Approaching the Mahia Peninsula - North Island NZ
After enjoying a few days in Singapore en-route to New Zealand we eventually arrived in Auckland. While Susie and Alan stayed with friends in Auckland for a few days I flew with Air New Zealand to Gisborne on the north-east coast of the North Island. I was really looking forward to staying with my uncle and aunt, Harry and Helen, on their farm south of Gisborne. |
Harry and Helen . . . Mahia Peninsula - North Island NZ
My first sunrise from the verandah of Harry and Helen's house - Muriwai, North Island NZ
Harry and Helen's house and farm at Muriwai near Gisborne - North Island NZ
Harry and Helen's house is next to the Maruetaha River - Muriwai, North Island, NZ
Harry and Helen standing on an ancient Maori fortification on their farm - Muriwai, North Island NZ
Wherowhoro Lagoon near Muriwai - Poverty Bay, North Island NZ
'Young Nick's Head' near Muriwai - North Island NZ
Video of Pacific Ocean and 'Young Nick's Head' at southern end of Poverty Bay - North Island NZ
** please be aware the video can take up to 30 seconds to upload!
Helen and Harry chatting to a friend in the local farmer's market in Gisborne - North Island NZ
View looking across Poverty Bay from Kaiti Hill just outside Gisborne - North Island NZ
Pacific Ocean crashing onto the beach at Wainui Beach north-east of Gisborne - North Island NZ
Honestly!!! These are single-scoop ice-creams!!!
Stunning coastal scenery on the Mahia Peninsula - North Island NZ
Helen outside the tiny church at Nuhaka where her parents were married - North Island NZ
Fisherman about to launch his boat to catch crayfish . . . Opoutama - North Island NZ
We saw the road junction that leads to the private rocket launching site operated by 'Rocket Lab'. Their first launch was in May 2017 with a rocket called 'Electron'. The launch complex is at the tip of the Mahia Peninsula.
We stopped to spend some time at the Ruawharawhara Cemetery to pay our respects to Helen's aunties and ancestors. We saw the grave of her father Edward McConnell and mother Chrissie. Her mother's maiden name was Nevill. One of her Nevill ancestors was one of the first bishops in New Zealand based in Dunedin in the South Island. We were to later visit Dunedin Cathedral to find out more about Bishop Nevill. Harry and I also chatted about our Stott ancestors!
The beach at Poverty Bay near Gisborne - North Island NZ
During my stay with Harry and Helen I was treated to some wonderful home cooking. It was all locally sourced produce. It had been a fantastic opportunity to spend time with Harry and Helen who are both my nearest paternal relatives. They are a truly 'beautiful' couple in every respect! The next day they drove me all the way to Rotorua to meet up with Susie and Alan. However my time with them was unexpectedly extended, plus Susie and Alan could meet them also, as they were to stay for a couple of days with us in Rotorua. More of Rotorua and the rest of our time on the North Island in my next blog.
Home cooking at it's very best with Harry and Helen - Muriwai, North Island NZ
Karakia mo nag kai.
E te Atua . . . . . Dear God
Whakapaingia enei kai . . . . . . Bless this food
Hei oranga mo o matou tinana . . . . . . May it nourish our bodies
Whangaia hoki o matou wairna . . . . . . and feed our spirits
Ki the taro o the ora . . . . . . With the bread of eternal life
Ko Ithu Karaiti to matou kai whakaora . . . . . . bless our food, in Jesus' name
Ake, ake, ake. Amine . . . . forever and ever. Amen
Picnic lunch stop, in the spectacular Waioeka Gorge, on the way to Rotorua - North Island NZ
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Regards
David