Thursday, November 5, 2009

Cathedral Cove, Hahei, North Island NZ




NOVEMBER 2, 2009

We arrived in stunning, nearly unprecedented Hahei today. Apparently this incredible place has only recently started to boom during the summer months. And if you check out tourism promo’s for NZ’s beaches- they’ll most likely sell you with this scenery! All the amazing volcanic remnants from millions of years ago including islands (usually named after body parts by the Maori people who first discovered them), white coastline, New Zealand’s national ferns growing everywhere, and just scenery, scenery, scenery as far as the eye can see!

Hahei has a great view of Mercury Bay, so called, as it was the place where Cpt. James Cook anchored in 1769 to watch the passage of the planet Mercury. The area as a large marine reserve, and since the country as declared it a marine reserve, the fish population has increased by 1600%!!! Wowzers!

I was in my own little world taking photos along the trail. Jodie tried running up to a cow in one of the fields to win a $20.00 bet, and didn’t manage to even touch the big-horned animal! Those farm girls, I don’t know?! Funny part was how freaked out all the British girls were that she’d dare try J. Brave one! Britt had to pinch us to remind us this wasn’t all just an incredible dream- but in fact, our completely blessed reality. Valena titled the track to our theme song this week “Good girls gone bad” as we followed her beyond the red tape barriers that were up under Cathedral Cove’s hollow (due to falling rocks from above)…but that didn’t stop us! We broke through to take in even more brilliant views…finding photographer friends along the way to capture the memories for us! (Thanks Grant).We ended the evening with a fabulous Stray group BBQ with our driver Honey. V & B chef’d it up at the grill…their first experience barbequing chicken. It was delicious- and everyone walked away without Salmonella! Cheers to them! Much Love Readers! Stay tuned for more adventures from kiwi-land! d.

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