New Zealand Inspires - A Land of Amazing Beauty!
In February 2024 we took a cruise to New Zealand from Brisbane. I came home with fresh inspiration and thought I'd share it here in my blog.
I haven't written too much text as I think the photos speak for themselves.
Enjoy!
We took a four-wheel drive vehicle across country through gullies, riverbeds and up steep climbs to Cape Kidnappers outside Napier. View from the Hawke's Bay cliffs beside the Gannet colony.
Above: The Gannet colony.
Above: Another view over Hawke's Bay and the Mahia Peninsular outside Napier. This captured my attention as I could see an abstract composition and the colours were stunning!
Above: Rotarua, where we visited the Mauri Cultural & Arts Centre. It was inspiring to hear the stories of the people from the younger generation , and to be welcomed with a traditional Haka and delicious Hangi feast.
More driving through the countryside near Dunedin. This area reminded me of the Scottish Borders.
and below, captured from the coach window as the rain set in as we headed to Lanarch Castle.
Above: Cook Strait, near Wellington just before sunset and from our balcony. I loved the play of light across the water and the simple colour palette of blues, greys and silver.
Sunset at sea captured not long after we sailed through Cook Strait into the Tasman Sea on our way back to Brisbane.
Cross country through Perone to Pencarrow Station and amazing views of the coastline. This was one of the biggest NZ Sheep stations and we were entertained with a Sheepdog and shearing demonstration.
Above: The loving relationship between the farmer and his dogs, Roy and Speed, was obvious to all.
Above: Pencarrow Station, at least part of where the public visits to see demonstrations and meet the family. The actually working farm is massive.
Above: Dunedin's countryside, Highcliff and the hidden lakes.
Above: The pilot guiding our big cruise ship into port.
