Last Few Weeks

The last few weeks in New Zealand we took a vacation from our vacation and gave the Pounamu Palace a proper sendoff. We then sold her in Auckland to a nice couple set to embark on a kayak tour.

We toured around Northland, the big peninsula that sticks out north of Auckland. And by "tour" I mean "visit beaches".

We also took inspiring tours of a couple of permaculture farms.

We had to take a picture of this winery's sign, for obvious reasons.

Of all the beaches and parks we visited, the one that stuck out was Tawharanui, which is actually an Auckland regional park! This would be the equivalent of a state park over a national park. Quiet, beautiful beaches, surfing, and pleasant walks, it had it all! We were super happy there, cooking our vegeterian meals over our camp stove, and reading books the rest of the time.

This is me giving the park a thumbs up.

Sunset at Tawharanui

Rise and Shine at Tawharanui and the Pounamu Palace

Rainbow Valley Farm, started 18 years ago by Joe Polaischer and Trish Allen, is an inspiring example of permaculture design at work. Joe toured us around his property, including his mushroom logs, orchard, rice paddy, veggies, and above all his beautiful rammed earth eco-house.

Joe's truck

Joe's powerpoint.

This tile mural is not only gorgeous, but radiates heat to the room and to those who sit with their back against it. The other side is attached to a central thermal mass fireplace. The mural was designed and crafted by Joe's artist neighbor, who would normally charge $60,000 for 400 hours of labor. Instead they used a LETS bargaining system and Joe returned 400 hours of labor to the neighbor.

Tomatoes at Matakana Village Farmer's Market.

At this point in the height of cheap avocado season we were eating 2 avocados a day!

Buying our greens for dinner in Matakana.

This is the Kauri forest in Northland. These trees are second only to the California redwoods in size. Check out me as a scale figure on the left.

The trunks grow very straight and uniformly, so you can accurately estimate the tree's age.

A real tree-hugger!

This is the Te Matua Ngahere, which means 'Father of the Forest'. It is believed to be the oldest existing Kauri at an estimated 2,000 years old. Others that have been cut down were probably older!

The view over Russell in the Bay of Islands.

Our favorite tree to sit on, at the Whangaruru North camp site.

While I went for a run, Christian took pictures at Whangaruru.

Our last morning in the Pounamu Palace. Sad!!