Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua

Al and Mo at the geothermal wonderland in Rotorua, New Zealand. It was a fun place to spend the Labour Day weekend. This area is associated with volcanic activity dating back to 160,000 years ago.


Al and Gabe at Lady Gyeser of Wai-O-Tapu, a 20 min. drive south of Rotorua. A park officer deposited a small bar of soap in the opening at the top of the geyser. Several minutes later, the gyeser blew and the we were in awe.

Gabe and I are enjoying the green bubbling pool and the associated "rotten egg smell" of sulphuric acid. We spent the morning exploring the geothermal field. As you drive into Rotorua, one sees boiling steam escaping from numerous craters, bubbling pools of mud and steaming pots that dot the countryside. The city is famous for the "rotten egg smell" of sulphuric acid.

Here we are crossing thru over the steaming river with no fish life. Later in the day, Gabe rode the SkySwing (an exciting ride at the top of the mountain) and the luge sled (with Al) down the mountain. Then, we soaked in the hot mineral springs of the Polynesian Spa. It was a relaxing way to end a fun day in New Zealand's Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters).

More Tramping in the "Goblin forests"

New Zealand is famous for its friendly people and tramps (we'd call it a hike). Gabe, Al, and I have done several enjoyable day tramps in the nearby Taranaki Mountain range. The boys headed out on a 2 hour adventure at Lucy's Gully which involved a grade 4 (out of a 4) climb. The trail winds it way thru the "goblin forest", a term used to describe the gnarled shape of the trees and dense undergrowth. They found it exhilarating but more difficult than expected. At several points on the upward climb towards the misty mountain peak, they were crawling on both hands and feet. The big surprise at the end was the 80 year old forest of Redwood trees (planted by an expat during the Depression). Boy, I was glad to have stayed home instead for a quick cat nap.


On last Sunday (Oct. 18, 2009), Al and I tramped around the historic Te Korua Pa (a grade 2). A "pa" refers to a Maori fortress which typically has a traditional worship house. This well preserved pa was occupied from 1000 AD to 1850 with many defensive ditches for protection from the invaders. There were many well worn tracks that led down to the "cura" or curve around Oakura River. Many long battles were waged at the Te Korua Historic Reserve against other Maori tribes and British colonists. One can easily imagine the fierce Maori warriors thrusting their spears at any foolish trespasser. Who would dare to venture into the well defended fortress?


Given the success of these recent adventure tramps, we will be spending more of our free time on the alluring mountain and coastal beach trails. We feel drawn to wander around the popular nature walkways that are so close to our front doorstep. The boys are already talking about a trip to the summit of Mount Taranaki over the Christmas holiday. This weekend, we will be on a getaway to explore the geothermal area in Rotorura, the New Zealand equivalent of "Yellowstone".

It has been only two and a half weeks since we left our home in the States. The hard part is missing our family and friends we left behind. However, we are adjusting to the Kiwi lifestyle, driving with no fear on the left side of the road, and enjoying the magnificent country of New Zealand.

Adventure Tramps in Taranaki

Al is standing in the midst of an 80 year old Redwood Forest of New Zealand. We were out on a day tramp (hike) in the nearby trails of Taranki Park.

Mona is at the entrance to the Historic Te Korua Pa with the classical wooden inscription. Many fierce battles were waged at this Maori fortress dating back to 1000 AD.

Al was tramping in the well-preserved pa thru the ditches
of Te Korua Historic Reserve. We spent the day
exploring the "goblin" forest and hiking trails that
are in Taranaki Park, only 1/2 mi. or less from
our beach house.

Sunset at dinner in Okurukuru


Mo and the wild waves

The mist in the mountains from our front yard

While out walking on the beach. The waves were crashing and churning

The roaring and raging sea

"I hate to be near the sea, and to hear it roaring and raging like a wild beast in its den. It puts me in the mind of everlasting efforts of the human mind, struggling to be free, and ending just where it began." William Hazlitt

One could view it coming as you looked out over the sea. A heavy bank of clouds was spreading across the water. It reached as far as the eye could see. The brewing storm was fast approaching. The village families were finishing their evening meals and sipping coffee. Al and I hurried thru our dinner and quickly headed down to the beach. We were thrilled to see the roaring and raging beast. The surf was crashing and thrashing on the shore. No surfers dared to venture out. Only two crazy young men (reminding me of Alec and his friend Ben) in a flimsy dinghy were practicing rescue drills. I wondered if they might not need to rescued rather than doing the rescuing.

Al's first days at Taranaki District Base Hospital are not so full and therefore somewhat frustrating for him. He has been getting crash courses on the Maroi language. electronic medical records and socialized medicine. The hospital psychiatry program has many ancillary support personnel specifically for community support services. There is alot of governmental layers with the medical records being centralized into one data bank. One must be adapt at the computer, so he is practicing his skills.

Gabe is quiet about his experiences as an 8 year student in the primary school. He is an American curiosity but it sounds as if he is fitting in. Later in the year, he has a choice between "dam dropping" (tell ya more later) or rappelling on Sugar Loaf Mountains. There are few restrictions for the New Zealand children. No one worries about signing releases or getting approval for outdoor trips. I still shudder to see the children running in the rain with no shoes, but they like their bare feet come rain or shine. Gabe is thinking of going bare foot to school.

My time is occupied with exploring and meeting the friendly Kiwi people. They are truly gems-so relaxed and friendly but proper about their rules. No jaywalking (though we heard about an American family who did and I think it was us). No violating various governmental or Maori rules. It is intoxicating to hear them talk with their lovely British accent.

I have even tackled driving on the wrong-side of the road. It is OK as long as the weather is not "rubbish" or we've had a "pint". Head down south to the land of the Hobbits. We'd love to share the adventure.

"No worries" and "good on you".

Settling into our beach house

We have arrived at our final destination of Oakura, New Zealand. Things are going smoothly for us as we move into our new home. I am thrilled with our quaint beach house in the "village". There is a local grocery store and several cafes that have a good selection of gluten free foods for Al. There are plenty of jogging trails for us including one that winds thru a Juarassic-like park (just across the road). One of our neighbors is a psychiatrist (who will work with Al) and his family from the States. They have welcomed us here with champagne and some golden Kiwi fruit. Tonight, we will dine at their home in the village. They have 4 children (ages 4-12 y.o.) that are good playmates for Gabe.

As expected, Gabe is adjusting quickly to his new life. He has been having a fun time exploring the Oakura beach. The beach is so close to our house (2 blocks away). We can walk down there any time of the day or night. The sand is exotic color of black that was deposited from a nearby volcano. We will spend alot of time at the beach; watching the surfers or hiking along the shoreline. Gabe's new school is within walking distance (2 blocks away) and everyone there seems friendly.

Al is getting situated for his new adventure in Kiwiland. He passed his interview with the agent from the New Zealand Medical Council in Auckland. All of Al's medical registration documents have been "sited" by his employer. He was given the final ok to report for work on Monday morning. The hopital is about 12 minutes away via a narrow but scenic coastal highway. He has proven to be a good driver on the "wrong-side" of the road. We have only had one close call as Al almost pulled out in front of a speeding truck. I am still reluctant to do much driving in traffic or at night.

Things are falling into place for the Whitters family. The sun has finally popped out today and everyone is heading down to the beach, including me. Please keep in contact with us. Yes, "Life is Good" in Oakura.

Exploring in Oakura

First night on the beach by our house

Al is out exploring in Kiwiland

Kiwiland

Driving down to Oakura

Walking in the park by our new house

More green vegetation

The tide is out on the beach that is near our new home.
Gabe is exploring on the shoreline.

Thru the airports and in downtown Auckland

Al and Gabe in the Cedar Rapids Airport

Mo and Al before departure

The ferries from our hotel room

Downtown Auckland

Citylife in Auckland

Hooray, we finally arrived in Auckland. The 17 hours of airplane rides from Cedar Rapids to Denver to Auckland were not too bad. There was only one delayed flight for an hour in Los Angeles. It was relaxing and enjoyable to have time to read books, watch movies or do some writing. I got to view "Hangover" which I have wanted to see all summer. All three of us slept soundly for most of the leg from Los Angeles to Auckland. Gabe informed me that he enjoyed flying half way around the world. He must be related to his older brother who is a first class world traveller. There were some of hassles but most things went according to plan.

Truthfully, I was most nervous about the driving thing. I really wanted to catch a taxi at the Auckland airport. However, Al had other ideas so off we went in our rental SUV. It appeared that I made a mountain out of a mole hill. Al drove like a pro on the left side of the road in our rental car. We easily made it from the Auckland airport to the downtown Hilton hotel with no miscues. I will gladly let Al be our chauffeur for our time in New Zealand.

Now, we are sitting in our waterfront hotel watching the ferries and taking in the city. Tommorrow, Al has his interview with the New Zealand Med. council agent. Then, we head south to New Plymouth on Weds. Alec got to do his semester abroad via an oceanliner. Now, it is our turn for two semesters in Kiwi country. I keep pinching myself to be sure it is real.

Al always advises his patients to be prepared and "expect the unexpected". Well, he was right. Everything was rolling along according to plan. There were the good byes at family lunches and dinners with friends. We were lucky as we attended several Hawkeye home football games in Iowa City. Our last Hawkeye memory will be celebrating a birthday with friends in Kinnick stadium. Of course, we will miss those football games in Iowa City. However, we hear rugby in New Zealand can be pretty entertaining.

Then, the unexpected happened. Gabe was suddenly feeling tired, feverish, and under the weather. Maybe, he just over did it with his friends for the final weekend at home. However, our anxiety levels were rising as fast as Gabe's fever. Thankfully, our neighbor, a plastic surgeon dropped off surgical masks. It took some coaxing but Gabe has worn his mask while recovering. He tested negative for strep throat and Influenza A. He returned to school on Weds. He found out there are many missing classmates. Al suspects Gabe had H1N1 flue, especially since there was a confirmed case of H1N1 flue at his school.

We still have a little time left and a lot of packing to go. I am adding some extra rain gear and warm sweaters. Springtime in New Zealand has reportedly been rainy and cool. Count down is in progress till we depart on Sat. Oct. 3, 2009.