Eastwoodhill Arboretum

A convinient six hour drive away from Hamilton lies the national arboretum at Eastwoodhill, just out of Gisborne. This is the most perfect time of year to visit, with autumn colours in full swing.

You can easily spend all day in the massive grounds (135ha even), and it's worth spending all that time too - I only saw the half of it. This arboretum happens to be the largest, and most comprehensive in the Southern Hemisphere.

Here are a few photos I took today:

Eastwoodhill Arboretum - April 2011

Pukemokemoke Reserve

The Pukemokemoke bush reserve is about 25 minutes drive from Hamilton, and the walk there is a similar length to the top (unless you do the longer Nor-East loop). It's a nice hidden away spot of bush, a historic pa site, and a good place to get a bit of exercise on a proper bush track. A map can be found further down this post.

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve Sign

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve  - Looking across entry bridge

The reserve was formed in 1993 after the land was donated by David Johnstone, and has undergone recent improvements. Since I was last here, new signs have been erected, and even a Gazebo generous donated by the Freegard family.

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve - Log Hauler site with Gazebo

Of course, signs aren't the reason you come, nor is a gazebo, though it is the sort of facility I might make use of in the future. The real reason you'd come is that this is a nice patch of bush, some of it left from when the area was logged, and some regen, and convinient to town.

There are even a few old Kauri left, put please heed the warnings about cleaning shoes and gear because of Kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis). Basic facilities are provided to clean your gear at the start of each track.

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve - Kauri

In addition to aforementioned Kauri, the reserve also has all manner of other native trees, including large totara. The main track is a loop, you can depart in either left or right direction from the carpark. Should you go left, you'll climb up a steeper track, through the old Pa site and Kauri grove up to the Kawakawa grove. From here, you should ascend to the trig for worthwhile views, then back to the Kawakawa grove (this is a siding). Then, down to the Log Hauler site (where the above Gazebo stands), and back to the carpark.

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve - view from trig tower

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve - trig tower



Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve - Geodetic Survey Mark (Trig) A343



Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve (map is linked)



Winter Garden and Auckland Domain

What better place to go on Auckland anniversary weekend than Auckland?

The Auckland Domain has a lot to offer - particularly when Music in Parks is on - Jazz at the Rotunda in this case.

Music in Parks - Jazz at the Rotunda

The artist in question today: The Alan Brown Quartet with Gimel. Jazz seems ideal for this venue - the music carries well throughout the area, allowing you to enjoy the sights the gardens offer whilst not missing out on the music.

The band Rotunda, Auckland Domain (complete with band)

So what else is there at the domain? First off, gardens, and of course the Winter Gardens, built in 1913 as part of the Auckland Industrial Exhibition. As you'll see from the historic photo below - they haven't changed much, which makes me happy - I like the architecture of these wonderful glasshouses, and the Auckland Council does a great job keeping the gardens in constant bloom. A walk around the domain and winter gardens can easily consume half an afternoon... particularly if you have fond memories of it as a child.

Monarch Butterfly - Auckland Domain

Valkyrie Sanctuary - Auckland Domain

Monarch Butterfly - Auckland Domain

Winter Garden flowers - Auckland Domain

Winter Garden flowers - Auckland Domain

Winter Garden flowers and Bumble bee- Auckland Domain

Lilies - Winter Garden - Auckland Domain

Lilies - Winter Garden - Auckland Domain

Lilies - Winter Garden - Auckland Domain

Lilies - Winter Garden - Auckland Domain

Winter Garden - Auckland Domain 2011

Winter Garden - Auckland Domain 2011

Winter Garden - Auckland Domain 2011

Winter Garden - Auckland Domain 2011

Winter Garden - Auckland Domain - Historic undated photo

Waikato River Trails: Whakamaru Christian Camp to Snowsill Reserve

Nothing like a picnic on a sunny sunday. We went out to the lakeside at Whakamaru, and enjoyed filled rolls (home made with bacon). From there, we walked to snowsill reserve and back (about 3km each way).

Waikato River Trails: Whakamaru Christian Camp to Snowsill Reserve