  Cape Reinga Lighthouse - Cape Reinga Lighthouse is located in the Te Paki Recreation Reserve at the top of the North Island. Every day a large number of tour buses and visitors flock to Cape Reinga to photograph and walk around the lighthouse, making it one of the most popular landmarks of Te Paki. Cape Reinga Lighthouse was built in 1941 using the lantern from nearby Motuopao Island lighthouse which had been decommissioned, the light was powered by diesel generated electricity, however in 1987 the light was automated and is now monitored from Wellington. As New Zealand's most well known lighthouse it is a top scenic highlight when travelling the North Island and can be reached by driving north on highway 1 from Kaitaia for approximately 2 hours until you reach the end of the road at the end of New Zealand! The 50-watt light bulb, magnified by the lens systems, throws a signal of warning 49 kilometres out to sea and is often the first light in New Zealand that sailors see. |
 Curio Bay Fossil Forest - Curio Bay Fossil Forest is situated on the Catlins coast, 7km's south of Waikawa in the South Island of New Zealand. This area is where Hector’s dolphins, marine wildlife and the fossilised remains of an ancient forest can be seen. The fossilised remains of an ancient forest can be seen at Curio Bay during low tide. Stretching over 20km's from Curio Bay south west to Slope Point, this is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a Jurassic fossil forest in the world! This internationally important site can be explored at low tide. Unfortunately souvenir hunters have removed a lot of the rare fossils over the years, however this practice is discouraged and visitors are asked to leave the fossil forest undisturbed for others to enjoy. A viewing platform and information panel overlooks the fossil forest. The fossilised forest predominantly consisted of trees forming a low canopy over an undergrowth dominated by ferns. |
 Huka Falls - Huka Falls can boast to being the largest falls on the Waikato River, which is one of New Zealand's longest rivers and is located near Taupo in New Zealand's North Island. The Waikato River is normally 100 metres wide, however at the Huka Falls it is squeezed through a 15 metre wide gorge with over a 20 metre drop! Imagine up to 250,000 cubic metres of water gushing through the gorge every second and shooting out over 8 metres beyond - welcome to Huka Falls, one of New Zealand's top scenic views. Located in the Wairakei Tourist Park, the Huka Falls are only a 5 minute drive north of Taupo following the mighty Waikato River. A great view of the falls can be seen from a loop road just off the main highway while a swing bridge that was originally built during the Maori Wars, crosses the river and a path leads along the east bank to various viewing points. There are some great walks to that lead to the Huka Falls, or take a jet boat ride to the base of the waterfall with Huka Jet Boats. |
 Moeraki Boulders - Moeraki Boulders is located in the charming fishing village of Moeraki on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. The famous boulders are situated just south of Oamaru and were formed over millions of years. The boulders represent a perfect example of their kind that have been found anywhere in the world and attract visitors from near and far! The boulders are nestled like eggs into the sand on the coastline and when taking the beach walk you can see and touch boulders 60 million yeaers old! Unfortunately the sea is slowly eroding the boulders but is also uncovering new ones - some up to 4 metres in circumference! Part of the Waitaki District, there is more to see and do after viewing the Moeraki Boulders. Other attractions and activities include boat cruises, farm tours, swimming with dolphins, fishing and a strong art and craft community. Moeraki has a long history of Maori which is represented in the town today by the Kotahitanga Maori Church and a pa site nearby. |
 Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre - Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre is located in the northern Wairararapa region in New Zealand's North Island. You can reach Pukaha Mount Bruce simply by driving along State Highway 2 - only 30km north of Masterton and 10km south of Eketahuna. Pukaha Mount Bruce allows visitors to experience some of New Zealand’s endangered wildlife up close and in the wild. Pukaha Mount Bruce is also New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre for conservation of some of New Zealand's most endangered wildlife. Surrounded by ancient forest trees and free flying native birds, the Wildlife Centre also incorporates a visitor centre, café, education programmes, audio visual and static displays. View wild Kaka (large native parrots) swooping out of the forest for their daily feeding while massive eels churn up the water every day in a feeding frenzy. Kiwi can be viewed in the nocturnal house as well as threatened native birds such as Kokako, Stitchbird, Takahe and Kakariki in their natural environment. |
Today we have had 14 visitors! (Counter reset midnight, the time in New Zealand is 12:56 am)
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