Friday flowers

Sorry for the belated Friday flowers publication.

Our Pohutukawa tree (aka the New Zealand Christmas tree) is just starting to bloom so I’ve been on the look out for a nice one to show you. The Pohutukawa grows along the west coast so when I took Bonnie for a walk at the beach today I looked out for a tree in good bloom to show you. Unfortunately I didn’t end up with a good shot so I’m sharing a professional pic by photographer David Wall. The Pohutukawa tree grows up to a about 25 metres high and 15 meters wide. It’s a gnarly tree with twisting branches that often reach out rather than up and their low boughs can provide an excellent place to lie in the shade for a nap after a summer swim and barbecue.

I’ll repost a of photo of Pohutukawa that I took earlier this year in winter before they were blooming so you can see the shape I’m talking about. I took this shot on Great Barrier island in August. They’d be looking awesome right now covered in red blooms.

Great Barrier Island

OK I am back after a fabulous weekend exploring Great Barrier island. I won’t subject you to too much information – a short photo essay only. Click to enlarge pictures if you’re interested.

The view from our deck. Puriri Bay, Tryphena harbour.

 

Watch for ducks. Pateke are NZ’s rarest native duck.

 

Puriri Bay in the rain.

 

Dolphins in the bay rounding up fish. A large pod came every morning and this was the best photo I could get would you believe?

 

Schooner Beach. The Pohutukawa tree is known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree as they have beautiful bright red flowers in summer.

 

Pah Beach. The sea was turquoise.

 

Medlands Beach (and my friend Phil).

 

Tree fern.

 

Found this creek while bushwalking. Full of big fat eels.

 

Welcome to Whangaparapara harbour. Population 45.

 

Whangaparapara wharf.

 

Cute kiwi bach (pronounced ‘batch’, kiwi for basic holiday house).

 

Awana Bay. Spectacular.

 

Phil catching our supper again, Port Fitzroy

 

Claris airfield on my way back out.

Great weekend. We did heaps of exploring, bush walking, fishing, meeting and talking with locals. There was lots and lots of laughter with one of my oldest friends also thrown in.

I would definitely recommend a look around New Zealand's 4th largest island for anyone who gets the opportunity.

My jet set lifestyle

Early tomorrow morning (Friday) I am bravely boarding a teensy plane for a quick hop across to Great Barrier island in the outer Hauraki Gulf for an extended weekend break.  I’m nervous about the little plane but I hear that we fly at only about 1000 metres above sea level which I guess means that at least there isn’t too far to fall if the thing gets blown out of the sky.

I am going to hang out with a old friend in a holiday home owned by another friend. We’re not due back in Auckland until Monday or Tuesday but don’t worry, at that stage I will no doubt compulsively over share the weekends events and maybe even some pics.

You may recall my post in May after my last jaunt around the gulf. At that stage a  couple of girlfriends and I spent a fabulous weekend on Waiheke Island. Waiheke is the largest island in the archipelago you can see above in the inner gulf close to Auckland city.

Anyway got to sign off now and publish this. I still haven’t packed so I better get a move on. Have a great weekend everyone.