Oakura, Russell, Kerikeri, Waitangi and Hamilton.

 Looking for a place to park I took the uni of the front of the bus and rode down the Oakura beach.

I heard a comment from the picnic tables on the road side and stopped to meet Jason & Ngawai, a couple who have the Fish, Dive & Cruise business right on Oakura Beach.

They suggested I park up at the end of the beach in an abandoned batch’s front yard.

Which I did.....terrific Mate!

These lines (pathways) around the hills are created by the sheep.

Quite amazing really!

At Russel I got there early on a cloudy day,

Not much happening

I drove down to Okito.....

and caught the ferry across to Opua

Water to the left, and right as behind.

Also in front. 

I got the bike off for a ride around Waitangi

Spotting this mural from the beach

At Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi 

(New Zealand’s founding document)

 was signed on 6th February 1840

The treaty is an agreement in Maori and English, 

made between the British Crown and about 540 Maori Rangatira (chiefs)

European history in New Zealand started right here!

This was the bridge that leads up to the super flash Museum, 

but didn’t take this one in (this time)

As my parking meter was ticking ....

Tick tick....boom!

I personally doubt that a live Kiwi (bird) has been seen on this bridge for at least 100 years

It’s just for gullible tourists (imho)

Onwards I headed to Kerikeri checking out the place,

Traffic is also a major issue around here also! 

I spotted this sign outside a local Gym

Heading south again

This classic little church speaks of a largely forgotten age

The plaque below is in Maori and English.

Onwards south through Whangaparoa, 

picking up some worked on Ukulele’s

Thanks Paul

Stopping for a blow in Hamilton

Behind the museum is a sweet spot for paid parking

If there is space available.

I busked for a while outside one of the large malls but was kindly shifted on by security,

And ended my days little busk by having a wide open blow in Garden Place, on the stage. 

All the worlds a stage we we are nearly blowers.

In the Museum Waikato Te Whare Taronga oWaikato,

 they were exploring the theme of fun & frivolity

It didn’t even cross my mind to actually give them some...

Live in the Gallery...

I must be losing the plot!

Contemporary Maori carving...

I liked

Done in custom wood

I didn’t like so much!

Who else but Sam Hunt

In younger days

The kids section exploring these beautifull little folded patterns

The two at the front were done by a clown. 

Getting the bike off yet again, I took a loop track 

around the roads/cycle ways of the Waikato river 

right in the centre of town.

 A slow boat to Hamilton......hoping to dredge up something!

 I parked up out at Chedworth at Porritt Stadium, 

another lovely free parking for self contained vehicles.

To my delight it was also the athletics club training evening

And an opportunity to take more and more photo’s.

I researched and spoke to one of the Hamilton Mens Shedders who informed me that tomorrow (the day of my visit was actually ladies day, which would be no problem taking a few photos, I thought this will be interesting (never a truer word spoken)

Getting there a little early I spoke to Brian, one of the three blokes there that day!

all named Brian...

This shed one of the oldest in NZ, mostly woodworking stuff, is quite small.

In chatting many of the same issues, we have down at the Waimea Shed were evident...

Except when the ladies started to arrive......

I was told to step outside.....

Not welcome.

Hmmm

If this ever happens at our shed

I will also be leaving...

For good!

So off I head down towards New Plymouth to pick up my one and only (lady)

Where we will cruise at leisure back home on a 5 day jaunt.

In Northern Taranaki at Taonga Porutu is a place also called “The Three Sisters”

Three large rocks standing on end on the beach.

Which now only has two sisters standing.

Unable this time to get onto the beach as it was high tide both when I arrived and when I left

Somebody may tell me?....

 What is the name of this tree that has 

what looks like its roots hanging down in mid air?

Sampling the Cafe scene in New Plymouth

Not too shabby

A French Cafe...

no mention of The Rainbow Warrior incident...tho! .

Who says there are no elephants in New Plymouth?

Why is another question!

The open door on the electricity meter is a nice touch!

My mate Rowan ....

Quite a guy, the day after I spoke to him 

while riding his unicycle around he found...

This unmarked envelope with $4k in $100 bills

He handed it into the police.

What a guy!

The same guy who took this photo for me...... 

when I saw the whistle sign....

it was a sign

Just Clowning Around in Paradise...

How did I get so lucky?

That’s all for today folks. 

Next blog its Christine and I 

and the fabulous Tupare and Pukiti Gardens

Till then

Stay safe and free.

Be Creative

Jimu