Beautiful Connell's Bay, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Have taken a bit of a detour for a week, visiting friends on beautiful Waiheke Island, New Zealand. The first few days have been a bit wet for ‘tramping’ (that’s kiwi for hiking/walking), although we managed a wander around beautiful Whakanewha State Park, with its glorious red-flowered pohutukawa trees and nesting oyster catchers. But today the rain lifted and we went to the far end of the island, for the privilege of taking the guided walk through Connells Bay Sculpture Park. I can’t recommend this walk highly enough – the commissioned sculptures – all New Zealand artists, sit so well in this stunning landscape, it’s hard to imagine they haven’t always been there. It’s by appointment only, and well worth the effort of getting here.
Lucky! I’ve been to NZ twice this year but the most walking I got to do was the half day glacier hike at Franz Josef. I’m determined to go back one day and really explore!
Hi Neil – I did that Glacier walk a few years ago during a fantastic few weeks on the South Island – so wild, listening to the ice creak and groan. Hope you enjoy The Grampians this weekend – be interested to hear how it has recovered from the floods and fire damage.