical place. It's hard to believe that on an Island you would have such a deserted road such as this. You are so lucky to be there. Keep snapping pixs for us to drool over
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Wow. You saw a lot of the North Island in one short trip. It really struck me how green everything looks. Some of the roads look nice and tempting for a bike....
ReplyDeletegreat pics Sonda, you've a good eye for photo composition.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and wonderful scenery! Thanks for sharing them. Some friends of mine spent a few weeks there hiking and exploring. What a beautiful place. I hope to visit there someday.
ReplyDeleteThe photo tour was refreshing after a long day. As a thank you for that, we'll pretend you were on a bike.
ReplyDeleteI wondered what was on that first road sign. We have a beetle that looks exactly like that. With more legs of course. And smaller. Ok, so not exactly but close enough!
@all: thanks so much for your kind comments on my humble photographic skills. I am glad you enjoyed the tour. I certainly did.
ReplyDelete@irondad: The road sign shows a kiwi bird, and it is known to only have two legs. At least that's what I have been told, because I haven't seen a live one yet.
Wow, Sonja, great post and photos! Thank you for the tour. Your photos makes me think your working for the NZ Visitors Association! Great job!
ReplyDelete