Hundertwasser loo

Friedrich Stowasser - aka Hundertwasser - spent much of the last 27 years of his life living in the sticks north of Auckland. His life here is immortalised in a public loo in Kawakawa, near his home. Among his many creations is a flag for NZ free of the Union Jack - yet to be adopted - which features a koru (unfurling fern frond). It is recreated in ceramic this loo on the side of the washstand (centre).

Amber

Kauri blood. When injured, the trees bleed this gum/ resin. A hundred years ago it was mined (from old forests) and harvested (from living trees) for use in lino and varnish until synthetic equivalents were developed.

Wall of death

Exhibit in the kauri museum.

Tane Mahuta

Lord of the Forest. Biggest Kauri in existence and over 5m in diameter. There are very few of these trees left. I can imagine what a temptation they were to early settlers with their huge trunks, which were free of any branches up to over half the overall height of the tree. But it's still a shame.

The Piano

This is a stunning beach west of Auckland at Karekare, where Jane Campion filmed the opening scenes of The Piano.

Dragon boats

We went to see the finals of the dragon boat races held nationwide over the Easter period. The coxes sit at the front of the canoes with a big drum - which they sadly didn't seem to use.

Gill

Met with my sister's godmother in Auckland and we spent some time together catching up on 15 year's news and sightseeing in Auckland.

Pohutukawa

Although the kauri are more famous, I associate this tree most closely with the kiwi landscape. Around the Coromandel and East Cape there are some huge ones. Some too big to carry their own weight! They have a distinctive exploding red flower that comes out at Christmas time.

Tui

Most beloved bird of the indigenous humans for their distinctive warbling. Often heard but harder to spot, I came across this couple in a grove of Pohutukawa trees while walking around the north of the Coromandel peninsula. Their Pakeha name is the Parson's bird.

Coromandel

The peninsula is surrounded by lots of small islands - most uninhabited and protected from kiwi predators.

The main culprits are stoats and weasels. Although feral cats, rats and possums are also exterminated from these islands to protect the indigenous fauna and flora.

Pinnacles

Moved north to the Coromandel peninsula and climbed up to the "Pinnacles" further up this valley.

The Coromandel - like the rest of New Zealand is the aftermath of a load of volcanic activity from a few million years ago. This outcrop of once molten rock was once quite literally the plug inside a volcano. The volcano has since eroded from around it.

Campsite

Another perfect campsite. The sea behind my back. A couple of OAP travellers in the background with their static homes sold and the proceeds invested in mobile homes. A popular way to retire in this country. And given the wealth of park-ups like this, who can blame them. Even if you are doing it in less style - like me - toilets and water are readily available free of charge.

Crater

Even in summer there are usually snow drifts around the summit. This summer they exist only in the crater. In the background you can see the surf on the beach where I spent the night licking my wounds. One grazed leg where I slipped on the snow. Two burnt armpits, where I omitted to apply sunscreen. The summer sun here is unremitting. Two aching legs. There is a middle section to the climb that is loose shale. For every two steps forward, you slide one back. Lung busting. I remember once looking for pumice with which to make a lightweight concrete coffee table. Now I know where to look.

Taranaki

So, today I meet the mountain.

According to Maori legend, he used to reside next to Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (seen here in the centre of the North Island). However he was chased off by Tongariro when he fell in love with Tongariro's wife, Pihanga.

WOMAD

In New Plymouth for WOMAD festival. Lots of local bands as well as performers from Israel, Africa, India and South America. A cultural treat. These Maori dancers were a treat. You can see the Polynesian links to Hawaiian performances we are more familiar with.

Held in the lea of Mount Taranaki, "the mountain" (as it is commonly referred to) is considered a dormant volcano, usually shrouded in cloud - and rain. However this summer is the best in at least Grant's mother's 85 year old memory, and we are blessed with almost continuous views of it's full glory. It rises Fuji-like 2.5 km up from the surrounding plain. It hasn't erupted for 350 years, so your guess is as good as mine as to when a volcano becomes extinct rather than dormant.

Driftwood

This is what you usually find at the highwater line on a kiwi beach. It ultimately settles, becomes the foundation for some sand dunes, and forms part of the sea defences.

Bush

Much needed overnight rain, gave us swollen rivers. Grant and I went for a hairy 2 minute drift down this stream.

Grant

This is a great man, who I feel I should emulate as much as possible. Three kids by three women, he epitomises much of what is great about kiwi men. If any of you come across him in his travels, please treat him well!

Grant's farm

Heading for Opotiki on the Eastern edge of the Bay of Plenty. And it really is plentiful. My friend Grant planted his orchard of avocado trees about 12 years ago and is now sitting on a mine of rich, green gold. The harvest starts in August/ September, so he has let his house and we are living in this shack on the farm overlooking the orchard and sea.