Cricket and morning runs

At the ODI between Australia and New Zealand at Manuka Oval, Australia won by 116 runs. It was never really close. The winners on the day were David Warner and the sunset; both of which were brilliant.

A morning run takes me past this letterbox where one can deliver post to Landsend. 

Lava Glass, Huka Falls and Aratiatia Dam

A few years ago, I went to Lava Glass and interviewed chief-glass-blower, Lynden Over. Coming back many years later, the sculpture garden is a welcome addition. The children enjoyed seeing how the glass works were created and then running about the park and eating at the cafe.

Mum in the glass flower garden

Of course, a trip to Taupo must include a visit to the Huka Falls. The mighty Waikato River narrows from 100m across to squeeze, gush and froth through a canyon 15m wide. The power of the water is noisy and impressive.

The Weevil and family striking poses

Natural fern unfurling

Artificial flax unfurling

Upstream: the calm before the waterfall

The Aratiatia Power Station is a hydroelectric power station on the Waikato River 13km downstream from Lake Taupo. Before the dam was constructed (in 1964), the Aratiatia Rapids were quite a feature, but the dam stopped the water from flowing over them. Now the gates are opened several times a day (and the times are well-publicized) to recreate this effect, while public viewing platforms allow for people to enjoy the experience of the turbulent waters. 

Apparently the rapids were used for a scene from The Hobbit in which Bilbo Baggins rescues some dwarves from some elves by putting them in barrels and sending them downstream. As I am boycotting the film, I couldn't possibly comment, but it does make it a popular hobbit-spotters' hang-out.

Rotopounamu, Tokaanu, and Tongariro River Track

And now for a  week in New Zealand with the Weevil, her children and the parents. It was lovely to see them all, and to revisit some beautiful parts of the country. One day we went for a walk around Rotopounamu, where it was fine enough (and warm enough) to swim in the lake at Long Beach.

Niece Rachel jumping ripples

Walks at Tokaanu are full of sulphur fumes, bubbling mud and sizzling pools. The colours are vivid and the smells intense. Bathing in the hot private mineral pool is immensely relaxing, and splashing about in the heated freshwater outdoor public pool is also fun.

Most mornings involved a jog along the Tongariro River Track, sometimes with The Weevil.

Apparently this river is world-renowned as a premier fly fishing water, and is the most fished river in the country. There are many rules and regulations for catching the rainbow and brown trout within, which seem quite complex, but I am sure that all fly-fishers worth their salt are aware of this etiquette.