feddabonn's photostream

the accessible parts of the mainline steam depot. mainline steam runs heritage steam engine trips in auckland and wellington.

the track from pahia to haruru falls (via waitangi) passes through an amazing stretch of mangroves. while i have seen mangroves from a distance before, this was my first up-close-and-personal experience. stunning, and more than a little spooky!

was quite fascinated by these buoys and the splash of colour they made against the water. judging from how the boat we were on cut speed, they are also taken quite seriously!

world famous in new zealand, hole-in-the-rock is part of both maori and pakeha lore, with captain cook having been recorded sighting it, and maori forbiding the climbing of it as it is tapu/sacred. large enough for a ferry to go through.

as a bit of a diversion from the bitterly cold wind and the expanse of sea, this gull kept up with the speed of the boat we were on, and took treats it was offered from people's hands. ah tourists.