Tag Archives: Lookout

07/11/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

A “Quick” Trip to the Bay of Islands

Yes, “quick” is in quotation marks. Why, you may ask? Because it wasn’t such a quick trip. Doi.

From the CBD, Central Business District, of Auckland up to the Bay of Islands it was about a 3.5 hour drive. Our idea of a “quick” trip up north was quickly (there’s that word again) dashed. Nevertheless, we pressed on. We were determined to see some more of the country, outside of the most popular spots.

The drive was very beautiful. There were rolling green hills, scenic vistas, and numerous roundabouts. This country, they love their roundabouts. As someone who had only ever driven on the right side of the road, driving on the left was initially daunting but once I got the feel for it (and the turn signal and windshield wipers being on the opposite sides of the steering column) I was as cool as you like.

Did I once get pulled over for speeding but was then let off with a warning and told to spend the money, that would’ve been on the ticket, in town at a local shop? Who can say.

After driving for a long time, we decided that it would be best to actually find someplace to go as opposed to just inputting “Bay of Islands” into the GPS. We exited the main road, found a little marina to park at and we looked up someplace to go.

After some searching we decided to set out to Opito Bay. It was close by and there looked to be a trail we could walk to get a view of the water and islands. Because at this point, we needed to get out of the car for a bit, take in some scenery, and breathe in that fresh sea air.

At Opito Bay there was a small car park right next to the water and people’s homes (jealous!). From the car park it was an easy hike up a well-maintained trail to the Tareha Point Scenic Lookout. On our way up, and down for that matter, we saw a few of the local residents on their daily walk on the trail. I mean, I would be out there too if I lived there.

That video is from the near end of the trail to the lookout point. It was, as you can see, stunning. The weather was in full cooperation that day and we could see for miles and miles.

This will turn into Instagram for a hot minute as I show you what we saw.

To the right
To the left
The whole thing in panorama

Just, wow. Right?

After seeing some of the other natural wonders New Zealand has to offer, it was nice to visit a place that was not as crowded. This is truly the place to check out if you want to get away from the city. There are numerous islands and spots that we did not have time for but are keen on visiting on our next go around.

Thank you for visiting, and I will see you next time!

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10/10/2023
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New Zealand, Travel

Falling in New Zealand

OK, so by now you’ve seen a bungy jump and some other sites around Auckland. And if you haven’t yet, click on those links! But for now, I am going to take you further south.

Today, will I tell you about me actually falling? No. Sorry to burst anyone’s bubble. It’s a play on words. I am writing today about Huka Falls.

It’s kinda, sorta, maybe in the middle of the North Island. It’s in the Lake Taupo area (ahem, the bungy. Remember that?) and it’s a popular spot. You’ll see soon once you scroll down AFTER! after reading my words here. Don’t just scroll past my words that I put time into reading! Please & thank you.

If you are driving there from the North, you’re most likely going to be heading down State Highway 1. After a few hours you’ll see the signage for Huka Falls and the Lookout spot. Believe me when I tell you that you will want to park at the Lookout. The parking lot closest to the falls is not that big and will most likely be full. Parking at the Lookout will, hopefully, save you that hassle. It will also afford you the opportunity to stretch your legs after a long drive as you make your way down to the water.

It’s a fairly easy walk down. Little ones should be ok doing the trek but be mindful as it’s still a trail. Once you’ve made it a little bit down the trail, the noise of the passing cars from the road will fade away and a new one will fill your ears. A steady hum and rustle of gallons upon gallons of water crashing onto rocks will alert your ears that nature is nearby.

Huka Falls and my lovely and amazing partner, Kristen

Quite the sight, no? We must have stood there for a few minutes taking it all in. We even saw a jetboat race up the river and zoom around the base of the falls, getting the occupants a little wet. We both valued our dryness so we abstained from the jetboat.

Quick side note: There are some trails that branch off from the falls area that we did not have the time to walk, but you might!

Looking toward the Falls

Closer to the parking lot is a bridge that traverses the Waikoto River as it turns into . . . the falls? Yes? That’s right? I think. I don’t know. I don’t know much about rivers and such. I have the oceanography merit badge. This, this ain’t the ocean. Either way you slice it, the bridge is a great viewpoint to get on top of the water and see where it came from (photo below) and where it’s going (photo above).

Looking away from the falls

I’ll tell you what, the sound of the water pounding against the rocks really makes you appreciate the power of water. What can start out as a trickle of a stream can turn into a roaring torrent and consume all around it.

It’s a serene spot where plenty of families and travelers alike will stop and admire nature. It’s important to admire and respect what the Earth has to offer us. This is the only planet we’ve got and you should get out and see as much of it as you can.

Thank you for visiting and I will see you later!

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