Tag Archives: Beautiful New Zealand

Adventure, Grace, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Nature, Quiet, Reflection, Travel

To The Hills

5th November 2020 Cathryn

I am so incredibly lucky to be in beautiful New Zealand right now.

2020 has seen many disappointed hopes of travel and adventure. But what a privilege to wander in our own backyard. So much magic to discover.

We stopped at Hamilton Gardens on the way down. I highly recommend a meander around these gorgeous gardens.

This particular travels-with-mom adventure turned into a real retreat into the hills above Waitomo. We stayed at Rock Retreat cottage and besides a few walks into the forested hills and gullies, I switched off completely…. bliss…. I could sit and stare at that view forever.

There is such Middle Earth magic in this part of the country. The karst landscape and limestone dolines on the hilltops speak of standing stones. Celtic wisdom would know the veil is thin in these pure spaces and you cannot help but pause to soak in this communion with Nature.

The same rock in the forest is covered in moss and tiny ferns and speaks of Elven ruins from the First Age of Middle Earth when the world was young.

I will post photos knowing they are woefully inadequate in capturing this magic…. round each corner you gasp audibly at some new marvel of Mother Earth, close your eyes and breathe in the birdsong.

We did venture out one evening to try a touristy cave adventure that the region is known for. Footwhistle glowworm cave tour was an unexpected find. I enjoyed it despite myself but perhaps it was just the benefit of the kawakawa tea we enjoyed at the beginning of the tour?

Our last day we visited the stunning Marakopa Falls and had the place all to ourselves.

Much needed respite for the soul…

All too soon, our sojourn into the hills was done. But some consolation to be had in the excellent coffee stop on the way home…. Origin Coffee in Otorohanga is a must. It is at the railway station…. ☕️☕️☕️

Blessings, Dreaming, Family, Grace, Gratitude, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Mindfulness, Nature, Reflection, Ritual, Storytelling, Travel, Values

Wanderings Day 25

25th April 2020 Cathryn

So day 25 of this virtual wander down my travel memory lane.

From tomorrow, for the last 5 days of these wanderings I will be tackling the “big shaping” journeys of my life so far.

In light of that, I thought today would be a good opportunity to pause. Returning back to NZ for a retreat “travels with mom” reminisce. We stayed in the Valley Hut at Kōmanawa. A pure space if ever there was one.

I have already posted a few pics from this retreat into the NZ wilderness last year – https://purespaces.co.nz/a-middle-earth-retreat/

Today these pics have helped me soak up that retreat “atmosphere” once again. In these last days of lockdown here in New Zealand and with it being Anzac Day too, there is much time for reflection.

Time for this quiet revolutionary to take stock, re-evaluate and keep dreaming. I still believe in magic…. the magic that makes hope float up.

That’s what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up.
“Hope Floats” (1998) – Sandra Bullock as Birdee Pruitt

Blessings, Gratitude, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Mindfulness, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 21

21st April 2020 Cathryn

The start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from the Mangatepopo Valley side

Today we are staying in the Tongariro National Park. This time to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a 19km ish hike through an old glacial valley and up the side of a volcano, along the craters at the top and down the other side.

I have completed the Crossing a number of times since I’ve been in New Zealand. Each time the mood of the mountain is different but each time magical in its own way.

The edge of Red Crater looking towards the Kaimanawa Ranges in the distance

These are pics from a particularly spectacular trip on a clear May day after some early snows.

Looking south from the end of North Crater – along Red Crater to Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu in the distance

More magic and another pure space to be so grateful for!

Fumes from Te Maari Crater seen on the descent towards Ketetahi Carpark and the end of Crossing

Early morning light on Ruapehu from Piper’s Ski Lodge, National Park

Go outside, often, sometimes in wild places. Bring friends or not. Breathe.
Florence Williams

Blessings, Christmas, Family, Gratitude, Health and Wellness, Holidays, Nature, Quiet, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 20

20th April 2020 Cathryn

“I want to see mountains again, Gandalf, mountains, and then find somewhere where I can rest… I might find somewhere where I can finish my book. I have thought of a nice ending for it: and he lived happily ever after to the end of his days.”
J R R Tolkien, Fellowship of the Ring

Today’s wandering takes us to some very special mountains. The volcanoes of the central plateau in New Zealand’s North Island. I have visited this area many times over the years and experience a different mood each time.

Again, quite a bit of filming around here for Lord of the Rings movies…. it definitely has a Middle Earth magic.

These pics are from a visit to the Chateau Tongariro for family Christmas.

Blessings, Family, Food, Gratitude, Holidays, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel

Wanderings Day 19

19th April 2020 Cathryn

Another wandering day in search of Middle Earth…. and another “travels with mom” adventure.

This time we visit Hobbiton in the Shire.

I highly recommend the evening banquet tour. You enjoy a wander through Hobbiton at sun down including a visit to Bag End, Bagshot Row and the Party Tree. Then arrive at the Green Dragon for a fabulous feast fit for Hobbits and finish with a lantern tour back through Hobbiton.