This is what I pictured in my mind when people spoke of New Zealand. Lush green hillsides which remind you of Ireland just without constant rain and grey skies.
This small port is full of adventure activities and some of the most spectacular views around the waterfront. Long ago this area was the capital city of New Zealand.
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I’m off on a 2-hour kayak to the local falls. Back before European explorers logged much of the low forests for their ships this channel was nearly 100 feet deep. However, erosion silted up much of the river. Now much of it is 2 to 6 feet deep, depending on sudden tidal changes.
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Fun story – long ago a British ship with the full crew was steaming up the river. They heard the thunder of the falls coming from around the corner. Half of the crew abandoned ship fearing it was a huge waterfall where they surely would die. Many years later this story was told to the local aboriginal chief. He laughed as he and the captain shared a meal
while looking upon the falls.
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What an excursion. After a short bus ride we’re dropped off “downtown”. I say that as their downtown doesn’t quite match my downtown definition. Welcome to Main St. 14 stores. 1.5 blocks.
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No worries, the view from the other side of Main St is pretty spectacular.
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