Kidscorner

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Te Aroha





In the North Island on our holiday we stayed most of our time in Te Aroha, a small quiet town with very friendly people. This museum is in the hot springs domain and was a former bathhouse.The domain still has private bath houses an outdoor pool and a geyser.


I walked the track behind the domain up mount Te Aroha and had this view from the lookout. The men didn't come as they thought it was too hot but in the bush it was nice and sheltered although very humid.
The dark green area you see is the wetlands and we walked around that as well as you see next.


Our walk at night around the wetlands in Te Aroha, from here looking at the Mount Te Aroha

I loved how the plants proudly sprouted out of the wood.



Wairere Falls close to Te Aroha. It was a steep climb upwards but worth it.


Water finds its way in the maze of boulders.


An unfurling fern is the base for the symbol which the maori's call Koru. Koru stand for the new beginnnings, growth and strenght.  The circle stands for the circle of life, for renewal.

Look in this picture  how the tree is stuck between the two big boulders.

22 comments:

  1. Brilliant pics, Marja. Can I 'borrow' the second one for http://dickiebodos.wordpress.com please?

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  2. Such beautiful scenery there.

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  3. Of course Dickiebo, you always can borrow all of them.

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  4. Kia ora Marja,
    So lovely and diverse. We live in an amazing place. the smaller world amongst the big landscape is endlessly fascinating for me. You observe it very well.
    Aroha,
    Robb

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  5. Not only am I taken with the lush green and rocky paths to waterfalls and wetlands, I also enjoyed your poem, particularly when you wrote:

    She gave him independence
    her biggest gift of all

    She resisted to correct him,
    when he knew all the answers
    She resisted to take over
    when he burned the meal of life

    Thank you for sharing your outdoor adventure and wise words, Marja!

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  6. What a great trip and your photos are terrific, Marja! Love, love, love the waterfall! I would love to be able to visit your beautiful country! Your photos are the next best thing! Have a great week!

    Sylvia

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  7. Gorgeous place to stay! I especially love the waterfalls!

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  8. What a beautiful place. All the photographs are great and I love the waterfalls. You captured the rushing water so well.

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  9. That is indeed a beautiful location.
    And your free flowing waterfall is a nice antidote to the one I posted!

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  10. Prachtige foto's! Gorgeous photos, Marja. What a beautiful place. Of course NZ is know for its natural beauty. My (Dutch) brothers have visited. but I never have, getting stuck in Africa and other fun places ;)

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  11. I have been there also. Beautiful place and beautiful pics as always. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Always Awesome pictures, love the tours you give.

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  13. Your corner of the world is just so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

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  14. Beautiful place, very scenic.

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  15. Such a amazing landscape, Marja. And you've captured it so beautifully in these photos. Thanks.

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  16. I just love your country, Marja. It's so beautiful, low population, probably smaller less complicated government too. Interesting last picture. I wonder how that tree came to be wedged between the two boulders.

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  17. What a gorgeous place. And your photos are beautiful too. And the men are 'watjes' for not joining you on your walk ;-)

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  18. I hope to visit these amaying places next year. Great pictures.

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  19. What a beautiful place to be. NOw, I see a Dutch name and words. :)))

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  20. That is lovely scenery up that way. I can't do the hiking, so I'm glad you posted your photos! Great shots!

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  21. Wow! Incredibly beautiful! Lovely pics! Spectacular scenery!

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  22. The men didn't come as they thought it was too hot? better with a cold beer on a cool place than climbing up a mountain on a very hot day.
    we had a great time together on the north island and I did a walk to the top of a mountain where you give up half way! lol

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Thank you!!